Tina: (pouting)”Are you leaving?”

Bette: “Yes, baby, I’ve got a board meeting this morning, that I can’t be late for. And if you don’t get your hot naked ***** out of bed, you’re going to be late, too!”

Tina: “What time is?”

Bette: “8:15″

Tina bails out of bed. “*****….got an interview, love you babe.” She kisses Bette quickly and darts into the bathroom.

Bette arrives at the CAC, not late, but close. She enters the board room with everyone staring at her. She quickly takes her seat as Franklin stands to address the board. As he rambles on greeting each and every member, Bette see’s a new face….a beautiful brunette, near the head of the table seated next to Franklin. She wonders who this woman is. The brunette notices Bette staring, flips her hair over her shoulder and smiles. Bette is all ears as Franklin finishes his greetings with the brunette.

Franklin: “…..and last, but not least, I would like to introduce our newest board member, Ms. Helena Peabody.”

Before Franklin can finish Bette intrudes.

Bette:(in awe) “As in the daughter of Peggy Peabody? Of the Peabody Foundation?

Franklin: “Why yes, Bette, THE Peggy Peabody.”

Franklin motions towards Bette. “Helena, this is our director, Bette….”

Franklin is once again interrupted this time by Helena. She speaks with authority in a thick english accent. “Bette Porter, I am most intrigued to meet you.”

Bette is flattered that Helena knows who she is. “Yes, Ms. Peabody, I’ve heard so much about you since you have taken over the foundation. I am honored to make your acquaintance.”

Franklin, feeling shut out, reassirts himself as the head of the table. “Well, ladies, now that you’ve finally met. Shall we get on with the meeting. I’m sure the two of you will have plenty of time to get to know each other.”

Later that afternoon, Bette is in her office, hearing a knock she sighs and steps from behind her desk, but before she can even answer the door, it slides open and in steps Helena.

Helena: “Hello, Bette.”

Bette: “Hello, Helena, is there something I can help you with?”

Helena: “Not really, I just came by to introduce myself a bit more……personally.”

Bette: “oh…” unsure of what her response should be.