Bette entered the cold, dark lobby and grimaced as the receptionist, rather than properly greeting her, merely pointed to the clip board that had been sitting on the edge of the marble encased desk.  Pulling the pen from its holder, she scrawled “Bette Porter” on the next available line as instructed.  Before returning it, she quickly glanced down at the list of names preceding her.  “*****!”

She gave the receptionist a look as if to say, “Well, what now?”  All that followed was a pointed finger in the direction of an empty couch.  She threw her hands up and reluctantly picking up one of the randomly scattered magazines, took her seat.

A few moments later”Well, well, Bette Porter.  I didn’t know you had an appointment today.  I hope I didn’t keep you waiting long by taking up to much of my mother’s time?” Helena said, closing the door behind her.

Bette casually tossed the magazine to the side before meeting Helena‘s far off gaze.  “Is your mother even here, or are you conveniently filling in for her today?”

“Oh, she’s here, and in rare form, so I’d watch it in there if I were you.”  Helena reached out and took the clip board from the desk.  She scanned the list as she continued, “I’m afraid she’ll be a little while yet, but since you’re hereand I don’t see the harm in asking, did Tina happen to tell you about the job I offered her?” 

Bette remained seated.  She could feel a flush come over here, but decided to play Helena at her own game; the game of cool. “Yes, she did.  Production is it?”

Helena: “Yes, I’m going to try my hand at entertainment.  Why not, right?  You know, you should stop by my new offices, they’re really coming alongoh, but, I’m sure Tina told you all about them already.”

The blood began rushing to Bette’s head.  Rolling her fist into a ball at her side, she laughed and said, “Do you honestly think you can buy Tina with your mother’s money?”

She stood and met Helena at the desk.  In an attempt to avoid further conversation, she directed her attention to the receptionist, who, well, was now shitting her pants.  “Does she know I’m here?”  The receptionist grabbed the phone and began to dial as she watched the staring contest go on in front of her.  She quickly hung up the phone, and said, “She’ll see you now, Ms Porter.  You can go right in.”   As Bette began to make her way toward the door, Helena stepped in front of her. “It’s so easy for you to judge”