“She didn’t mention anything to me.”

“Well I shouldn’t say I talked to her. I listened to a voicemail she’d left me and it turns out that we have a meeting this coming Thursday.”

“I know that’s part of the reason I came over today.”

“I figured.” Tina said as she crossed her legs and popped a piece of toast in her mouth. This was when Bette was at her best. She’d switch from being Tina’s gentle and attentive girlfriend, to being her blunt and often times forceful business associate.

“We need to discuss whether you want to go ahead and publish the book as is.”

“How does Shane know what I’m working on?”

“It’s my job to update her on any progress being made with my clients. You are one of the clients in my roster and she needed to know whether or not you were working on any substantial projects.”

“Substantial?” Tina was starting to get defensive, Bette recognized it immediately, rather than challenge her she sat back and spoke in an even tone.

“Tina, this book is going to infuriate your mother. She will have just cause to take litigation against you and the house.”

Tina scoffed, “You think my mother would sue me?”

“I know she would.” Bette didn’t hesitate to answer. “I mean this in every sense possible, your mother is a vindictive bitch.”

“Bette-“ Tina closed her eyes as she spoke, she had every right to feel that way about her mother, there was no doubt about it, but it was another matter entirely, to say it to Tina’s face. “The amount of dirt I have on my mother would be-“

“It’s irrelevant Tina. My God, you have such a myopic view of your mother’s-”

“You’re asking me to put my artistic integrity into question.”

“It’s already in question if you don’t have a solid answer to that question yet.” Tina sat back again, that jab hurt. It was as low a blow as Bette could deliver. “Look, what I mean is this, if you want to stick this into the world as is, with actual names, dates and events that detailed with your parents out front, then the house will fight her with you. But you should know they will only fight so much before they give in and properly shelve the book. But if you’re willing to change some names and dates and a few details to turn this book into fiction then, the house will put every bit of its legal team behind you.”