Greg hung back with Tina as the rest of their 7 person crew quickly made their way across the motel parking lot and into their rooms to escape the freezing cold. He waited for Tina to say what was on her mind, well aware that she had been unusually quiet on the hour long drive back tonight.

A light sleet began to flit around them on the breeze as they stood in silence.

Shortly after lunch Tina had given up any hope of making it home in time for the weekend Bette had planned at Big Sur. Today, like every other day of the trip, had been filled with miscommunications and delays. They were now a fourth day behind schedule.

Tina chewed her lip as she considered the best way to move things forward.

We need to go over the plans for tomorrow. I think we might be able to make up some time by splitting a couple of the tasks between us She said, finally breaking the silence.

We need to eat Greg replied Before you collapse

Im fine Tina waived off his concern.

You skipped breakfast and lunch consisted of a candy bar

Youre keeping tabs on what I eat? Tina asked a little uncomfortable with this level of scrutiny.

When youre stressed you get this insane idea that you can function on air alone He replied Its not good and Im going to make sure you eat a decent meal tonight

Fine Tina relented, knowing that arguing with Greg would get her absolutely nowhere Why dont you order from Jimmys and Ill come down to your room in about 20 minutes? She rubbed her hands together furiously in a futile effort to warm them.

You really want pizza again? Greg questioned

What I really feel like is Vietnamese but given were in the middle of ***** nowhere I figure pizza will have to do! Tina replied angrily.

The trip had been rough but theyd managed to avoid taking it out on each other thus far.

ShitIm sorry She sighed, instantly regretting that her emotions were getting the best of her.

Its OK Greg replied. He saw a look of absolute frustration in Tinas expression as she looked up to the dark, cloud covered sky. Silently he watched as she fought to contain tears that suddenly filled her eyes, tears that eventually spilled onto frozen cheeks.

TK Greg said quietly Come here Gregs heart melted as he reached out and embraced his exhausted friend, who appeared to have finally reached her limit.

***** Tina said under her breath, raising a hand to whisk away more tears I swore Id never do this

What? Greg asked as he guided her head to his shoulder before wrapping his jacket around them both.

I never wanted to be one of those women who loses it on the job. Its sounprofessional. Tina sniffed

Weve been working insanely long hours for 12 days straight. Its rained every day, weve got less than half the resources we were promised and the trip is blowing out to a third week. I think youre entitled to be a little pissed with the current state of affairs. Greg did his best to reassure Tina.

This deadline is just unreal, theres no way were gonna make it. What the ***** was Jim thinking when he decided to send us down here?

Greg felt Tina bury herself deeper into his frame.

So why are you working yourself into the ground? He asked as he wrapped Tina a little tighter in his arms.

Why are you? Tina replied looking up at Greg. She smiled at him Were a sad pair she sniffed, resting her head on his chest. She softened in his arms, relaxing into the warmth of his embrace. It felt like weeks had passed since Bette had held her last. She absorbed the reassurance that Gregs presence offered, feeling a little less alone standing there in the deserted parking lot. Too drained to care what anyone was going to think if they saw her wrapped in Gregs arms, she needed the strength that he provided and that was all that mattered.

Go and change. Ill swing by your room in 30 minutes, were going out Greg instructed

We cant Tina mumbled into his shirt.

We can and we are Gregs reply was authoritive You and I both need a night off and if it ends up as nasty as I think it might then well just take tomorrow off too. Tell em we got food poisoning

Wouldnt we be better just to order in and go over She tried to sway Greg but her protest was swiftly quashed.

No Greg said firmly Im taking you out and youre going to forget about that deadline for tonight. Were not talking shop

Tina shivered as she reluctantly moved away from the warmth of Gregs body, wrapping her jacket around her body.

OK, Ill see you in half an hour Tina acquiesced as she turned and headed for her motel room.

Grateful for the fact that shed left her heater on through the day Tina shed her coat and sat down on the bed. Picking up the phone she dialed her home number hoping that Bette might still be awake. The machine picked up and she hung up. Biting her lip she looked at her watch, it was just after midnight in LA. Tina dialed Bettes cell. It went straight to voicemail.

Hi Baby, its just me. I guess youre having a late one with the girls or something? Not much to report from Ohakune, the self titled carrot capital of New Zealand. The trip has gone to ***** and Tina took a deep breath as she fought fresh tears which welled in her eyes I wish I was there with you, Babe. UmIll call you tomorrow. Love you, bye Tina replaced the phone.

Taking a deep breath she wiped the tears from her eyes as she wondered where Bette could be so late on a Monday. Pushing the thought from her mind she got up and made her way to the bathroom, hoping that a hot shower might breathe life into her exhausted body.