(Tina works away at the kitchen counter and remembers another family gathering a while ago…

She sat there in deep thought as the others enjoyed the discussion outside…’Relinquish the vanquished tides of this thing into the four winds and let the air come in. It’s been such a long ride I don’t know where to begin. It’s all full of sound and fury that the bard said signifies nothing, but I know for me signifies everything. What a life lived and unlived it’s been, from one part to another, from one soul to the next. It’s all about steps taken in the course of time, in the journey of my soul’s awakening and my life’s adventure. The ‘love’ that raged and lost, fought and won, it was all a taking of chance and throwing it to the sands of time and malleable pathways of life. I thought how long it had been since the throws of passion governed the days…day in, day out…but how recently the days determined passion’s fate. It was always like controlling a wild horse in fear of captivity, or detaining the imprisoned captive to prevent its fleeing tendencies and waning potency…but such diminishment would never, thankfully, come. It needs a breathe of fresh air nowadays…or like the waves need to crash on the shore and rekindle their power as they draw back into the ocean, so my love needs its time and its rejuvination.’

Tina feels a hand on her shoulder…)

BETTE- “Hey, you all right T? You look like you’re penning the next chapter in your war and peace journal there…”

TINA- “Yes…I guess I’ve gotten carried away.” (Bette lowers her face to Tina’s and they kiss.) “Are you trying to give me something racy to write about?”

BETTE- “Graded ‘R’ chapters…that sounds like a plan. But what are you doing in here? Everyone is out there partying it up.”

TINA- “I just thought I’d escape for a bit and memorialize my thoughts before I forget them.”

BETTE- “Memorialize? Sounds serious.”

TINA- “Just exploring the inner stuff…you know… ‘feelings, thoughts, emotions…’” (Bette throws her arms around Tina snugly.) “Hey, what’s THAT for?”

BETTE- “I’m exploring my ‘feelings, thoughts, emotions…’ and this is what they’re telling me to do right now.”

TINA- “You’re sweet.”

BETTE- “Sweet? I think I like ‘R’ rated better.” (Tina chuckles.)

TINA- “Mmm…either way, I can’t seem to get enough of you. Gotta pace myself though.”

BETTE- “Pace yourself? What do I look like, a marathon?”

TINA- “No, more like my own personal addiction…except you’re good for me.”

BETTE- “Addiction???? Are you going to have to join a support group or something?”

TINA- “Uhhh… ‘Hi, my name is Tina and I’m a Bettoholic…”

BETTE- “I guess acknowledging it is the first step. But towards what I wonder.”

TINA- “Towards eternal happiness.”

BETTE- “Ohhhh. Any idea where I can find my own addiction to eternal happiness?”

TINA- “EXCUSE ME? If you even have to ask I’m moving on to better dependencies…”

BETTE- “Easy there my love…I know where my addiction lies…” (She grasps her tighter and kisses her head and neck.)

Tina is distracted from her remembrance by Gerri as she prepared the food at the kitchen counter.)

GERRI- “Here you go. Steve and I can cut the other pieces too if you want.”

TINA- “Nope, that’s good. So kiddo, what’s new with you?”

GERRI- “Not much. Keeping up with classes and spending much of my time helping Professor Porter, along with Steve.”

TINA- “Did Professor Porter tell you about the idea you had? I wanted to talk to you. I think we could probably put something together. The Children’s Centre has always been a favoured charity for our company. The Peabody Foundation has always supported it. I think your idea is great, as does Helena my colleague. Helena Peabody. I think we should have a meeting at our offices, so think of putting something together and arrange a time for whenever you’re ready. I’ll guide you with a proposal so that we can then take it forward if Helena agrees too.”

GERRI- “I don’t know what to say…that’s amazing…I can’t believe it.”

TINA- “Believe it. Anyway, how’s life with Professor Porter, she working you to the bone?”

GERRI- “Well it’s a lot of work for sure, but I really enjoy it and she’s…well, she’s just…wow…you know?”

