Bette was confused. “Interesting,” she said before picking up her phone and buzzing James.  He opened the door slightly and stuck his head in. Bette asked, “James, you don’t happen to know of anyone calling Tina do you?”

“No, sorry Bette.”

Bette could see Tiffany looking on curiously in the background. That’s when a thought hit her. “Get in and close the door James,” Bette’s tone was startling. James quickly did as he was told.

“It was Helena,” Bette said.

“What? How could it have been her? I know her voice,” Tina said.

“Obviously she used someone else. Clearly Tiffany is working for her.”

James didn’t know what was going on. “What are you guys talking about?”

Bette filled James in on what just transpired.  Tina still couldn’t read between the lines.  “Babe, I know you despise her but I don’t think it’s in her character to have Tiffany hit on you and set me up to see it.”

“I’m telling you that is definitely what happened. You can’t underestimate her willingness to debilitate our relationship after what happened in Nice. She’s out for our blood, well mine at least.”

Tina and James were silent. They honestly just didn’t know what to say. Another light bulb went off in Bette’s head and there was no stopping her now. “Ok this is what we’re going to do. James, you’re going to escort Tina outside, but actually take her to my car. T, you’re going to look upset and hurt; and I’m going to give Tiffany exactly what she wants.”

Tina’s eyes opened wide after hearing the last part. Bette realized she needed to clarify what she meant. “Not that way. She wants to see us on bad terms, and that’s what the illusion will be.”

Bette held Tina’s hand between her own and said, “Trust me.”

Without hesitation she said, “I do.”

“Let’s do this then.” Bette motioned for Tina and James to get closer to the door. Bette softly kissed Tina on the lips and whispered in her ear, “You know I love you.”

Before Tina could respond Bette yelled out, “Fine! Leave! See if I care!”

Tina and James took that as their cue to leave. They hastily left the office as Bette slammed the door. Tina put on her saddest face and was a few steps ahead of James, making it even better for him to call after her, “Tina wait!”

A smile crept across Tiffany’s face. A minute later she saw Bette go into the bathroom and she knew she couldn’t let this chance pass her by.  Bette was splashing water on her face when Tiffany walked in. 

“I’m sorry Bette,” Tiffany said as she pulled off a paper towel and handed it to Bette.

“Well you should be,” Bette snarled back.

“Is there anything I can do to make it better?” Tiffany asked

Bette looked her dead in the eye to show her she was serious. “Bring Tina back to me.” She wiped away a tear she managed to get to fall from her eye.

“Bette, I didn’t mean for that to happen. I was just being honest and maybe I crossed the line but I couldn’t help myself.”

Bette straightened out her jacket and picked up her pocketbook. “It’s too late now,” she said as she walked out of the bathroom. Tiffany followed and saw Bette walk out the front door. She went back to the bathroom and pulled out her cell phone.

The voice on the other line asked, “Well?”

“Mission accomplished.”

TBC…