He sighed, “It is, Bette.  Tina is like a daughter to me, and I would never, never have asked her to do this, especially with your wedding coming up…” 

Tina spoke up, “William, you know that…” 

William interrupted, “Tina, name your price.  Give me a figure for taking on a more senior, strategic role.  You have my word that we’ll take it.”  He knew Tina, and knew she wasn’t the type to gouge him.  She was completely unlike other executives, didn’t play games, and was transparent in her dealings, cool, level-headed.  He meant it when he’d said he needed someone like her closer to him at the senior level, whom he could depend on to lead program development.  And, starting with this call, he wanted to signal the senior management of the studio standing around him that Tina was going to have his ear. 

Bette smiled, whispering to Tina, “It’s okay, baby.  This is a good opportunity for you. We can always go on our honeymoon later on.” 

Tina responded to William, “William, you put me in an awkward position with this one, you know.” 

“I know, Tina.  And really, you have to believe it was not because I wanted to…” 

“I need an ironclad agreement from you William, that you’ll have my back on my decisions with this film..,” she continued. She didn’t want any second-guessing from the senior guys, as sometimes happened in a few of the films she’d produced for Film Features. 

“Done,” William said. 

“And when I become the senior exec for program development, 100% you’ll back me…” Tina said firmly. She knew that would be key, because the senior guys were most likely caught off-guard by William with his offer. 

“And done,” William responded.  “I’ll say it for any record you’d like that on.  We can even put it in your contract.” 

Tina and Bette were silent, looking at each other.  Are you sure it’s ok?  Tina mouthed to Bette, checking again with Bette, before committing.  Bette kissed her.  So proud of you T.  Yes, yes, it’s ok, she mouthed back. 

William added, “And I’ll add the honeymoon cost into this, Bette, Tina, seeing as how I will be unforgivably throwing your plans for that.  If you’ll allow me….” 

Tina shook her head, smiling at Bette.  Boy, William was really piling it on.  “Okay William,” she said, “I’ll do it.”