I hope you are still enjoying how this is going.
This chapter contains the S5 Fix-it - Sullivan style.
Remember in this story - The television show reveals that the real HG Wells was in fact, Helena Wells and that her
long time trusted friend and lawyer, 'Michaela Baring' is her love interest.

Nine Lives

With Eileen off in the library with the temptresses, things went back on track in the dining room. Helena couldn't help but smile as she watched Myka watch the actress leave. Things might have been forgiven, but Helena knew that look. Myka wasn't about to forget. And Helena loved it.

"Boss, we have everything set. I suggest we take extra security precautions especially when this first hits. I'd like a couple of security people outside," Pete said.

"Very well," Helena said. "I also suggest we look into getting some local help in Colorado for the Berings," she added.

Myka hadn't really thought about it, but it stood to reason that the press would want to ask her parents questions. "Thank you, Helena," she said reaching over to touch Helena's hand. It seemed to Myka that since last night, she couldn't get enough of touching Helena. Just holding her hand seemed different – as if the sensation of something more permanent was coming through in that touch.

"I'd like to remind everyone," Irene said and everyone in the room knew that by 'everyone' – she meant Helena. "….that tangling with the press only incites them more. It's like adding fuel to the fire. So perhaps some prepared statements would be wise?"

Everyone's eyes fell on the CEO who was surprised by the looks. "What?" she asked as if she didn't know why they meant her.

"I think Helena and I will come up with something to put them off if we can," Myka said, leaning into Helena.

Myka didn't know if it was because the woman who kissed Helena was in the house, or if it was a side effect of being newly engaged, but she was feeling very territorial. And if she was feeling that way, Helena might be feeling it, too.

The decision was made to release the news at 5 PM, an hour from then. The required staff was notified and extra security cameras were being put in place. Jane had already contacted the department in charge of crowd control. Bridget decided there really wasn't much else for her to do, so she and Sarah got up to leave. Helena asked to see her in the library first.

"You did an excellent job," Helena said, walking to her desk.

"Thank you, Helena," Bridget said. "I appreciated the opportunity to work with you."

"This envelope contains the amount we agreed upon, and this one - a bonus that I have decided will compensate you for your discretion," Helena said because she really appreciated how Bridget had kept everything secret.

"Of course," Bridget said because confidentiality was key to her job. "Helena, could I ask a favor in lieu of that bonus?"

Helena was surprised that the investment banker was asking before she even knew what the bonus amount was. In fact, it was half of what her payment was – a sizable sum. Helena smiled to indicate she could ask.

"Would you consider including 'someone's designs in your choices for wedding dresses? You don't have to choose hers if it's not to your liking, of course. I know Vera will probably be at your door as soon as the news breaks," Bridget smiled.

Helena hadn't given the wedding couture any thought yet. It was obviously going to be a very big deal for the fashion world and designers would be lined up to offer their suggestions. Helena never played favorites - in spite of the begging from some creators. She wore what she liked - period.

Helena knew what Bridget was asking and had sized Sarah Styles up rather quickly. She was a beautiful, talented woman whose limitations were set by her insecurity. This was not Helena's problem. Helena believed insecurity was personal – as in - it was the person's job to face their insecurities and deal with them.

Thought the woman who had none.

But Helena wasn't listening to Sarah's insecurities – she was listening to Bridget Cummings who was very confident and very savvy and was willing to forgo a small fortune – in order to garner a favor for her girlfriend.

That - Helena could respect, because that - Helena understood.

"Consider it done," Helena said, handing both envelopes to Bridget. "I understand," Helena added. Bridget never felt so understood in her life. For a woman who could be so utterly challenging, Helena could also be very engaging.

"Thank you, Helena," Bridget said, and tried to hand back the envelope marked 'Bonus'.

"I won't hear of it," Helena said and her definite tone and smile conveyed the matter was closed.

When Helena returned, she didn't sit down. This was everyone's cue that it was time to leave. People gathered their things and thanked their hostesses for brunch. There was another round of congratulations and more kisses. Irene deciphered the exasperation in Helena's expression.

"You know there's a great deal more of this to come, don't you?" Irene said, staring up into Helena's eyes. "A – great – deal – more."

"Then you best be on your toes, Mrs. Frederic," Helena said, volleying the proverbial ball back at her.

It wasn't until Myka closed the door after team Bering-Wells left that the hostesses realized the house was not quite empty yet. The voices coming from the library suddenly could be heard quite clearly.

"I know that you are the director. Yes, I know you are also a writer. But you are going against the canon of the show," they heard Eileen say… twice.

Inside, the woman in charge sat between the two actresses on the couch. Her laptop was opened and on the coffee table with the Facetime app operating so they could all talk to the man at once.

"Jack, you knew this was the storyline from the beginning," Jaime said, looking at the man.

"Yes, but …," the man tried to say.

