2004
Six months after Provocations
Alpha Ville Studios

“Tina Kennard,” Tina answered the incoming call on speaker, her hands occupied with a storyboard.

Bette paused. She could tell from Tina’s greeting that she was on a speakerphone. She felt diminished before the call even began.

“Tina. Could you pick up?” she tried not to sound irritated.

Tina looked up surprised. She’d assumed it would be Antony calling her back. Returning the storyboard to its easel she sat down at her desk and retrieved the handset before speaking.

“Hi Bette.”

“Thank you. I’m sorry. I just hate those things,” Bette apologized.

Tina interrupted her,

“Don’t worry about it, I do too. I expected you to be someone from production and I had my hands full with his project,” she explained.

“How are you, Bette?” she asked after a pause.

“Actually I’m wondering how you are, Tina. It’s been a while since I’ve heard from you and I gather from the girls they haven’t seen much of you either. Is everything okay?”

Bette hated this unfamiliar territory. She wasn’t even sure if it was acceptable to ask about Tina’s life but it had now been almost three months since they saw each other at the Planet and she was more than anxious to hear from the blonde.

Tina silently chastised herself. She’d known this conversation was coming and wished she’d prepared herself better for it. Up until now she’d been able to screen Bette’s calls.

“I’m good Bette. I’ve been crazy busy both here and with the Social Justice office…”

“Tina.” Bette stopped her. She knew Tina was avoiding her question. She hesitated nervously.

“Can I come up? I’m actually here, in the lobby,” she admitted.

“Bette,” Tina groaned. She pursed her lips annoyed. She could envision Bette downstairs, pacing in front of Vivian at the front desk, who was no doubt taking it all in.

The executive producer did not want to get into a discussion with Bette about unannounced visits while she was in the lobby of Tina’s place of work. Hanging up on Bette, Tina pressed another button.

In a cheerful tone Tina spoke:

“Vivian? Bette Porter is in the lobby. Could you send the elevator up to my office? Thank you!”