She pauses, listening to the event coordinator on the other end of the line. “Perfect. I want to make sure we have the space exclusively for our group.” Bette walks toward her car, weaving around a couple strolling along the sidewalk. “Wonderful. We’re expecting around thirty guests, although I should have the final head count for you by the end of next week.” She smiles as the coordinator confirms the reservation. “Thank you so much. I appreciate it.” She ends the call and places her phone in the center console.

For a moment, Bette sits quietly, mentally reviewing everything still on her schedule.  She reaches for her phone again and opens a text conversation with Kit.

Bette: Hey, just checking in. Are we still good for tonight?

A few seconds later, her phone lights up.

Kit: Girl, yes. Stop worrying. I got you. Dinner will be ready. ❤️

Bette smiles and quickly types a reply.

Bette: You’re the best. Love you.

Kit: Love you too, baby girl. I sure hope your lil ass is en route to pick up your daughter? 😂

Bette sets her phone down and checks the time again. “Oh, shit.” She quickly fastens her seat belt, shifts the car into drive, and pulls away from the curb….

***

Across town, Tina pulls into her designated parking space at Alphaville Studios, switches off the engine, and gathers her purse and phone from the passenger seat.

Lunch has taken longer than she intended, and judging by the number of unread emails waiting on her phone, the afternoon promises to be just as hectic as the morning. She steps out of her car, slips her sunglasses onto the top of her head, and makes her way across the studio lot toward the executive offices.

As she approaches the building, she spots a Dena standing near the entrance.

Her assistant is engaged in what looks like a very animated conversation with one of the female production assistants. The young woman laughs at something Dena says, lightly touches her arm, then tucks a strand of hair behind her ear.

Dena grins, leaning casually against the building with her hands tucked into the pockets of her tailored trousers.

Tina slows her pace slightly, an amused smile spreading across her face.