Youre right and thanks for being there Eric, it means a lot.

Anytime. Anytime.

Eric and Tina ended their call and Tina waded through the murky waters of her brain to come up with a solution.

A full day
Tina spent her day going over plans presented for the development of a recreational complex to be built in a suburban development. The details were complex and laborious, which kept Tinas mind busy enough for her not to think about Nya, Bette, and where she stood with either of them. Tina worked right through lunch, although that didnt stop Sparta from coming by and spreading her joy on Tinas day. Tina managed to not get sucked into Spartas whirlwind of energy and paused only long enough to accept the lunch delivery.

Tina worked until she felt shed sufficiently reviewed every detail of the plans. Russell (Mr. Elba) entered Tinas office as he performed his usual after hours stroll of the floor.

Youre still here? He curiously inquired.

Tina jumped. Huh? Oh, Im sorry yes, Tina was flustered and off guard.

I didnt mean to startle you, Russell smiled. Are you still going over the plans for the burbs? he casually continued, making Tina relax again.

Yes. I found something I hadnt noticed before and wanted to go over it again, Tina explained.

Oh yeah? Whats that? Russell walked around Tinas desk to look at the specs.

I noticed that there were no provisions made for growth potential and I think that could have an impact on the long term usage of such a facility, Tina pointed out.

Russell read the plans and looked at the blue print of the land. Thats a great catch Tina. Brody and I will have to revisit this with the builders and the community. Thanks! I appreciate your tenacity and working late. Now its time for you to go home Tina, Russell pulled Tinas chair out.

Tina really didnt want to go home. Since her talk with Nya and Eric, Tina felt a little out of place at Alices. She felt as if she was infringing on Alices space, but mostly felt as if the freedom and autonomy she was seeking in her life was still being held in someones elses hand.

Okay, Ill get out of here, but I cant say it wasnt worth staying late over, Tina said with a smile.

Im happy to hear that. That kind of diligence and attention to detail is one of the many reasons we wanted you here. Now, please go home and get some rest. Im sure tomorrow will be an equally grueling day after Brody sees this.

Tina gathered her belongings and Russell escorted her to the door. Have a good night.

You too.

The delayed departure made Tinas ride home less stressful because the traffic was reduced some. As usual, Tina listened to something calming and soothing to clear her mind. Tina stopped for some take out and got home to find Alice and Carla kissing like school kids on the couch. She waved hi, shook her head, and went to her room.

Tina ate her food, read more of her book, and discretely entered the bathroom as not to interfere with the make out session still in full swing on the couch. She took a hot shower and began thinking about the things she needed to address and by the time she finished in the bath, nearly twenty-five minutes later, much to Alices chagrin because she wanted to pee; Tina exited the bathroom. Tina locked herself in her room, groomed herself, and lay across the bed to create a roadmap of her life. After hours of intense thinking, planning, remapping, and linking, Tina finally emerged with a game plan. And for the first time in a long time, Tina felt completely free.