“If Bette doesn’t kill me,” she said to herself, “before… oh who am I kidding? But what I could I do—oh! What could I do when Helena spoke of offering me free creative control at Shaolin and a huge sign on bonus?”
At seven o’clock Tina heated up a sauté pan, drizzled some olive oil and seared two pieces of Bette’s favorite: Chilean sea bass. She would have to do some making up tonight.
She had accepted an invitation to have brunch with Helena Peabody. This was the reason why Helena had stayed in L.A. The meeting was necessary as they would be discussing her future at Shaolin—Helena’s film studio- she was to be partners with her mother Peggy. Tina had told Helena that she would want to discuss it first with Bette since they were planning on having a baby. Helena had assured her she would work with Tina.

Bette was never late. Well these days she wasn’t. Tina placed the perfectly seared pieces of fish to two plates already made up with a bed of dressed spring mix salad. She then walked down the hall to the living room and took a seat on the sofa across the television. She would wait. Bette would be here in mere seconds.

The door opened and Bette stepped in looking weary from a long day at work. Bette’s last show of the year was finished, but she seemed tired all the time for some reason. Tina had asked but Bette said it was because artists have been frustrating lately.

Bette chucked her jacket off and hung it on the hook near the door. She stopped and looked at Tina sitting down on the sofa staring at her like she was about to be scolded.

“Baby?” She gave her a sideways look. Tina just wanted to feed Bette first. They’d discuss it soon.

“Bette, baby, “ she cried, placing the fork down before her, “don’t get mad. I had scheduled a meeting with Helena for brunch tomorrow, for head of development at her and Peggy’s new film studio, Shaolin.” Tina gulped. “I told her I’d discuss it with you first, she said.. she said…” Tina met Bette’s eyes and read disappointment. She sunk in her chair. “Are you mad at me? “