“Not exactly,” Tina said slowly.

“Look … Tina can ask me for advice, in case it’ll be needed,” Bette cut in smoothly, deciding Rachel could be an asset through whom they could drop selected information during the script finalization process and even during the filming – just to see who would “bite.”  “I talk to Tina all the time about what I do.  So it won’t be unusual if she occasionally consults with me in the future on this one, ok?  But Tina should be seen as the one being consulted on things.  Not me, alright?”

Rachel heaved a sigh of relief, “Of course, of course … I have to say it allays some uncertainty on my part knowing that if we’re stuck on something in this area, I can turn to Tina, and you and she can talk about it.  Either way, we’ll get some good advice on this stuff.”

Tina smiled, “So let’s keep this arrangement between us, ok?  Keep things simple and uncomplicated.  And Bette and I are very private when it comes to certain aspects of our lives, such as what we just talked about.”

Rachel nodded vigorously, “Of course, of course.”

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“Baby, you make it sound like it’s a done deal,” Tina protested as she brushed out her hair, heading towards their walk-in closet.

Bette blew out her breath impatiently, “Doing this series of deals with Logan is a business decision, Tina, and, as I explained last night, it has the added advantage of giving me a plausible cover with which to dangle something in the art area, to see if anything or anyone “bites.”  We don’t know what we’re up against, and if you don’t believe that then I suggest you come up with a better solution.”

Tina walked out of the closet, in a lacy, see-through undershirt tucked into a hip-hugging pencil skirt, carrying two suit jackets.  She held them up to show Bette, implicitly asking her advice on what to wear, given a choice between the two. 

Bette smiled ruefully, and reached out to pull Tina closer by her skirt’s waistband instead of choosing between the suit jackets, her momentary flash of temper fizzing out.  She buried her head on Tina’s neck, and gently laid open-mouthed kisses on it.  Mmmm… she smells amazing this morning.  And, as always, just feels so good in my arms.  So damn sexy, she still makes me crazy.  And this neck!  The taste of it, the feel of it, the…