Lara ”You…want me to audition?”

Francesca ”I want you to prove yourself to me.  You’re not going to just get this opportunity, because Marina thinks highly of you.  I need to think highly of you.  After all…this Planet is our business.  And we want to make sure we make the right decisions.  So…if you want to continue your search elsewhere, you’re welcome to.  But…if you want an opportunity to help turn The Planet into something better than it already is…and you think you have what it takes to do so…I have a challenge for you.”

Lara ”And what might that be?”

Francesca ”Dinner.  Tonight.”

Marina ”Yes, she could bring Dana and…”

Francesca looks at Marina.

Francesca ”No…I think we need to make sure Lara can prepare with only us in mind.  And no one else.  Whatever your relationship issue is with Dana or anyone else is out of my hands.  I’m interested in someone who can be the chef at The Planet.  The pay will be good and you won’t have to worry about looking for employment elsewhere.  You will arrive on time, if not early, and you will prepare a meal for Marina and I that we will enjoy.  If…you’re up for it.”

Lara looks at Francesca, then at Marina.

Lara ”You’re challenging me to prepare a delicious meal.”

Marina ”I hope that’s not too intimidating for you.”

Lara smirks.

Lara ”Marina…that’s the kind of challenge I live for.  All I need to know is where and when to arrive and what I need to bring with me.  And I guarantee…you will enjoy what I serve you.”

Francesca ”Confidence.  That’s good.  Tonight, we’ll see if you can back it up.”

While Lara is presented with a challenge she lives for, Alice and Dana talk only for the moment to involve Sharon, Dana’s mother calling to inform her daughter that she is being set up on a blind date with a young man, to which Dana is less than amused.

Marina’s house.

It is later in the evening and Lara has been hard at work.  The meal has been prepared with Lara presenting Marina and Francesca with their food and wine at the dinner table.  Lara stands near the table as Marina and Francesca sit across from one another, eating.  Neither say a word.  Francesca finally looks up at Lara.