Ahead, the Staples Center was abuzz. Smoothing her dress absentmindedly, Bette glanced at her traveling companion. “This looks like quite a shindig.”

“Never underestimate the power of a woman on a mission,” Barbara winked.

The car slowed to a stop at the entrance, the blood red carpet beckoning them. As soon as they exited the car, camera flashes began to go off. Bette was the LA press’ darling and she treated them in kind.

She turned and offered Barbara a smile, pausing to let the camera hounds do their job as they made their way into the building. It seemed Tinseltown’s heavyweights were out in droves, a detail that did not escape Bette.

“At least we know there’s a less likely chance of us being in the papers,” Barbara had commented offhandedly.

“I’m not so sure about that. The Times usually does a nice little page spread about this event.”

Meeting the woman of the hour, they struck up an animated conversation. Their chat had turned highly suggestive, and she hurried Bette away from the mayor’s wife, sighing in relief when they were far enough from the woman. A waiter offered them glasses of champagne, his gaze lingering on the tall dean.

“Looks like it’ll be a barrel of fun tonight,” Barbara drawled. She hoped Bette would not spot the surprise, but she knew it would be futile. “Tina’s here, too.”

Bette’s head whipped around to search for her ex-wife. Her eyes hungrily took in the sight of the blonde in a silky black halter dress. Her long strides brought her face to face with the woman.

“This is a surprise,” Tina frowned when she saw who was coming up to them. She bit down the gulp of jealousy. “You’ve never attended this event before.”

“It was a last-minute decision. Who’s watching Boo?”

Tina didn’t bother to hide her joy at seeing Bette, even when Barbara got closer to them. “Who else? Angus.”

The two women sized each other up. Tina tilted her chin high in defiance. Barbara just smiled as she took her place next to Bette.

Bette was annoyed Tina’s attention was not on her. She spied the former senator in her peripheral vision and understood. “Barbara, this is Tina Kennard. Tina, this is Barbara Grisham.”