Tina was preparing dinner when her mobile rang. She picked it up but was a little distracted.. Hello Tina Kennard speaking..

Tina, its Rachael.. there was a pause .. Luv2write from the ***** online writers group

Tina suddenly realised who she was talking to. She stopped the preparations for dinner and walked away from the kitchen Oh..heyhello..

Is this a bad time to call?

No..no its fine..so youre in LA?

Yes..flew in a few hours ago.. its so good to finally talk to you.. you sound like I imagined..

Tina tucked her hair behind her ears and moved further away from the kitchen where Rosie was happily playing with her toys. It was as if she didnt want Rosie to hear the conversation or maybe that she didnt want Rachael to hear Rosie.

Tina wasnt sure what she was going to say now that they were talking Uhh..How was the flight?

Long, boring.the usual stuff Rachael laughed I got stuck in the middle between a couple who werent talking to each otherbut its given me an idea for some new characters for my next story..

Tina laughed Yeah.. I guess even the bad stuff can be good for writers.. She thought of Jenny who used to live next door but Im not sure I want to go through all the angst some writers feel they need to suffer for their craft.

Rachael smiled Yeah ..I know what you mean..there must be some pretty tortured souls out there

Talking of tortured souls.. that last story of yours was fantastic..I never thought Id end up cheering for Jo..

Hey.. thanksit took a while to write that one . I wasnt sure if Id pulled it off but I appreciate your feedback..thanks..

There was a pause then Rachael continued So.. I was wondering if we could meet tomorrow..

Tina had been worrying about what she would say if Rachael wanted to meet but she was saved when the house phone started to ring Uhh.. Rachael ..sorry but I need to get the other phone..can I call you back?

Oh sure..the number here is..

Tina quickly wrote down the number OK..bye..call you soon then she hung up and ran over to the other phone.. she cut off the message.. Hi..

Hey said Bette I was just beginning to think you must have gone out for a while

Uh..no were here..Im just starting dinner

Uhh thats why I called.. Im going to be a little late..uhh..can you hold on a minute..

Tina looked at Rosie playing happily. She bent down to pick up one of her toys then she leant over and shook the toy making Rosie laugh so Bette could hear her. *****, she thought, what am I playing at here? Bette and I are finally happy why would I want to start playing games?

Bettes voice muffled by her hand came down the line, shed raised it as James moved away from her and Jamestell them to wait in the gallery..we need to go over the new plans..I dont want her to start until weve talked – there are a couple of things that arent right..

Tina couldnt hear all of James reply just something about ..Candace and the other carpenters being in a rush..

Tina felt herself tense up. She felt angry and hurt that Bette hadnt told her that Candace had accepted the job and actually started work at the CAC.

Bette came back on the line Babe..I have to go..Ill see you in a couple of hours OK?

Sure said Tina and hung up.

Bette hoped Tina hadnt heard any of the discussion. Shed been working up to telling her that Candace and her team were starting but had been hoping that Candace would have sent her partner rather than coming herself. Unfortunately James had just confirmed that Candace had other plans.

She sighed, she didnt feel anything for Candace any more and Candace knew where they stood but Tina would probably find that hard to accept and she guessed she couldnt really blame her. She walked out of her room to go and find Candace.

Hello Candace. She shook her hand determined to put it on a business footing from the start. She was hoping to find that Candace did not plan to spend much time at the CAC.

Tina paced the kitchen *****..***** she said under her breath mindful that Rosie was in earshot.

She bent down and played with Rosie for a few minutes. Rosie gurgled and waved her fist in the air. Tina kissed her finger and placed it in Rosies soft baby hair..she tried hard to take her mind off what shed just heard….

*****, she thought, two can play this game. She picked up the phone Hey Alice..what are you doing tomorrow can you mind Rosie for me for a few hours?

TBC