Helena kept the smile on her face but Tina noticed the subtle changes in her demeanor. She knew she hit the nerve but the victory wasn’t all that hard. How can anyone be tempted when they had Bette in their life?

“Anything else, Helena? I really need to finish proofreading the pilot.”

“Not at the moment but I would like to schedule a meeting with you tomorrow morning to go over the production budget.” Helena was all business now but it didn’t bother Tina in the least. She hoped that her message was received and nothing personal will ever happen between them again.

“Aaron has all my notes and budget outline. I won’t be here tomorrow. I’m scouting the locations for the series and won’t be back until the shooting ends. My assistant Jenny will have all the information you need.”

Helena nodded and walked out, her smile turning into a sneer as soon as her back was turned toward Tina. She took Aaron to lunch, hoping to get the details on Tina’s sudden departure but all she got was the same excuse Tina gave her boss.

As soon as Tina left for the day, Helena sneaked inside her office and quickly shuffled through the papers on Tina’s desk. Her eyes fell on the calendar and she read the note underneath the red circle. Helena licked her lips and smiled, “Interesting. You have been the most difficult challenge, Tina Kennard…and thus, the most intriguing. You are hiding something and I intend to find out what that is. I don’t give up that easy. Some kind of a party on July 19? I like crashing parties.”

Tina got home and immediately began packing for her trip. Work helped to relieve some stress but she was still miserable. For the last few weeks she stayed away from all her friends because she knew she was making it unbearable for everyone. Tina sighed and zipped her duffle bag. Her phone rang, interrupting her thoughts.

“Tina, are you home? I’m on my way,” Alice cheerful voice never fail to get Tina in a better mood.

“I’m home. Just come in through the back patio.”

Few minutes later Alice walked in with a bottle of wine and stopped short as she saw the packed bag on the floor.