“She’s going to have LA eating out of the palm of her hands,” Bette added after Phyllis had signaled for the check.

“Barbara Grisham is a seasoned politician. That’s what she’s good at,” the blonde replied.

The two women headed back to work, picking up where they had left off earlier. Phyllis had stopped asking any more questions about the senator, sensing Bette’s reluctance to discuss it further.

When her boss had called it a day, Bette had agreed heartily. She checked in with James, making sure her schedule for the rest of the week was finalized. Taking care of the remaining work she had left before her meeting with Phyllis, Bette didn’t realize hours had passed until he interrupted her.

“Bette, you have a call,” the knocked on the doorframe to get her attention. “I’m leaving.”

She wanted to ask who was the caller, but by then James was nowhere in sight. “Bette Porter.”

“It’s your favorite person in the world calling.”

“Hi Alice,” Bette sat back in her chair.

“Are you done with work yet?” Alice ignored Bette’s teasing. “Time’s a wasting.”

“Wasting for what?”

“Ladies night at the Planet, remember? You promised Kit you’ll be there tonight,” Alice’s words rushed out.

“Yes, I remember. But I’m not going,” Bette readied herself for the firing squad that is Alice.

“Why the hell not? Bette,” Alice whined.

“Because I’m trying to get work done tonight so I don’t have to slave away so late tomorrow,” she said simply.

“What’s so important about tomorrow? Angelica’s with Tina for the rest of the week,” Alice pointed out before realization hit. “You have a date.”

“No,” Bette corrected her. “It’s just dinner.”

“Well it’s something if this person is making Bette Porter cut work early. Tell me, who is she?”

“I don’t think it’s any of your business, Alice,” Bette huffed out, her frustration evident. “I’m sorry, it’s been a long week.”

“Bette, it’s only Tuesday.”

“At the rate my week’s going, I can’t wait for Friday to come around,” she said as she sunk further into her chair.

“Can you meet for dinner then? Just you, me and the McCutcheon duo,” Alice offered her peace offering. “I miss you.”