“James”  Bette says as James pushes his way into Bette’s room.

“Good morning Bette, I thought you were meeting me for breakfast?” James says rushing in.  One look around he sees the remains of Bette’s previous night.  His first response is probably something he shouldn’t have said.   “You know all those little bottles add up to a whole bottle right?”

The stare he receives back from Bette said it all.  “Right.  Let’s just get you ready.  It’s a big day today.”  Moving through to the bedroom he confirms that the bed has not been slept in.  The thought of adding more commentary flew through his head but he decided to keep it to himself.  Instead he went to her suitcase and pulled out her suit for the day.  Turning, “why don’t you grab a quick shower and I’ll set your close out for you.  I’ll have coffee and some croissants waiting when you get out.”

Bette decides following James instruction was the best course.  Moving to the bathroom, Bette looks at herself in the mirror while the shower heats up.  She almost doesn’t recognize herself.  She definitely looks rough.   Besides feeling rough on the outside she feels rough on the inside too.  Her worst fear realized, how can she fix things with Tina if she can’t even get Tina to show?  At this point all she can do is get on with her day.

She has just taken her shirt off and beginning to step out of her pants when she hears James yelling.

“Bette,  Bette the Regional Director is knocking at your door.  What do you want me to do?  What can he be doing here?  Bette … Bette” James rambles.

Bette quickly pushes her personal issues to the side.  “Let him in James.  Buy me a minute or two.  Now go.”

Throwing some water on her face, Bette smoothes her hair and quickly fixes her face into a presentable presence.  Running her hands over her shirt to straighten out parts of her shirt, she looks at herself one more time and opens bathroom door. 

Entering the living room, “Good morning Director, to what do I owe you the pleasure this morning?” Bette asks.

Justin Rigdor is the Director of the PanAmerican offices of the WHO, located in Washington DC.  He too will be attending the annual regional meeting.  The objective of today’s meeting will be the usual issues of budget and direction but also on top of that the Americas will recommend as their delicate to the Executive Committee.  Unlike past nominations this time around the Americas’ nomination has the best chance of gaining access.  Thus this time around the position is coveted by many.  Justin stands as Bette enters the room.  “Good morning Bette.  You look as lovely as always.”