After several hours of meetings, introductions and reintroductions Tina sat quietly behind a large desk in her newly appointed office. She looked around the room for the tenth time feeling rather out of place in such grandiose surroundings. Alphaville had relocated to larger premises during the last 12 months and the upgrade was impressive to say the least. Tina stood and walked over to the window, taking a minute to admire the view from the 18th floor. Looking to the south, sunlight bathed the downtown skyline and the San Gabriel mountains beyond. It was a clear, crisp LA day. The city had been rinsed clean of its familiar veil of smog thanks to heavy rains the previous night. This office was a far cry from the cramped, windowless back room she had been designated as an intern.

The shrill ring of her cell phone cut through the silence. Moving back to her desk Tina picked up the phone as it quivered noisily on the wooden surface. Checking the caller ID she answered it.

Hey, Babe She greeted.

Hows it going? Bette enquired.

Good Tina replied as she sat back down behind her desk.

Are all the other children playing nicely?

Are you going to come down here and beat them up if I say no? Tina lowered her voice, teasing Bette.

Youre on your own I’m afraid Bette sighed Those industry types are strictly your domain.

And what a domain it is! Tina said. Bette smiled upon hearing the awe in Tinas voice, imagining the look of amazement on her partners face Bette you should see the office theyve given me, its huge!

Im glad theyre looking after you Bette responded.

There was a soft knock at the door. Looking up, Tina smiled recognizing a familiar face and waived her guest in.

Babe Ive gotta go, someones here She told Bette.

OK, see you at home Bette replied.

Bye Tina ended the call. Placing the phone back on her desk she rose from her chair and walked around to meet her visitor Greg!

Greg Coulton stood with his five-foot ten-inch frame leaning against the door jamb and whistled appreciatively as he looked around the room.

TK, I heard a rumor you were back in town Greg said, flashing his perfect smile at Tina Look at where theyve put you!

Tina smiled broadly as she wrapped her arms around Greg in a hug of genuine affection.

Its so good to see you Tina said, still holding him tightly Howve you been?

Great Greg pulled back from their embrace to look at Tina And youre looking ***** as ever

Good to see you havent learnt any manners while I was gone! Tina countered, a slight blush coloring her cheeks.

Cmon, youd be disappointed if I had! Greg replied as his mischievous grin grew wider.

Im not sure that your girlfriend would be complaining Tina said, as wry smile tugged at her lips.

You mean my fiance Greg grimaced and then smiled as Tinas eyes grew wide with realization.

I cant believe youd.how did she manage that? Tina couldnt hide her amazement. After all Greg was the type of guy who ran a mile as soon as anyone mentioned the words long term commitment.

Welllets just say that persistence is one of Julies core competencies Greg laughed.

Congratulations to both of you Tina smiled Have you set a date?

Next March. Its totally crazy Greg shook his head, grinning ear to ear.

Wow Tina replied, as she struggled to wrap her mind around the idea of Greg as a soon to be married man.

Silence fell between them as Tina studied the man before her. They had started out as interns at Alphaville just days apart. As the new kids an alliance quickly formed between them which, over time, grew into an enduring friendship.

Each had taken pleasure in the others successes and been there to offer support when needed as they both climbed steadily through the companys ranks. Having been recognized as the driving force behind a number of successful projects, the pair had gained a reputation as a dynamic and formidable team.

So, as you can see I held the fort in your absence Greg broke the silence.

Yeah this isoverwhelming Tina looked around her for the umpteenth time.

Its a little different to that broom closet we shared, huh?

That was the worst Tina shook her head laughing.

That room was like an oven in the summer Greg grinned at the blonde before him Not that Im complaining. I was happy for any opportunity to watch you getting your gear off

You wish! Tina retorted as she swatted Gregs arm.

Well Im sure this environment will be morecomfortable Greg conceded Anyway as fun as it is to discuss the advantages of good air conditioning, I actually came down to see if I could take you to lunch?

UhI probably should stay here and look over those Tina looked over her shoulder frowning at the pile of scripts already on her desk

You are not working through lunch on your first day back Greg shook his head No way, no how. Im taking you to lunch. Theres a great little Japanese place just around the corner. How does that sound?

It sounds great Tina acquiesced.

Cool Greg smiled as he walked backwards towards the door Grab your things and Ill meet you at the elevator in five

Ok Tina said as she watched him turn and disappear out into the hall before returning to her desk.

Sinking back into the large chair she ran her hands over the cool, smooth surface of the desk. The plush office was nice but it wasnt what had lured Tina back. She missed the buzz, the deadlines, the rush that came with success.

When she had first joined Alphaville, it was nothing more than a fledgling production company surviving on a shoestring budget. By the time Tina resigned, the company was a well respected player in the industry.

A smile tugged at Tinas lips as her eyes came to rest on the stack of scripts in front of her. There was no denying it, she had missed her professional life. It hadnt been an easy decision to give up something that, despite the long hours and tight deadlines, had been a major source of satisfaction. And sitting there she was glad to have it back.

Glancing at her watch she picked up her purse and headed out to the foyer to meet Greg for lunch.

TBC