Dana raised her hands as a sign of surrender. “I stand corrected.” She said with a chuckle.

“Wow.” Tina whispered still smiling and shaking her head.

“It came out so naturally, T. I don’t even think she realized it.”

“Oh, I know she didn’t realize it. No doubt she’s catching a rash of teasing from Alice right about now.” Tina laughed, knowing that the brunette’s dear friend was relentless in her pursuit of taunts.

“Soooo?” Dana inquired with interest. “You gonna say it back?”

Tina looked at her friend, a sudden seriousness taking over her demeanor. “I am.” She declared with determination. She smiled again at the thought. “I’m in love with Bette Porter, Dana. There’s no way I can’t say it back to her.”

“I’m happy for you, Tina.”

“Thanks, Dane.”

“Now, what are you gonna do about Aaron?”

—

Law Offices of Joyce Wischnia

“Awesome!” James exclaimed as he jumped up and hugged Bette upon seeing the signed copy of the agency contract. The brunette was startled at first, but immediately returned the gesture, patting her sister’s new agent on the back. “I swear you won’t regret it!”

“Welcome to the family, James.” Bette said.

More hugs were passed out from James as he made his way around the table. When Angus stuck out his hand, James pulled him into a big bear hug, even lifting him off the ground a bit, much to the women’s amusement.

Joyce and James shook hands and smiled at one another in a silent vow to work together for the good of the band.

“Have a seat, James. Let’s call Thrill City and give them our list of demands shall we?” Joyce suggested.

“Yes, let’s.” Bette said, grateful for the reprieve, if only until the meeting was over.

—

Alphaville Records

“Before I officially out myself to our misogynistic, homophobe of a boss, have you ever heard of Fierce Kitty Records?” Tina asked as she stood up from behind her desk.

“No. Maybe it’s some independent label?”

“Even so, there’s no way they would offer that kind of deal. How would they survive?”

“Bette didn’t tell you about the offers?”

“Honestly, I think Joyce was just bluffing. Bette said that Lerner had told her Thrill City was prepared to make an offer, but she never mentioned any other label. And when we were in San Diego, she said the band would make a counteroffer so Aaron would back off.”