“I’m not sure either but at least three or four days possibly a week but no longer. I need to be back by the weekend. Most of my part is done but I still need to be here for the final preparations for Val’s show. Plus you and I have a date with Chef Laura next Tuesday to go over the menu. If Peggy’s plans for you changes your availability to do that let me know.”

“I hope it won’t change. I’m looking forward to taste testing with you.”

“Yeah, me too. OK. I will make all the arrangements with Michael and call you back when we have the confirmations. I use a car service to take me to the airport whenever I travel. I can book a stop in Santa Monica to pick you up on the way so we can ride together if you want?”

“Bette that would be great. I really appreciate you taking charge of all the arrangements. I’m not used to the world of spur of the moment trips across the country, and booking limos, private jets and fancy hotels.”

“Well get used to it. Being subject to Peggy’s whims will become par for the course when you work for her but I promise it’s an opportunity you don’t want to pass up. She’s an amazing woman and a great friend to have in your corner.”

“Well let’s hope she’s flying me there to employ me and not give me the bad news in person that the deal is off.”

“Unfortunately with Peggy you can never predict what’s on her mind but I wouldn’t worry. Either way I’m sure you’ll come out fine. I have faith in you.”

“Thanks Bette. So I’ll wait to hear back from you later?”

“Yes. Probably within the next couple of hours.”

“OK talk to you soon. Bye Bette.”

“Bye Tina.”

After Bette hung up with Tina she called Peggy’s assistant Michael and made all the arrangements for the flight, limo service and hotel accommodations for Tina. She called the cleaning service that she had on contract to make the loft ready for her stay.

After hanging up with Bette Tina called Eric to let him know that she’d be going to New York on business for a few days and didn’t know when she’d be back. Before getting Peggy’s email she’d already told him that she would be busy with Helena so they didn’t have any plans to see each other until the following week anyway. She then called her assistant into her office to let her know that she was taking a few days off.