Just then, Dena glances in her direction, and her smile falters. She immediately straightens, pushes away from the wall, and offers the P.A. a hurried goodbye before practically jogging to catch up with Tina.

“Hey, boss,” Dena says brightly, falling into step beside her. “I was waiting for you to get back.”

Tina laughs softly, scrolling through her phone as she continues toward the entrance. “Yeah, it looks like you were very focused on my return.”

Dena chuckles, looking slightly embarrassed. “Okay, in my defense, I was waiting for you. I just happened to run into someone while I was waiting.”

“Mm-hmm.”

“Seriously.”

Tina glances at her, one eyebrow raised. “Dena, you don’t have to explain yourself to me.”

Dena smiles. “Good, because I was running out of believable explanations.”

Tina laughs as they enter the building.

Dena adjusts her bag strap, then reaches into her backpack for her phone. She taps the screen and scrolls through the list she compiled for the morning. “Oh, before I forget, I’ve taken care of a few things on your schedule today.”

Tina glances over at her. “Okay, let’s hear it.”

Dena looks down at her phone. “Your car is confirmed for Monday morning’s location visit. The driver will pick you up here at eight-thirty. I also confirmed your lunch reservation with the director and the two producers for next Thursday. Private table, just like you requested.”

“Perfect.”

“I picked up your dry cleaning; it’s hanging in your office closet. I also had your favorite sunglasses repaired. They’re in the top drawer of your desk.”

Tina smiles. “Oh, good. I’ve been meaning to do that for two weeks.”

“I know,” Dena says with a little grin. “You’ve reminded me every day.”

Tina chuckles as they enter the building. “Fair enough…”

Dena adjusts her bag strap, then glances at her boss. “So, do I get to entertain the kid today?”

Tina looks up from her phone, smiles, and shakes her head. “Nope. Bette’s on pickup duty.”

At the mention of Bette’s name, Dena’s face immediately brightens. “Oh, cool.” She reaches ahead and presses the elevator call button.

Tina looks up from her phone just in time to catch the unmistakable smile spreading across her assistant’s face. She slowly lowers her phone. “Ya know, Dena, it’s been long enough.”