At CM&E
Tina was now seated back in the conference room waiting for Mr. Chestnut and Mr. Maxwell to meet with her. Mr. Elba was in England and wouldnt meet her until the following week. Tina still hadnt figured out if Sparta was flirting with her and what she was saying to her friend. She looked at her watch and realized they were on their way. She took a sip of water, smoothed her suit, and was more than ready to get things started.

Ms. Kennard, so good to see you again, Mr. Chestnut spoke first.

Yes, its a pleasure to see you and Im so happy you took our offer, Mr. Maxwell extended his hand to Tina.

The pleasure is mine and thank you for the opportunity, Tina smiled and sat back down.

As you know Mr. Elba is out of town, but he prepared this letter for you, which expresses his pleasure in having you join us. We know youll be an asset to this firm, Mr. Chestnut spoke again.

Tina read the letter while Mr. Chestnut and Mr. Maxwell reviewed her resume and letters of recommendation. She was impressed with Mr. Elbas extension of appreciation and was looking forward to meeting him.

So, Ms. Kennard, your resume reads very well as you know and your previous experiences will be of great use around here. We have a great development department, but it could use a fresh eye and a softer approach, no disrespect to your gender, Mr. Maxwell informed Tina.

What Martin, thats Mr. Chestnut, is saying, is that the development team has taken the forceful approach to dealing with their endeavors and its time for a change and your credentials and achievements can provide that. Believe me, we are in now way implying that your femininity is what will make the change we need. We run a no nonsense company here. Isnt right Martin? Mr. Chestnut nodded.

Ms. Kennard, may I call you Tina?

Yes, of course. Id prefer that. Itll make me feel more at home, Tina smiled. Do you prefer the formal titles or may I call you by your first names? Tina tactfully asked.

Yes, first names are fine. Im sorry, my first name is Brody, Mr. Maxwell filled in. Mr. Elbas first name is Russell and he certainly likes being on a first name basis. Hes the most relaxed one of the partnership, Mr. Maxwell chuckled.

Okay, first names it is. Now, I have a few questions for you both. May I?

Tina quizzed Martin and Brody, and prepared a written list of questions for Russell that would be faxed to him. They went over details of her job description, provided her with a client list, gave her the low down on office politics, her hours, and then took her for a tour of the building. Tina met her future co-workers, and when all was said and done, she was returned to Sparta to get her access badges and ID card.

Okay, sweetie, lets get your pretty picture taken, Spartas voice disturbed Tinas thoughts.

Huh? Oh, okay, Tina, stuttered.

Sparta fixed Tinas hair and ran her hand across Tinas cheek making Tina jump.

You had something on your face, Spartas quick cover up was almost believable. Ready? Tina nodded. Smile. Flash and Tina was temporarily blinded. All done, Sparta smiled. Sparta waited for the image to process and then handed the card and access badges to Tina. Hey you sweetie. Youre all set and well see you Monday, Sparta smiled.

Okay. See you Monday, Tina replied and walked away.

I cant wait, Sparta said a little too loudly and Tina turned around, but Sparta quickly picked up the phone and began talking.

Tina simply smiled and turned back around. This is going to be interesting she thought.

Another check of her watch read 11:30. Time was ticking and she still needed to get to the Center to complete something for Oscar. Realizing she might not make her 1:30 lunch on time, Tina called and left a message for Eric to push their lunch back until 2:30.

Meanwhile, on the other side of town
James and Bette arrived at California Exotic Car Rental and a tall, Italian looking man, immediately greeted them.

Hello and welcome to California Exotic Car Rental. What can I do for you today? He drooled all over Bette, ignoring James.

Were interested in renting that, James stepped up to Bette, wrapping his arm around her waist and pointed to the Aston Martin Vanquish V12 that was gleaming in the sunlight.

You want to rent that? The salesman indignantly asked and Bettes kick ***** mode set it.

No, thats not what he said, Bette stepped up to the man. I believe he said, and I quote, Were interested in renting that, Does that spell it out enough for you? Bette sneered.

The man coughed in embarrassment and motioned for them to follow him into the building. Once inside, Bette looked for the manager while the man pulled out the papers. Bette returned five minutes later with the irate looking manager who called the man aside and dismissed him. James gave Bette a puzzled look, which she shrugged with an, Ill tell you later expression.

