Bette hurried back to the CAC still thinking about Tina. The sound of her sweet voice was playing on rewind in her head; and even though she was saddened that Tina was not ready to come home, the softness of her tone and her almost saying baby still made her smile. As she arrived, she could see James frantically waving for her to hurry because Rayne Bryant was already on the line. Bette raced into her office, grabbed her notebook, and ran into the conference room.

James had stalled her well enough, so she wasnt aware that Bette was slightly out of breath and in the process of preparing her notes.

Okay James, its now 2:30 on the nose and I trust Bette has arrived, Raynes voice flowed through the intercom.

Bette grinned at the sound of Raynes voice; her soft east coast accent complimented her temperate disposition. But that was not to be mistaken for simplicity because Rayne was a superb and astute businesswoman. Shed secured many a business deal by playing the right hand and maintaining a poker face when everyone else had lost their heads. Bette met Rayne during a Business and Professional Womens Conference in Salt Lake City two years before and had worked together on a couple projects. Raynes current interest in Bette Porter was to offer her the opportunity to work with her on setting up an after school workshop for talented children with a flair for art and graphic design.

Yes, Rayne, Im here, Bette smiled. How are you today?

Wonderful, now that Ive finally managed to nail you down, Rayne teased. Shed tried to get Bettes response to her calls weeks before, but Bettes head wasnt into anything work related; although this venture would secure her as a consultant with a lot of flexibility and money. So, have you reviewed everything I sent you? The material, that is? Rayne was ready to get to business.

Bette chuckled as she recalled hearing those exact words before. She looked at the papers shed scattered in front of her and James looked over his copies. Hed been keeping up on the developments and had spoken with Rayne on Bettes behalf. He too stood to gain from this venture, so it was imperative he know what was going on.

Yes, Ive looked at the figures and the pictures. The risk assessment has been modified, but it seems to be in keeping with comparable space, Bette pulled her hair back into ponytail and was ready to get dirty. I am concerned with the location though, Bette challenged.

A loud sign sang through the intercom. Yes, I was too, but Ive spoken with someone at a security company and theyve assured me that the children would be safe and there have been no known problems in that area, Rayne said confidently.

Rayne, I have a question, James spoke up. Yes? Rayne replied. Ive contacted a few professors and students at NYU, FIT, and AI NYC (Art Institute of NYC), in addition to some here, who might be willing to relocate for the summer. They all seem to be willing to let us use their students as interns to assist with the children. Is this what you had in mind for limiting overhead expenses?

Yes, I think its important for us to solicit and secure teaching assistance with those who are more interested in giving than receiving, Rayne chuckled. Dont you agree Bette? Rayne recalled Bettes interest in people giving back to the community.

Bettes interest peaked. Yes, I definitely agree. I think its an excellent way for the students to enhance their own skills as well as enforcing the talents of the children were nurturing.

The teleconference was still taking place, and at 4:30 the Bette found herself staring clock. She knew Tina was on her way over to the house and secretly hoped that they would end soon so she could leave and catch Tina. If nothing else, Bette was looking for a reason to slip out and call Tina with a lame excuse just to hear her voice. She needed a piece of her again. She didnt know exactly what Tina would be taking from the house, but hoped that it wouldnt be all of her things. Bette had secretly been sleeping in a set of Tinas pajamas since her talk with Kit. It was her way of staying close to Tina. thank you ba, Bette rewound in her head and soon Bette seemed to be in a trance.

Bette! Bette! James called out, trying to bring her back to the call.

Huh? Oh, Im sorry. I guess I spaced out for a sec. Excuse me. Where were we? Bette tried to get back into work mode.

Listen Bette, youve put me off long enough on this and I cant keep this open. I dont know whats going on with you lately, but whatever it is, I need you to be on point. Are we clear? Rayne was audibly pissed. Despite her usual calm disposition, Rayne took no shorts when it came to business and this venture was something near and dear to her and if Bette Porter couldnt be on her game, she could not be on Raynes team.

