Bette felt her heart swell at the notion that Tina equated the sound of her voice with grounding herself.

"Well here I am baby. I’ll do whatever I can to help. What would you like me to talk about?

(Soft seductive chuckle) Perhaps how much I love you and how I plan to show you tonight after our meeting with Jodi?

At Bette’s words desire rocketed through Tina. "Bette, Stop! As pleasant as that would be I’m afraid that it isn’t exactly all that grounding."

(laughing) "Sorry T, I couldn’t resist. Good to know though that I can still make you so ungrounded."

(Tina smiling to herself) "Just don’t forget to follow through on that Porter! I’d like to hear and see how much you love me later. I should go baby. I need to find Kate and get this sorted out."

Hanging up the phone Tina found that her conversation with Bette had accomplished what she had hoped. She set off in search of Kate–the sooner she got this over with the better. Ten minutes later Tina was not surprised to find Kate sitting on the far side of the lot sitting on one of the many crates that seemed to be everywhere on the set smoking a cigarette, staring off into space. Judging from her body language she was still quite angry but had calmed down enough that Tina felt she stood a decent chance of reasoning with her. Kate was definitely brilliant; Tina had no doubt of that but not unlike many brilliant artists in whatever medium she rarely saw the practical, financial necessities that made it possible for her to express herself.

Walking up slowly behind where Kate sat Tina was not surprised when the director’s voice cut the air between them.

"So has William convinced you of the necessity of compromise Tina?"

Stopping several feet away and leaning against one of the crate stacks that sat in the area around Kate’s position Tina spoke, "He’s explained what the investors are worried about if that is what you mean. Yes. As to whether you need to see it as a compromise is truly a matter of opinion Kate."

As Kate turned Tina found herself suddenly taken aback by the look of what she thought was admiration and perhaps even respect saw glimmer in Kate’s eyes. For a mere second or two Tina felt the air snap between them and then Kate spoke again.