“Well…” Diana started but then hesitated, her eyes again moving between the other two women, “I’m sorry, we have not actually been introduced.”

Diana slipped her phone into the front right pocket of her cream-colored Alexander McQueen jacket and extended a dainty, manicured hand. She quickly shook with Fiona and Kendra while flashing a very forced smile with glazed over eyes to match. “I’m Diana Deguara, lead producer, but you know that.”

Kendra nodded, “Yes, ma’am, Fiona and I are so glad to be part of… all this.”

“Good,” Diana nodded with a dimpled smirk, “Mark Trenton has spoken highly of you particularly, Fiona. He said you have come such a long way from those early days of NMWW.”

Kendra fought to keep the disappointment from bubbling up across her face. The way Diana had just passed her over so easily for Fiona stung. Kendra quickly reminded herself not to be shaken by it. NMW is after all a business and Diana was interested in performance records and results, not merely sentiment. [i]It still stings though.[/i]

“I just wanted to tell you, Fiona, that next week you have a match scheduled. A very special match at that. I had considered putting you on the card for tonight but I felt it better to wait a week before your second fight. And it works out perfectly as your next opponent will be a very recent acquisition for NMW!” There was a twinkle in Diana’s eyes as she said this.