"I got us a nice summer job, I think you’ll like it," Tasha said guiding Bette through the door of the beach hotel. The Marriot was well air conditioned in contrast the scorching humidity of the Florida air. Both women sighed in relief.

"What kind of job is it?" Bette asked.

"Secretarial and assistant jobs," Tasha said, "I used to live here, so one of my old friends hooked me up. He’s one of the organizers of the Miss Universe pageant that’s being held here this year."

"Miss Universe?" Bette said in shock, "a pageant to find the most beautiful woman in the world? I am so not the woman for the job!"

"Bette stop putting yourself down!" Tasha said, "you could be beautiful if you wanted, I know the girls will love you."

"It’s background work right? So no one will see me," Bette said.

"Bette!" Tasha chided.

"Tash!" A male voice said.

Tasha turned around and raised her arms cheerfully, "Jimmy boy!"

He pulled her into a tight hug and waved her around slightly. He looked at Bette and offered his hand with a bright smile, "I’m James Preston, your new boss."

"Bette Porter," Bette said shaking his hand.

"She’s brilliant, you’ll never have an organization problem again," Tasha said with a grin.

James smiled, "fantastic, so let’s introduce you to the girls."

Tasha and Bette followed James to the elevators. He took them to the penthouse suite then led them to a large room.

"Ladies," he announced to the roomful of gorgeous women from different races, everyone had badges identifying them, "these are our two new organizers Tasha Williams and Bette Porter."

The room filled with chatter of the women saying hello in different languages. 

"Now each of you will focus on one group," James said, "Tasha you’ll be focusing on group 4, that includes Miss Russia, England, Japan, Taiwan, Hungary, South Africa, Jamaica, and Brazil."

"Great," Tasha said with a small smile.

"Bette," James said, "you’ll be working with group 8, that includes Miss U.S.A, Germany, Venezuela, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Czech Republic, Guam, Nigeria, and France."

"And we just have to help our group and do whatever they ask us?" Bette said.

"We’re more than that Bette," James said with a smile, "here we build strong friendships and create a family."

Tasha took Bette’s hand with a small smile, "a family that doesn’t judge or discriminate."

Bette smiled shyly. The models smiled right back at her calmly. The groups started assembling and Tasha took Bette to hers.

Miss U.S.A was the first to speak, "well hello Ms. Porter, my name is Diane."

"Please call me Bette, where are you from?" Bette said.

"Ohio," Diane said with a smile.

"Bonjour, I’m Louise," Miss France said shaking Bette’s hand.

"Me llamo Ileana," Miss Venezuela said.

"Placer en concerla senorita, yo soy Guadalupe," Miss Mexico said.

The introductions went around fast and every single woman was kind and nice. Bette actually felt comfortable even though these women were drop dead gorgeous.

"Now ladies I know you’ll make Bette feel welcome," Tasha said draping her arm over her shoulders, "she was hurt by someone who was shallow and vain. She’s here to heal."

"Then we’ll help her!" Diane said with a beaming smile.

"Of course," Louise added, "you may not believe it, but even as models we’re victims of other people’s vanity."

"Nos usan por dinero o lo que sea," Ileana said, "no se sabe quien te quiere y quien solo quiere tu dinero o fama."

"What?" Bette laughed.

"She said some people use us," Guadalupe said, "we never know if they actually love us or they’re using us for money or fame."

"Mira, quien sea que te jodio va pagarlo," Ileana added, "Dios lo castigara."

Guadalupe stepped forward and said, "she said whoever screwed you over will pay. God will punish him."

"Her actually," Bette said sadly.

"Oh," Louise said, "I wouldn’t have guessed."

"I’m a bit more obvious than her," Tasha said chuckling.

"Hey, no worries," Diane said grabbing Bette’s shoulder gently, "right now things may seem bleak because you have a broken heart, but we’ll help you. We’ll show you that there’s more to life then vanity, glamour, and fame."