TINA- (She smiles…) “WOW? I don’t know if she impresses me THAT much…but the old lady has some really good points, I’ll give her that!” (They both laugh.) “She can be quite the workhorse, so careful not to fall into the same trap. It’s easy to lose yourself in the work and lose balance in your life when you’re not paying attention to it. I’m sure things can get stressful for you…planning your work, classes, career…what’s next on the horizon…and so forth. I see it in Angelica’s life too. It’s an exciting time in your lives, but it can be difficult too. Just remember it only happens once, and time goes by quickly…enjoy it, experience it above all else.”

GERRI- “She’s at Yale?”

TINA- “She’s actually here now but yes, she’s going back soon. You might get to see her later. How about you? What are your plans?”

GERRI- “I don’t know. There are so many options. Right now I’m just so caught up in my school work and Professor Porter…” (her eyebrows come together as she quickly catches her Freudian slip…) “I mean the work we do for her…uhmmm…it’s so exciting…”

TINA- “Well, I’m sure you’ll figure everything out…and if Porter gets too much for you, just tell her to ease off with the work. If she gives you trouble, refer her to me. Not that I want to interfere, and I rarely do, but I like you Gerri and so does she…we want the best for you.”

GERRI- “She does?”

TINA- “Hmm?”

GERRI- “Professor Porter?”

TINA- “You mean like you?” (Gerri nods.) “Well yes, of course. She thinks you’re great and gifted too.”

GERRI- “Really?” (She’s smiling wide.)

TINA- “Really…” (Gerri stares off and downward, contemplating…) “Gerri?”

GERRI- “Yeah?”

TINA- “You ok?”

GERRI- “Mhm.” (She nods and looks away.)

TINA- “You know she’s been worried about you lately.” (Gerri looks at her.) “She wants you to be happy.”

GERRI- “I am…it’s so amazing getting to work with her. I can’t tell you how much. She changed my life and your kindness too those months ago made a world of difference. I feel indebted to you both. She’s an amazing lady…I can’t get over how lucky I am to know her. I look forward to seeing…working with her every day, working closely with her…she’s…I’ve never had anyone like that in my life. It’s such a blessing.” (Tina is listening to Gerri’s words a little more carefully at this point.) “You know?”

TINA- (She looks at her inquisitively but with a smile…) “I guess I might have some idea… I’ve had that mocha beauty in my life for much of my life at this point…we’re lovers so it’s kinda hard to be objective.” (Gerri blushes and looks uncomfortable…) “Sorry…I didn’t mean to gross you out or anything…” (Tina smiles.)

GERRI- “Oh no…no…sorry…that’s…wow…you’re so lucky…I mean you’re both…you know…to have that…the…to be so…she’s like…so beautiful…but you are too…”

TINA- “Gerri…”

GERRI- “Wow…this stove is hot…”

TINA- (She smiles with some curiosity…) “Ahhh…it’s not on yet…”

GERRI- “Oh…well…gee, it must be the…can I get you some water or something?”

TINA- “No, thank you though…Gerri…”

GERRI- “Ya?”

TINA- “There’s some cooled water in the fridge….”

GERRI- “No, oh no…I’ll just go outside…” (She starts moving…) “I’ll…I’ll be back…” (She moves faster. Tina looks a bit perplexed. Steve comes over.)

TINA- “Hey there. I think my other helper has abandoned me for a bit…care to join me?”

STEPHEN- “Abandoned you? I doubt that.”

TINA- “I think I scared her.” (Steve looks at her perplexed…) “I think the notion of old ladies having sex can be really disconcerting…” (Steve looks shocked and doesn’t know what to say. Tina chuckles.) “Sorry, inside joke…don’t worry Stephen, I won’t share any x-rated commentary with you…it’s safe.”

STEVE- “Oh…okay…I think…”

TINA- “So, you like working with Gerri? She seems to think you’re having a good time.”

STEVE- “Ger is cool. She really helped me settle in and get acclimated to working with the professor. She’s really intimidating at first, but once you get passed that and her looks, her presence…a beautiful woman…it’s hard not to be struck by her, but once you get over that…she’s so down to earth and fun to work…” (He freezes and looks at Tina…) “I’m such an idiot…I’m so sorry…”

TINA- “It’s ok! Don’t worry. Like I was telling Gerri, I…hmmm…never mind. Let me put it this way, it wasn’t all that different when I first met her myself.”

