Tina opens the folder and scans the numbers, her eyebrows lifting. “Margaret, this is exactly what Iwas about to ask for.”

“I suspected as much.”

Tina laughs softly, shaking her head. “Is a mind reader on your list of obvious talents?”

“Not yet. But give me another week.” Margaret smiles.

Tina laughs again. “You’re a lifesaver.”

The older woman waves away the compliment. “Just doing my job.”

Tina picks up a document and studies the highlighted figures. For the first time all morning, she feelsas though she’s getting ahead of the avalanche of work rather than being buried beneath it.

Margaret glances around the office while Tina reviews the paperwork. Her eyes settle on a framedphotograph resting beside Tina’s computer. In the picture, Bette sits on a park bench with a muchyounger Angie perched happily on her lap. Bette’s arms are wrapped around the little girl, and bothwear enormous smiles as they look toward the camera. Margaret’s expression softens. “I’ve been meaning to tell you that you have a beautiful family.”

Tina follows her gaze, and a proud smile spreads across her face. “Yeah,” she says warmly. “I think I’llkeep them.”

Margaret laughs. “That’s probably a wise decision…. Well, I’ll get out of your hair and let you getback to work. I’ll give you a ten-minute heads-up when it’s time for your meeting.”

Tina looks up. “Thank you, Margaret. I really appreciate it.”

“No problem.” Margaret turns toward the door, then suddenly stops. “Oh, and one more thing. I havesuccessfully synced your schedule with Dena’s.”

Tina smiles and leans back in her chair, thoroughly amused. “And how did that go?”

Margaret gives a casual shrug. “Piece of cake. I have grandkids close to her age, so I know how to wrangle her in.”

Tina laughs again, shaking her head. “Well, one day you’re gonna have to give me a few lessons.”

Margaret gives her a final smile, then steps into the hallway and gently closes the door behind her.

Tina watches the door for a moment before turning her attention back to the production documents….

***

Later that evening, Michelle slowly pulls into a parking space outside The Planet, easing her car between two parked vehicles before shifting into park. She switches off the engine and reaches for her purse on the passenger seat, but just as she’s about to open the door, movement near the entrance catches her attention. Her hand stills on the door handle.