“There she is.”  A waving Bette called, “Tina!”

Looking in the direction of the familiar voice, Tina turned to join Bette who was sitting with an unfamiliar male companion.

“Sorry,” studio executive apologized by habit after bumping against someone working her way opposite through the Planet’s crowd and furniture. 

“Hi,” Bette stood to greet her, placing a friendly kiss on her cheek.  “Do you have time to sit?”

“Sure.  I’m supposed to meet Alice who,” a cursory glance confirmed the shorter haired blonde’s absence, “isn’t here yet.” 

She smiled at a relaxed Bette who wore a white shirt that was open through the button low against her breastbone.  The trousers she wore, like all the others in her closet, were of a flattering fit leading to stylish shoes that peeked where the flared charcoal heather fabric ended.

“Hi,” Tina now smiled at the gentleman sharing their table who flashed gleaming teeth at her in kind. 

“Steve Burke,” Bette introduced politely if not proudly, “Tina Kennard.”

He half-stood, reaching across to offer his hand in greeting.  “Nice to meet you.”  His brown eyes were gleaming with interest.

—

Twenty minutes later, a satisfied Bette continued to extol the virtues of each of her companions.  Hoping to ignite more than the almost mandatory questions that followed the introduced topics.  Her genius was in not being too obvious.  Smoothly transitioning the conversation to what she knew were points of interest for the two. 

Or so she thought.

Spotting Alice, Tina held up her hand to invite her to join them although their friend was more interested in the day’s menu behind the glass case. 

“Did either of you want anything else?” Bette quickly excused herself after glancing in Alice’s direction.

Tina shook her head directing an upturned mouth at Bette. 

“Thank you – no,” Steve answered after hearing the other turn down the offer.  “Maybe I can get you something instead?”

“No, I need to pick something up for the office” the partially upright woman replied.  “I’ll be right back.   Steve you should tell Tina about what you worked on this past July.”

“The one with the community theater?” he confirmed graciously.  

Bette beamed, “Exactly.”  It was perfect.  Tina would know his work was well rounded and went beyond the commercial realm.  It would be at least ten minutes of good conversation she concluded.