"Well then Ms Kennard, explain to me how what William is asking can be anything other than a compromise of my artistic talent."

For the next 30 minutes Tina did her best to do exactly that. To her surprise and relief she succeeded in convincing Kate to meet William and the investors at least part way and walked back across the lot with the director quietly breathing a sigh of relief to see that Kate had moved as effortlessly from frustrated artist to skillful technician in a matter of minutes as she called for the crew and actors to expect filming to start in 10 minutes

Later as she recalled the conversation that followed between them Tina would have to admit that it was perhaps the most gratifying and perhaps equal conversation that she and Kate had ever shared in all their time working together as well as personally. She had walked away from the encounter not entirely sure what exactly it was that had changed in Kate’s attitude toward her but she was almost certain it was somehow tied to the admiration and respect that she had seen in Kate’s eyes when she turned.

Returning to her office Tina was not surprised to see William lurking in the hallway outside the door.

"Relax William Kate has agreed to make some changes that I believe the investors will be able to live with and production should be rolling even as we speak"

(looking impressed) "I have to admit Tina I wasn’t so sure you could do this but I have to say that I am glad to be wrong. Thank you."

"You’re welcome William but can I suggest that the next time you have to talk to Kate remember that she leads with her ego. If you do I think you will be able to avoid another incident like this"

Not waiting for an answer Tina left William to watch her retreat into her office. If she had turned she may have been surprised to see that a look very similar to the one Kate had given her early flashed briefly in her boss’s eyes as well.

Reaching into her purse Tina took out the small container she carried her pain killers in, extracted two and walked to the water cooler to get a glass of water to wash the pills down. She could feel a headache creeping tentatively around her and she needed to stop it now before it became a migraine. Looking at her watch she was only mildly surprised to see that it read 11:30. Just enough time to get to the things she needed to meet Bette at 1:45.

God I hope Bette was serious about what she said on the phone. Spending the evening wrapped in Bette’s arms, sharing their renewed love sounded like heaven on earth to the blonde film producer named Tina Kennard.