Helena came into Shanes house as all the ladies sat around talking, laughing, eating and drinking.  She sat next to Stevie and began to whisper some things in her ear.  From the looks of it she was pleased.  She was smiling that smile Bette came to love so much.  She thought that smile was reserved her.  She failed to notice that ever since Xavier came back into Stevies life shes just been happier in general.  She smiled more, was more talkative and generally more congenial.   But Bette couldn’t notice that through her hurt.  Bette got up.

Jenny:  “Awww Bette you leaving so soon?”

Bette:  “Yeah suddenly I don’t feel so well.  Later guys.”

And she was gone.

The following morning Helena and Stevie went out Agent hunting.  That’s what they were discussing last night.  Helena took Stevie to meet 3 prospects, this was the last of the day.

Stevie:  “Why do I feel so nervous?”

Helena:  “I don’t know, there’s nothing to be afraid of.”

Stevie:  “I feel like I’m gonna be stifled or censored.  I don’t want that.”

Helena:  “Listen, she works for you, or she will if you want her to.  You pick her.  Remember you’re in control here.”

Stevie:  “Right.  I’m in control.  I just hope this ones better then the first 3.”

Helena:  “I’m sure you’ll like this one.  I sure did.”

A sly smile crossed her face.

Helena:  “Ok ready?”

Stevie:  “Yeah.”

They stepped out he elevator into the upscale office.  It has a stark, fang sui kind of feel with the center of the large waiting area being occupied by a short blonde.  She seemed young but she looked young then she actually was.  Stevie was very uncomfortable in this atmosphere.  Helena ’s confidence and poise helped her to keep her cool.  She was good at hiding her fear and anxiety behind her often emotionless eyes.

Helena :  “We’re here to see Mrs. Fitzpatrick.”

Secretary:  “Do you have an appointment?”

Mrs. Fitzpatrick:  “She doesn’t need one.”

The older woman stood in the doorway.  She was strangely tall and slender with strikingly red short hair and an impeccably tailored suit.  She oozed money.  Her perform even spoke dollar signs as they neared the office.  She held her arms out as she and Helena embraced kissing each other on both cheeks. 

Mrs. Fitzpatrick:  “ Helena darling how have you been?  Is this our girl?”

She spoke very quickly and stayed on one topic for a very short amount of time.  That was how she made her money.  She changed the subject so many times, and threw so many facts and figures at you so fast you had little time to tell if she was telling the truth or bullshitting you.  Stevie didn’t trust her.  Fortunately Helena knew how to wrangle with the best of them and she effortlessly switched gears.

Helena:  “Wonderful darling.  Yes Stevie this is Bianca Fitzpatrick the best entertainment handler this side of the Mississippi.”

They walked in the office now and Bianca rounded her desk.

Mrs. Fitzpatrick:  “Just this side?”

They both shared a laugh as she extended her hand shaking Stevie’s palm down.  She wasn’t sure if she was supposed to shake it or kiss it.  Fortunately she chose the former and not the later.  Stevie was too overwhelmed to make light of the situation.

Mrs. Fitzpatrick:  “Please, sit.  Helena tells me your quit the artist.”

Stevie:  “Oh I wouldn’t say that.”

Helena :  “She’s modest.”

Mrs. Fitzpatrick:  “Modesty I’m not familiar with the term.”

She smiled.

Mrs. Fitzpatrick:  “So let’s see the book.”

Stevie stood and handed her the portfolio she had been putting together for the last 5 years.  Considering she had no formal training Stevie was quite accomplished.  Bianca flipped though the pages. 

Mrs. Fitzpatrick:  “Can I get you ladies anything?”

She never once looked up.                                                    

Helena:  “Im fine.”

Stevie:  “I’m good, thanks.”

Mrs. Fitzpatrick finally looked up yet she didn’t mention anything about whether or she liked what she saw. 

Mrs.  Fitzpatrick:  “I’ll need the contact information of your lawyer just in case I need to get in contact with him.

Stevie:  “Oh I don’t have a…”

Helena:  “Just send it to mine.”

Mrs. Fitzpatrick:  “Fine.

TBC