Tina paced nervously around the apartment.

Tina: This dress looks stupid doesn’t it? Why did I even listen to you ? I
can’t figure out why I would buy a dress like this?

Tina starred at the price tag.

Alice: TK, I don’t know what you’re freaking out about. You look gorgeous.

Tina: It’s just this is black tie. This is camera crews and reporters and
lots of big names.

Alice: Yes and you belong with each one of them. You aren’t some screaming
little fan. You work in this industry you have every right to be there with
them. And not as an audience member but as a co- worker.

Tina: I know you’re right. I’m just nervous.

Alice: Maybe it’s because you haven’t seen Bette since Tuesday and this is
her big night. Maybe you’re having sympathy pains for her.

Tina: You’re probably right. I hope she wins Al. She deserves it.

Alice: I’m sure but right now let’s worry about get our butts to Radio
City. We were supposed to meet Alex and James 10 minutes ago!

Tina glanced over at the clock.

Tina: Oh *****.

They both grabbed their purses and tickets and ran out the door.
________________________________________________________________________


Both girls stood outside starring blindly at the red carpet.

Alice: Do we have to walk down that?

Tina: Dear god I hope not.

Alice: Where is Alex? I’m going to need to hold his hand.

Tina: I think James might want to hold his hand Al.

Alex: Nah. My hands are free for 2 beautiful women.

Alice: Hey good looking.

Alice wrapped her arms around Alex.

Tina: Where’s James?

Alex didn’t answer.

Tina: Work?

Alex sighed deeply.

Alex: Work.

Alice: What is it that he does exactly?

Alex: He works as a recruiter for an opto-electronic company.

Tina: What does that mean?

Alex: I have no idea.

Alex offered both women his arms. They accepted graciously and walked down
the carpet together.

The woman at the top of the aisle escorted all three to their seats.

Alice: Umm holy *****.

Tina: Why are you whispering?

Alice: Look who I’m sitting next to??

Tina and Alex both leaned forward hoping to catch a glimpse of whoever
caught Alice off guard.

Alex: Is that who I think it is?

Tina: Sarah Jessica? Yes.

Alex: Girl move over I have got to talk to her.

Alice: No way. This is my ticket and my seat!

Alex: Well im the one that got you the tickets.

Alice: No you got Tina the tickets and she gave one to me…so there!!
MINE!

Tina: Children please. Remember how you are supposed to behave in front of
grown ups.


Alice: Don’t you have some place to be?

Tina: Umm no. Just here babysitting.

Alex: Hey why don’t you go backstage and wish your girl luck! I’m sure
she’s a nervous wreck and could use to see a friendly face.

Tina cringed at the word friend. But that’s what she was merely a friend.

Tina: Yeah, I can do that. Will the two of you be ok.

They said nothing. Their heads with both turned looking directly at Sarah
Jessica Parker.

Tina: Guys! PLEASE, please behave yourselves.  I’m begging.

Alex: Uh huh.

Alex brushed Tina away.

Alex: Sarah let me ask you a question…
________________________________________________________________________

Tina rolled her eyes and walked up the aisle and out the doors into the
lobby.
She couldn’t believe she was at the Tony Awards. She had watched it every
year since she was 10 on TV but she never imagined she’d actually be part of
it one day.
It was bigger than it seemed on TV. Much more nerve wracking and she was
only sitting in the audience. She couldn’t imagine what it must feel like to
Bette. She must be crazy sitting backstage waiting to perform in front of
all of her co ­ workers. Who wouldn’t be going out of their minds in that
situation?

Tina looked around the room hoping to find the door that said backstage.
When she spotted it she bee lined right for it, only to be stopped by a
fairly large gentleman in a security t shirt.

Guard: Can I help you ma’am.

Tina: Yes, I think so. I need to get back stage.

The guard laughed and pointed her back the way she came.

Tina: Oh, ok. Sorry. That must have sounded ridiculous. I have a pass.

Guard: I need to see it please.

Tina removed the laminated card from her purse and handed it to him.

He looked from the card to Tina and then back again.

Guard: Ok sorry ma’am. It’s just we can’t be too careful.



Tina: Oh it’s no problem.


Alex: Sarah, excuse me. I just have to say that I am a huge fan.

Alice: Not as big as me. I mean forget ***** in The City and let’s talk Girls
just wanna have fun. That movie is a classic.

Alex: Wasn’t that movie a little before your time?

Alice: No. Well I mean it came out when I was really young yes but it
doesn’t mean I didn’t watch it and love it.

Alex: Not like I did. I could mimic every one of those dance moves.

Alice: Oh please I soo have you beat. I teased my hair because of you
Sarah.

Alex: I wore blue eye shadow.

Alice: I still watch the re runs of ***** In The City religiously.

Alex: I have them on DVD.

With that Sarah Jessica stood up and quickly exited her seat.

Alex: I think she really likes us.

Alice: I know. I hate those fans that come on all crazy.



Alex: How awful that must be for her.



Tina rounded the corner backstage and carefully read every sign on the
doors.
“Presenters” “Performers” “Nominees”.

Each Nominee had there own dressing room that was also labeled accordingly.
Tina scrolled through the names until she came across the one that made her
smile. She stood for a second outside the door collecting her thoughts. She
didn’t want Bette to know how nervous she was for her. She took a deep
breath and knocked loudly. She could hear Bette talking to people from
behind the door, probably her sister and agent. Tina opened the door slowly
revealing the brunette in all of her glory. She took Tina’s breath away. At
that moment Bette was the only person in that room. Or so Tina thought. She
was snapped out of her serene state by someone calling her name. Tina turned
and her face went red with anger at who she saw.

Tina: Helena???

Helena: Hello Tina.

Bette: You two know each other?

TBC…