“Hi.  What are you doing here?”

“Havin’ lunch with a friend.”  Margaret casually touched Bette’s forearm as she spoke.

Margaret Hannon turned to Tina, but spoke to Bette.  “And you?”

“Like you.  Having lunch.”  Margaret tilted her head in question and Bette responded, “Oh, right. Tina Kennard, Margaret Hannon.”

“Glad to meet you,” Margaret said, but didn’t hold out a hand, merely returned Tina’s smile with a slight one of her own.

“I read your text.”  The southern woman’s hand remained on Bette’s arm, lightly rubbing it as she spoke.  “Exquisite.”

Listening to Margaret speak, Tina was reminded of the childhood vacations to the Outer Banks in North Carolina.  Margaret’s voice lingered heavy in the air, waiting for a breeze, waiting for Bette to sweep her away. 

“You cut to the chase and summed up what the issue is all about.  I’ll probably pull a couple of lines as the tag for the book.  If you don’t mind?”

“No, not at all.”

Tina eyed Margaret Hannon.  She was blonde, cutesy, energetic, and slightly flirtatious–just the kind of woman that Bette would go for.  Then again, Candace wasn’t playing type and Bette definitely went for her.  Bette watched Tina as she spoke to Margaret and could tell that Tina was either jealous or upset about the interruption. 

The writer had moved from Bette’s forearm to lightly massage her shoulder while they carried on the conversation.  “Now, I’m sure James has told you that we’ve scheduled the shoot for Monday mornin’.  My photographer is pure talent and can cover up the worst flaws—not that you have any because you don’t.  Your face is perfection personified.”

Bette blushed and said modestly, “Thanks.”

“No, it’ll be a great shoot.  I can tell.  I’ll be there, of course.  Assistin’ as needed—hair, getting’ you in and out of your clothes…”

Tina coughed, sending a mouthful of tea, spraying in Bette’s direction.

“What?”  Bette said.

Margaret seemed oblivious to the surprised reactions she had just received as she continued, “We’ll try different looks—the power suit is a definite, but also maybe some low-rise jeans and something to show off your muscles.  The whole point is to show that you’re strong and don’t take *****.”