“Oh, okay. Right. Meeting with He-, Ms. Peabody. Thanks James.” She walked into her office in a daze.

    I can’t do this. I can’t do this. I have a meeting
with my boss. She’s going to want an answer to that infernal
question… And my hair is a mess, there’s something stuck between my
molars, and… and… *****! Alice hired an escort to have ***** with me
tomorrow.

    “Alright Bette, you can do this.”  Bette
whispered to herself. “Just get on the computer and research this Tina
Kenner person. Kenner… Kenna… something…  ***** just research
both! Okay,” she breathed deeply as she sat in front of the computer
and started googling, “Okay… Tina Kenner. Then, another window…
Tina Kenna…. There… Ohkay…”

    Four hours later, Bette had a headache and dozens of
potential matches to the Tina she was looking for. And none of them
reassured her. All blonde and attractive, five women possessing either
name were ***** actors. Three were real estate brokers. Two were college
students. One is a convicted drug mule serving time in Thailand. None
were professional escorts.

    Maybe she doesn’t want it generally known? Maybe
it’s her secret identity… Then any of these women could be her!
Wait… didn’t Alice say she’s one of LA’s top ***** escort? I’ll just
have to ask around! … Yeah, like I could actually come up to anyone
and ask them if they’ve paid for the services of a ***** escort recently.
I could ask Alice… but she’ll probably think I’m interested and book
her for more nights! Bette shuddered.

    “Bette, it’s 12 noon.” James poked his head into his
boss’ office and announced. “You have to get going if you don’t want to
be late for your meeting with Ms. Peabody.”

    “Yes! Of course not. Yes, I’ve got to get going. ”
Bette hastily turned off her computer monitor and stood up. She rushed
out the door, then at the last minute turned around. “Thanks for
reminding me James!”

    James watched her swiftly retreating back with a
fond smile. He shook his head ruefully. “Happens every time,” he
muttered.

*****
    An hour later at the cafe, Bette sat in front of
Helena Peabody. Helena leaned forward on the small table with her chin
resting languidly on one open palm. Her other palm was extended face up
toward Bette, who was staring at it.

    “What do you say Bette? Will you finally give me the
answer?” Helena was saying. “I’ve been waiting a week for it, rather
impatiently if I may be candid.”
   
    “Oh Helena, I’m sorry to make you wait. I,”
   
    “It’s nothing.” Helena waved away Bette’s words. ”
As long as you have the answer now.” Helena slowly trailed an index
finger over Bette’s forearm resting on the table.

    “Tell me Bette, will you come with me to Italy next
weekend? I know it sounds inappopriate, deliciously so, but then again
who would protest if I took a more than professional interest in you?
You are single, so am I. Come with me.”

    Bette took a deep breath and tried to stop the
frantic racing of her heart. It wasn’t because of excitement. Bette had
no interest in Helena.  It was severe anxiety. Helena was her
boss… and even if she wasn’t, Bette couldn’t handle being the one who
rejects.

    “Okay Helena… I’ll go with you.” Bette swallowed
her apprehensions and continued, “It’s for business right? We’re
meeting with the Italian Chamber of the Arts right? Then, uh, sure.
I’ll be pleased to go with you.”

    Helena eyed Bette with amusement. Then she shook her
head and chucked. “Bette Porter, you are a classic.”  She withdrew
her hand and leaned back on her seat. “Yes, it will be business.
Business has always been my pleasure.” She mimed a short bow in Bette’s
direction, still with an amused smirk.

    Bette silently sighed in relief but outwardly simply
smiled. Sometimes, she thought, sometimes having a reputation for
dense-ness is nothing short of a divine blessing.

    They finished their light meal of salads and soup,
paid the bill, then left in separate cars, both shaking their heads
slightly at the prodigy that is Bette Porter.

TBC