“Right, she will be here for lunch and I think it’s about time I laid this ghost to rest.” She told James and just as suddenly she thanked James and excused him from her office. He gave her a quizzical look, shook his head and walked out. He knew better than to pursue the conversation and topic.

“I will let you know when she arrives,” he mumbled on reaching the door and stepping out before closing it behind himself.

Tina on the other hand wasn’t feeling so good. She was confused, because after that Cassy phone call, Bette left. She was distracted and distant as if they hadn’t just shared a most intense moment minutes ago. Who is Cassy and why could Bette just distance herself so easily from her after speaking to this Cassy? Tina didn’t like the way Cassy affected Bette, she had been so confident that she was Bette’s only distraction, accept of course her art. 

The ringing of her cellphone brought her out of her reverie.

“Hey mmami,” came Carmen’s voice as she answered the call.

“Hey Carmen, how are you?” Tina asked

“Good, but you are obviously best. How’s the handsome Bette? Keeping you busy and no time for friends?” Carmen started

Tina rolled her eyes and smiled into the phone, “Something like that,” then stopped when she remembered the Cassy phone call. “And something or rather…” Tina attempted. “Carmen are you good for after work drinks?” Tina asked/begged her friend.

“If it’s girl talk, you know I’m there.” Carmen told her friend.

“Thank sgirl, I owe you one.” Tina sighed

“Yeah, I want to hear all the juicies about Bette, she must be thrilling in bed. That stature!!!  and …” Carmen trailed off, her friends silence reminding her Bette wasn’t just a random woman for all of them to perve. “You know what I mean” Carmen ended.

“Yeah, 7 at Jackie’s Jill and don’t be late.” Tina warned her friend, knowing full well how lost Carmen gets in her studio.

“I’ll be there on time, I want to spin a set for Jackie’s Jill over the weekend.” Carmen told Tina and the women fared each other well before hanging up.

Tina knew how straight up and honest Carmen was, but to be that honest about Bette was a bit unsettling for the blond. Carmen was also young and full of the joys of life, which gave Tina a bit of a reason to relax. Carmen found a lot of people attractive, but interestingly didn’t overplay the field.