Okay, Ms. Porter, Ill just need you to sign here and here. Mr. Bartlett, Ill need your signature here, and Ill take copies of your licenses, the manager took their licenses and walked away.

Okay, what was all that? James asked in a whisper.

Long story short, I told him that the salesman was rude and that I would take my business elsewhere, Bette grinned. So, he offered the to waive the first hour and discount the second if we chose to keep the car longer, Bette quickly hushed as she heard the manager walking up.

Here you are, the manager handed back their licenses. Heres the keys and Ill walk you out.

Sweet! James whispered in Bettes ear faking like he was kissing her cheek.

Ladies first, James stated and opened the door for Bette to get in. James ran around to the other side and got in. Oh damn! This is too good for words. Wheres the paparazzi when you need them? James joked.

Buckle up, its going to be a fast ride, Bette said, eased the car into first gear, and zoomed out of the lot.

They cruised through the streets toward the highway, leaving nothing but dust behind them. Bette was grinning like the cat that ate the canary as the wind ripped through her curly tresses. She cruised up I-5 for thirty minutes before letting James drive. They looked like Bonnie and Clyde in the car and they were definitely driving it like they stole it. After their hour was up, James decided they should go to one of the other dealerships to see what their inventory was like, but not before stopping to eat at Franklins expense.

We can go to Pacific Dining Car if you want. Franklin has an account there and uses ut liberally. Contributors money! James winked.

Sounds good, but wed get too full, Bette stated.

Okay, how about McCormick & Schmicks?

Bette shook her head no, Fish and fine leather is a bad mix, she frowned.

True, James conceded. Hey! Ive got it. Le Dome.

Yeah, thats perfect. They have great salads and that wont make us sleepy, Bette agreed. Does tight-***** have an account there too?

James laughed, No, but he will! Turn about is fair play.

At the Center
Tina arrived to hear Oscar screaming at someone. She didnt know if he was on the phone or in person, but it sounded badreally bad. Tina cautiously walked to his door and peaked through the glass. He was on the phone, so Tina tapped it lightly to get his attention and waved. Oscar waved for her to come in and sit down. Tina reluctantly entered. Oscar had the stereotypical Latin temper and although Tina knew Oscar was really harmless, hearing him yell was pretty frightening. She tapped her fingers in her lap, nervously waiting for his call to end.

Okay fine! Yes, I said okay, but this is bullshit and you know it. Yeah, tomorrow, Oscar slammed the phone down and looked up at Tina.

Sorry my friend, Oscar said, solemnly. I didnt mean for you to hear all that, but thats what youve got to look forward to, Oscar sadly stated. Tina frowned, not understanding him. That was Reynolds at the municipal building. He said, if we dont have that development proposal done by tomorrow, we wont get the grant for the new playground.

Tinas mouth fell open. I thought we had a week?

Not anymore. They want it tomorrow, 3:00pm or its a no go.

But why?

Someone else is trying to bid on that space. He says he wants us to get the grant and if we can get the proposal in first then wed automatically get preference. Hes calling in a favor, Oscar got up and started pacing.

Thats what Ive been working on, but Im not nearly complete Oscar, Tina lowered her voice.

Tina, I wouldnt ordinarily ask you to do this, but I really need you to work through lunch and maybe late into the evening, Oscar sounded like he was pleading and sadness covered his face.

Tina felt her heartstrings being tugged. Shed already rescheduled her lunch and she was looking forward to seeing Eric. She said nothing until she considered the options.

Oscar, you know Ill do anything for you and the Center, but I cant work through lunch today. I made plans, Tina regretfully said. But I will do this, she quickly shot back. Ill get on it now, leave for my appointment, and then work until its done tonight. Deal? Tina said with pleading eyes.

Yeah, sure. Why not. Thanks Tina, Im so happy I can count on you. Oh, and this one is billable. Youre officially on the payroll, Oscar grinned hoping that would influence her even more.

Hey, I would have done it for free. You know I love the kids and would do anything to see you happy, Tina stood up and hugged Oscar. Now, let go of me so I can get started, Tina broke the embrace and went to her desk.