Interlude

"So you see Rebecca, we're not all fluff." Josephena gathered her papers together and stacked them neatly on her lap. "Contrary to what you might believe, Jezel and myself are bringing together countless important articles and subject matters for this project."

"Exactly!" Jezel reached over and squeezed Josephena's shoulder. "Thank you for pointing that out. I've been arguing with our esteemed editor about the relevancy of each and every one of these stories."

Rebecca folded her hands on her large desktop and narrowly eyed the two women in front of her. "I've said it before, I'm not throwing ashes in your eyes. I want this as much as you both do, otherwise I wouldn't have contracted it to you. Frankly, I think you both are the very best at researching these topics, and I think that the majority of what you've brought to the table is noteworthy and I'm completely willing to consider it." She paused.

"Yet, you aren't convinced that either of us are following your advice, right?"

"It's not that Josephena. I know you are entirely capable of acting on your own professionalism. But it's my job to trim the fat and tailor these collective pieces into something that I can present to my boss. I can't have him tossing anything out the window, I need to be absolutely sure where our direction is. I will be fighting for this in the office, just are you both are arguing it in front of me. I'm sure you can see my point."

"Of course we do, Rebecca, but you also have to compromise with us. We are busting our asses out there thumbing through all this information. Bear in mind that this isn't the final product. It's only a collection of options. We have plenty more for you to consider."

Rebecca couldn't help sighing. "How did I know you were going to say that?"

Jezel managed a small laugh. "It's your job. Just as all this," she motioned to the papers on the desk and in Josephena's lap, "is ours."

"Well, I figure we better get looking at what else you both have. I have to say that I very much liked that last piece from the doctor. We might be able to add that in at the end of the book to mark a severe transition, before we wrap up everything with the light Britney Pikes' Comeback."

"We aren't doing that," Jezel said.

"What? Why not?"

"Think about Becca. When we finally put this book out, who knows where Miss. Pikes will ultimately be. I dare to venture at her rate she could be six feet under. I highly doubt we want to send a dace-through-the-daisies story, when there is a very good chance she could be spiraling back down to hell again."

"You have a point. So, what else do you have."

Josephena reached into a Coach bag strung across the back of her chair. "I've saved the best stuff for last. Take a look at this....