"Jack, you see the chemistry between Jaime and me on screen. It's exactly what the direction of this show is supposed to have," Joanne said.

"Look guys, it's one thing to sell HG Wells as a woman," the director said, lifting his baseball cap and running his other hand over his head.

"I believe you're falling short of the vision of this show, sir," Eileen said because she seriously doubted that the director/writer/producer was getting it.

"There is only a small demographic that this storyline would attract," he tried. "The majority of people want to see Michaela Baring - HG Wells' friend and confidante - kiss Nicola Tesla."

"This is not about demographics, Jack and you know it," Jaime said vehemently. The seasoned actress had been around long enough to know what they could do and couldn't do on television.

"You practically have full frontal nudity and same sex couples in that post-apocalyptic show set in St. Louis," Joanne pointed out and Jaime nodded in agreement.

"I think what we have here is a disagreement about the content of the show. Selling HG Wells as a woman is one thing, but to have her have a female love interest is going to be too difficult," the director said because he believed it.

"I'm sorry to hear that," Eileen said. "And in that case, we thank you for your time, Jack, and we will be sending you your termination papers."

Both actresses' heads twisted quickly to look at the young woman who sat between them on the couch. Directors were not fired. They were negotiated with or given into.

"WHAT?" the man bellowed from the screen. "You can't do that! I went to Julliard."

"Oh but I can. This is my project that Ms. Wells has appointed me to handle. And I do not believe you share the importance of the message of this story," Eileen said calmly. The woman could be very calm when acting on her convictions.

"And what, pray tell, do you see as the message of a show about a historical figure who we turn into a woman to give an old story a new twist?" the man asked. Now he was just annoying her.

"The message sir is that HG Wells was a woman who could not reveal her true identity because of the times she lived in. The message sir is that this did not hold her back and that she excelled at many things in spite of that reality," Eileen said, getting more tense and moving closer to the screen. "The message sir is that she was a brilliant woman who knew what she wanted- and what she wanted was a relationship with Michaela Baring. And no writer, producer, director, or Julliard graduate," Eileen added, her face inches away from the screen, her cheeks flushed with color, "...is going to make that any different!"

Jaime looked over at Joanne, a small smile appearing on her lips at the outburst from the woman in between them.

"You know nothing about televisions shows," the man declared.

"You're correct," Eileen conceded. "But I know everything there is to know about these women and they are destined to be together. Of that I have no doubt. Good day to you," she said as she slammed the laptop closed.

The actresses sat silent – impressed by the woman who sat next to them, uncertain if they still had jobs.

Outside, Myka turned to see the expression on Helena's face. They had both heard the conversation through the door that was ajar. Myka knew Eileen was coming into her own given the task of overseeing Helena's story come to life on television. She knew no one would have more reverence for it to be done well. Myka saw the knowing smile cross over Helena's lips.

"You must be proud of her," Myka whispered.

"She must be proud of herself," Helena said, the smile revealing how pleased she really was.

Minutes later, the trio walked into the hallway where Helena and Myka stood.

"I fired him," Eileen announced.

Helena looked directly at the two actresses. "I hope for your sake, she made the right call."

Myka was hoping Helena would encourage Eileen. Yet, she trusted that Helena knew exactly what she was doing. She never doubted Helena when it came to managing people. The woman was simply brilliant at it.

The comment didn't take Eileen by surprise. She understood now what Helena was doing. And she trusted Helena had her best interest at heart.

"I did make the right call," Eileen said. Myka watched as the smile on Helena's face grew in size.

"Good," Helena said.

There were more goodbyes, repeats of congratulations until finally, the townhouse was silent.

"Oh thank God," Helena said exasperated. Her tolerance for humans after today was at an all-time low.

"You know, the news is going to be released shortly," Myka said, gently pulling Helena closer, cupping the Brit's buttocks in her hands.

The touch sent wild sensations up Helena's spine as Myka increased the squeezing. "I am crazy mad in love with you, Helena," Myka whispered before devouring Helena's lips with her own mouth.

"Show me," Helena gasped when Myka released her lips.

"Oh, I intend to," Myka said, taking Helena's hand and pulling her up the stairs.

"What about …..?" Helena asked, looking toward the library. Why go upstairs?

"Ms. Wells, moments from now, the press will be staged outside our doors….and windows. They will be fighting for the first picture of us as the newly engaged couple. I will not allow that picture …..," Myka said, reaching the landing and pulling Helena in close. "….to be of you… exposed."

"I'm going to be… exposed?" Helena asked coyly – the excitement of the thought making her voice go up.

"Yes, you are …..and in so…many…different…ways," Myka said slowly and deliberately, because she knew exactly how to say things to make Helena – weak.

I'm truly interested in what you think so far and thank you in advance if you care to share.
No disrespect to any persons living.

Cheers,