Oh, yes. Im sorry, Bette tried to conceal her embarrassment. If you dont mind, I need to go to the ladies room, Bette needed to regroup. James, can you assist Rayne until I get back?

James nodded.

Bette went to the ladies room and washed her face. She couldnt shake fixation on Tina and her Freudian slip. She wanted to reach out to her so badly. As much as her call with Rayne Bryant could yield her so much more clout and independence, she couldnt help but feel distracted and conflicted. And Raynes little reminder of their inside joke didnt help matters, leaving her a little rattled.

When Bette and Rayne met, Rayne caught Bette eyeing her from across the table during a group discussion on a ***** and Sexuality in the Corporate World. The off and on eye contact continued, but Rayne was a hard study and Bette wasnt sure of Raynes sexuality. While she knew she wasnt about to make good on her visual flirting, Rayne still captured her attention. It was during an after hours conversation did Rayne comment on catching Bette eyeing her and used the words have you reviewed everythingthe material that is. Rayne still hadnt let on whether she was straight or not, but from that point on; it became a joke they shared. Bette was in no condition to engage Rayne in any flirting games although, as she recalled, Rayne was quite beautiful. She was athletically built, yet feminine. She had soft mocha skin, long dark hair, full, juicy lips, and the most amazing set of brown eyes she ever seen. From the look of them, they bordered on seeming like she could have been mixed with Asian, but not matter what it was, the woman was beautiful. Enough said! Shed already been down the road of emotional upheaval and needed to get her life in order before she allowed temptation to take hold again. The only way to get over temptation is to yield to it, the nasty little voice in her said spoke out. Bette shook her head dismissing the antagonizing thought. It was Tina she longed for and it was Tina she was holding out for. If there was any temptation she wanted to yield to, it was that of her being with Tina again. After a few more minutes of cold water splashing, Bette left the ladies room, grabbed some water for James and herself, and went back into the conference room. James was delivering some pretty impressive information, which Rayne seemed to be eating up.

James, it seems like youve done your homework. Im glad youre working with Bette on this, Rayne complimented. By the way, is she back yet?

James was about to say yes, but Bette motioned for him to say no. Actually, I think Franklin caught her in the hall as she left. Im sure shell be back in a few, James covered and Bette motioned for him to continue to engage Rayne.

So, Rayne, now that youve procured all the necessary permits, licenses, contractors, and such, in what capacity will Bette and I continue to support this venture?

Bette gave James the thumbs up sign. They could hear Rayne whispering to someone in the background.

Im glad that you asked, Rayne seemed to be smiling. If you and Bette can get away from Franklin for a few days I can show you better than I can tell you.

James liked the sound of that. Hed seen Rayne too and found her very attractive. Oh, is that right? Sounds intriguing, James grinned, feeling his manhood react. How soon would you need us on your coast?

Before James could answer Bette cut in. Rayne, I just walked back in and heard you inviting us to the east coast, is that correct? Bette was feeling Rayne out.

Im currently negotiating a contract with someone on your coast and anticipate coming to LA within the month. Is two weeks agreeable with you? Rayne seemed to be flirting but neither could tell with whom and they both blushed and grinned.

Is that right? They said in unison.

Rayne laughed out loud. I get you both on speaker with surround sound. Thats funny!

The trio went back and forth trying to finalize the details of their work on the east coast and their tentative meeting for when Rayne would be in LA. Rayne explained that shed be in LA to finalize the pending contract she had with an LA-based graphics company that was lending their support to her fledgling company DIA Entertainment for some CD covers, flyers, and banners. And she was hoping theyd also lend support for the after school program. It sounded very interesting to Bette and she mentioned Kit as a shameless plug to possibly secure some work in the future with DIA Entertainment. The conversation lasted another hour and before they could end it on their own, the police interrupted them.

Are you Ms. Porter? Bette Porter?