“Tina and I do not have a professional relationship. I believe I already told you that, Jodi.”

“Okay. I’ll tell you what,” Jodi started as she swung her key ring around her finger. “I’ll just talk to Tina, and if there’s no offer, then I’ll let Nadia know and get back to you with a number you can take back to Joyce.”

“No, Jodi. That won’t be necessary, thank you.” Bette said, trying to soften her demeanor a bit. “As the band’s manager, I am here to assure you of the facts.”

“I’m only trying to help the band, Bette.”

“You’ve helped them plenty by finding this gig for them. So, thank you. But right now, until the final revisions of the contract are completed and reviewed by our lawyer, you don’t have to trouble yourself by helping a band you are not obligated to help.”

“If I’m being completely honest with you…and myself, I’m not sure if it’s the band I’m trying to impress.”

Jodi’s words processed in Bette’s mind and immediately left a bad taste in her mouth. Practicing her breathing technique before issuing a severe verbal lashing, Bette’s looked away and closed her eyes as she pinched the bridge of her nose.

Once she opened her eyes again, they fell upon Jodi’s shy smiling face.

“I’ve been extremely patient with you, Jodi. You know that I’m dating Tina. In fact, Tina is my girlfriend now. I don’t know what it is you have against her but your need to make her look bad to me doesn’t just border on desperate, it jumps in and bathes itself over and over again in a pool of utter and total desperation.”

Jodi’s face fell.

“So I’d suggest that if In-Tune is still interested in representing Kit Porter and the Stouts, it will either send us a new potential agent, or you will back off unless and until a contract is signed. I’m telling you right now Jodi, I am not, and will not be interested in you for anything but a professional relationship, and even that, I am seriously beginning to re-evaluate.”

Jodi was looking down at the parking lot asphalt as Bette’s words stung at her conniving soul.

“I read you loud and clear, Bette.” Jodi said softly.

“Good. See you around.” Bette said without much feeling.

Jodi watched as the incensed advertising exec entered her Cadillac and sped out of the parking lot.

With a big breath, Jodi thought to herself, alright Kennard, time to find out what you are hiding from our gorgeous talent manager.