“So tell me about you.”  Bette started.

“Ok.” She took a sip of the coffee and set it down. “I was born and raised in Texas.  My mother was a professor and my father was the coach of the women’s tennis team so tennis runs in my family.  I graduated from UT with a film degree and then I moved to LA and started working in sports production.  I did that for about 4 years and then decided I wanted to get more involved with the athletes themselves.  I didn’t really want to be involved in the financial side so I opted for personal assistant…Tell me if I’m going on too much since this is all on my resume…”

Bette had to shake herself.  She had been listening to Tina’s voice as much as she had what Tina was saying.  For some reason, Tina’s voice created a calm inside her.

“Um no this is great background.  I’m not much for trolling through resumes.  Tell me though, why did you leave Marina?  She spoke very highly of you so I can only assume it wasn’t because you didn’t like one another.”

“Actually just the opposite.  I won’t get into the details, it’s a personal matter between us but I adore Marina”  Bette waited to see if Tina would say more but nothing else was forthcoming.  Tina seemed to be lost in her thoughts for the moment.

“Ok.  Well what exactly did you do for Marina as a PA?” Bette asked, changing the subject.

“Well, I managed her schedule, ensured she was eating what she needed to eat, I worked out with her to help make sure she kept her training up.  I dealt with her correspondence, often dealt with her sponsors and training partners and even the WTA. I managed her travel itineraries. I’m also a certified masseuse so sometimes, when her regular physio was around, I helped there.”

“Wow, maybe I should ask what your didn’t do for her.”  Bette joked but was really impressed with this woman.  “I think its academic to keep asking you questions, as far as I’m concerned you're hired but I’m sure you have some questions for me.” 

“Actually yes.  What are you looking for in a personal assistant?”

Bette stood up and looked out the window.  “I’m having a bit of a slump.  I was an overnight sensation after 10 years of working my ass off and out of Argentina.  This past year, I’ve lost one of my best friends when Lisa left me and I’m at a loss.  I also seem to have trouble finding joy in winning but that’s not something I would look to you to help with.  “ Bette turned back to see Tina watching her with genuine concern.  “I guess most of all I’m looking for someone I can count on as having my best interests at heart.”  Bette looked at Tina with such a forlorn look it almost broke Tina’s heart.  She didn’t know why but she was drawn to this woman and decided she wanted to be the one that Bette could count on.

 “I would love to work for you but there’s a couple of things you need to know about me since you are in the public eye.”

Bette looked at her curiously.

“I have a 5 year old daughter I’m raising by myself so there are times when I will need to have her with me or to be with her when she needs me.”

Bette nodded her head in full appreciation.

“I’m also a lesbian.”

Bette gave her a bemused look.  “But I thought you said you had a daughter.”

“I do.” 

Bette found that Tina was going to say nothing more.  “Well, your sexual preference is no concern of mine.  I think my friendship with Al and Dana is testament to the fact that I'm more than comfortable with your orientation.”  Bette held out her hand.  “So what do you say?”

Tina stood and grinned.  “But we haven’t even talked money.”

“Would you be happy with 30% more than you were making with Marina?”

“I would.  You have a deal.”  Tina shook Bette’s hand.

“Great, when can you start?”

“This afternoon?”  Tina offered. “I’d just like to take Katie to lunch before her afternoon preschool.”

“God, that would be great.  Hey why don’t you bring her over so we can meet?”

Tina gave Bette a big smile of approval.  “I’ll do that.”  Bette smiled back then walked with Tina to see her out.

On their way, they ran into Jody who was returning from his “business’ breakfast with a producer from one of the morning shows.  He looked up with a bit of surprise and greeted Bette with a small kiss.  “Bette shouldn’t you be on the court?”

“I’m taking the day off.” She informed.

“Bette” he admonished her and then turned to rudely give Tina the once over, apparently approving what he saw by the leer her gave her.

Bette opted to ignore his patronizing attitude.  “Tina, this is Jody, my husband.”

Tina stuck out her hand as Bette continued.  “Jody, this is Tina my new personal assistant.”  Jody’s smile faltered, he dropped his hand and turned to Bette before completing their handshake.  “Um Bette darling I think we need to talk about this before you make a final decision.  I am responsible for your career afterall.”

Tina just watched, trying to get a sense for a dynamic between the two, She was definitely familiar with Bette’s British husband who had a bit of success on the court but was more known for the success off of it.  Even having just met Bette, she could tell that there was a definite change in the Latina’s demeanor, signaling an impending burst.

“Actually Jody, I’m responsible for my career, not you, and my personal assistant is just that-mine.”  Jody was speechless and hating that his wife had one upped him. “Fine darling”  he responded with a sneer.  “I’m just going to go the club since I’m obviously of no value here.”  And with that he left in a huff, unveiling in a single meeting all Tina needed to know about that man.

Tina smirked before she could catch herself.  Bette’s response was to wink at her.  “Probably goes to show why Anglos and Latinos shouldn’t marry.  Don’t let him bother you.  You work with me not him.”

Tina smiled again.  “Thanks, that’s good to know.  So I’ll see you around 2p?”