“Mummy owns the studio.  I just work here.”  Helena replied trying not to sound dejected but failing miserably.  

Tina could see she made her point, so she saw no need to meander any further.  Bette would be waiting for her to return with lunch and she was hungry also.

“Thanks again Helena.  I hope to hear from you soon.”

“We’ll be in touch soon.  Goodbye Tina.”

Tina turned to walk out and could not help but feel great about the way she handled Helena.  What she is not as sure about, is how Bette may react.  They have a history and Helena was not exactly Bette’s favorite person.  Tina reached into her bag to get her phone.

The brunette picked up after 2 rings.

“So are you going to be their next young movie exec babe?”

“Maybe.”

“So, how was this Matthew Henderson?  Do you think he would be able to show you the ropes of the business?”

“Yeah about that.  I didn’t actually meet with Matthew. He had business out of the country, so I met with his right hand woman.  You will not believe who it was.”

“I know her?  That’s funny.  I didn’t think I had any friends in the movie business.”

“Well, you don’t.”

“Tina, you’re not making any sense babe.  Who did you interview with?”


“Helena Peabody.”

“What?!”

“Bette baby, don’t worry.  If I get the job here, I can handle Helena.”

“What do mean by that T?”

“I mean, I made it very clear that I am only interested in the work because I have the best girlfriend in the world.  Plus I dangled the fact that I have an interview with a competing studio tomorrow.”

“You really think I’m the best girlfriend in the world?”

“Of course I do big head.  Now I’m starving so what do you want for lunch?”  Tina asked as she made her way to her car.

“Babe, you know we are going to talk about this some more if you take the internship with Betaville right?”

“Yes B, I know.”

“Good.  I didn’t  want you to think that you tricked me into being 100% ok with you working for that woman.”

“Baby, I would never try to trick you.  I know you and Helena have a history but that is all it is.  It only becomes more than that if we give it too much weight.  She may have gotten some silly ideas about me working there, but I think now she knows that I am not as naive as I once was. If I did take the job, Helena would be reminded often that her charm has absolutely no effect on me.” Tina said hoping this would end the conversation about Helena Peabody.

“Wow T, did you just handle me?” Tina let out a laugh.  This woman is amazing.

“Babe, if I did, it’s because you needed me to.  Look if it comes down to a choice between here and one of the other 3 studios, I would pick one of the others.”

“No don’t do that because of me.  Pick the one that will be the best for your career.  If that ends up being Helena’s studio, then so be it, ok?”

“You’re right babe.  What would I ever do without you putting down the law?”

“Shut up.  I’m hungry too, hurry up and get here.”

“Babe you still haven’t told me where you want to eat.”

“I just did T, so hurry up and get here!”

“Funny, but I’m really hungry for food though.”

“Ok fine.  Can you pick up subs from Jersey Mike’s?”

“Sure.  I’ll see in a few minutes.  I love you.”

“I love you too, T.”