Time marches on
Tina continued to work hard and make a good name for herself at CM&E. The partners were more than pleased with Tinas accomplishments as were her immediate managers, so when it was suggested she be promoted to VP of Acquisitions, no one questioned it. Sparta made quite a production of the news and planned a wonderful luncheon in Tinas honor. She also confessed her feelings for Tina and then backed off. It was her way of getting Tina out of her system and relieving the undue stress shed placed on Tina. Tina had taken Alices advice on switching control, but she did it in a more passive way as not to hurt Spartas feelings. Their working relationship improved one hundred percent and they even became lunch and shopping buddies. Life for Tina at CM&E was great and the sweet smell of success permeated its aroma in every deal Tina brought to fruition. Life was getting better.

Tina found a small, one bedroom apartment not too far from Alices and the gang helped her clean up and paint, and she furnished it modestly. Bette was invited to the celebration, but declined even after much urging from Kit, who later chewed Bette, a new one for being childish Tina heard from Shane. Living completely alone was a little frightening at first, but Tina grew accustomed to it and found it quite refreshing to have her own space. Her friendship with Nya was still in a nebulous place, but they still kept in touch and met for coffee or drinks from time to time. Ironically, Tina had a harder time with it than she expected and began to think that Nya no longer wanted to remain friends. But after a day spent talking and hanging out, Tina realized that Nya needed to be in an uncomplicated place because her work gave her all the complications and stress she could handle. There was little room for that in her personal life. Tina still kept her friendship with Nya separate from the gang although theyd all met for drinks one night. She felt it was better that way in order for her to have a sense of self and individuality.