Tee?

Im just finishing up, Tina responded.

I dont absolutely have to be there until noon today, Bette said as she grabbed the bath towel from the rack beside the shower door. You have me for three solid hours.

The shower taps turned off and the door swung open.

Thanks, Tina was a bit sheepish because of her earlier outburst.

Bette moved forward with the towel and wrapped it around Tina as she got out of the shower.

Were talking Bettenothing else, Tina said, suspicious of Bettes suddenly free schedule.

Im just giving you your towel, Im here to talk, absolutely. You dry off and Ill boil some water for tea. Ill be in the kitchen.

*******
Bette had the tea steeping and had even cut some fresh flowers from their backyard garden to set on the table for their talk. They used to talk like this often. She wasnt sure when they got complacent about even the little things, but it was obvious they had let things go too far. Just as she sat down, Tina entered the kitchen.

Why are you all dressed up? Bette asked.

Tina appeared as though she was about to close a major corporate deal. She had a finely tailored navy blue suit on, a cream coloured top setting off the glow of her freshly washed skin. Her blonde hair brushed the top collar of the suit.

Theres a deal at work that they need my help with. It was the one commitment I made in terms of coming back for a short time if they needed me. It should be wrapped up by the end of the week, Tina explained. Theyre not actually expecting me until the one oclock meeting this afternoon, but I might as well leave when you leave this morning. That way I can catch up with a few people first.

You lookamazing Bette couldnt take her eyes off of Tina as she sat down.

Were talking, Bette, Tina reminded her.

Bette was brought back to reality by Tinas words and she smiled.

I just was reminded of the last time you wore that suit she reached over and placed her hand over Tinas, which was resting on the table. It ended up on the floor in the back seat of the Saab.

Yup, only one wear after that dry cleaning, Tina now laughed at the memory, while grasping Bettes hand in hers.

Whos the meeting with? asked Bette.

The head of project development, the VP of finance and a potential backer for this film, Tina sipped some of her tea before finishing. I think her name is Helena Peabody.

(carry on?)