STEVE- “Really?”

TINA- “Mhm. Though I’d like to think I made some sort of impression too you know!”

STEVE- “Oh totally! You probably threw her for a loop I’m sure.”

BETTE- (She just came up to them…) “Threw who for a loop?” (Tina chuckles and Steve almost turns tomato red.)

TINA- (Tina is caught off guard but then smiles…) “One of my lovers…” (Bette looks at Tina with some surprise, then at Gerri, who looks like he might faint, then back at Tina…)

BETTE- “Okaaaaaaaaay…I think I hear Alice calling…” (She smiles as her eyes widen and Tina chuckles as she walks off.)

TINA- (To Steve…) “That’ll teach her to sneak up on people!” (She looks at Steve…) “Steve…you ok?” (He nods and smiles.) “My goodness you kids are uptight today. Porter’s got you all working way too hard I think.” (She smacks him lightly on the arm and they both start laughing.)

(Suddenly, the front door swings open…Helena and Shane follow Grizzi and Peggy in…they had carried her up the front steps after they arrived out front. Peggy called Helena to tell her to bring a friend to help her dismount the car and enter the house.)

PEGGY- “Ms. Kennard! Porter enslaving you in the kitchen again!”

TINA- “Peggy! Hi!” (She walks over.) “It’s good to see you. I’m so glad you could come.”

PEGGY- “Good thing I had my helpers here…though they almost killed me carrying me up the steps…”

TINA- “Oh…I’m sorry…they should have brought you around the back.”

GRIZZI- “Oh don’t worry dear, she would have protested…royalty always uses the front door. Hello, I’m Grizzelda Marsh, call me Grizzi.” (She shakes hands with Tina.)

TINA- “Hi. I’ve heard so much about you. It’s a pleasure to meet you. Welcome.”

GRIZZI- “Thank you. I’m pleased to be here. You have a lovely home by the way…I like the artwork. Interesting choices, if I may say.”

TINA- “Well thank you.”

PEGGY- “Careful Tina, she likes to hear herself talk…better say something quick…”

HELENA- “MUMMY!”

GRIZZI- (To Peggy…) “No, I just remembered you’re here…I better get a word in edgewise before you get started…”

PEGGY- “Don’t scare the nice people Grizzi, try and be cordial…oh and take me out to the backyard, I see there’s some action out there…” (Grizzi smiles, shakes her head and starts pushing the chair, taking it over from Helena…) “Don’t worry Tina, I’ll make sure to keep them entertained out there.” (Anticipating a comment from Grizzi…) “Shut up Grizzi…Helena be a dear and help Tina with the food.” (As Grizzi pushes Peggy past Steve she smiles at him…) “Yes, fine…very fine…” (Steve stares in the headlights of Bette Davis and Mae West go by…)

HELENA- “Entrances are her specialties…sorry Tina…”

TINA- “Not to worry, I get a kick out of her.”

HELENA- “I’m about ready sometimes to her a swift kick in the…”

TINA- “MIZZZZZ Peabody…I won’t have you talking that way about my favourite Peabody!”

HELENA- “Oh yes…goodness forbid…” (They chuckle.)

TINA- (They walk over to where Steve is and as they do they hear cheering outside…the likely result of everyone seeing Peggy.) “Well, sounds like she’s keeping them happy!”

HELENA- “So nice to hear that Tina…you know, I can’t imagine what happiness it is to her to get that reaction from them, though I’m sure she won’t dare reveal it beyond the huge smile that no doubt is at this very moment plastered across her face.”

TINA- “I’m sure they’ll get quite of kick out of her and that Grizzi lady. She’s got quite the presence and they have an interesting rapport.”

HELENA- “Yes, regular Abbot & Costello…Ya, they’ve been friends for years.” (She looks at Steve…) “Well then, who is this fine young gentleman?”

TINA- “Stephen…or Steve, as he prefers, this is Helena Peabody, an old friend and colleague. Helena this is Steve, one of Bette’s research assistants this year.”

HELENA- “Pleasure.” (They shake hands.)

TINA- “Would you excuse me for a moment? I have to go get something.” (Something had caught Tina’s eye earlier. Helena nods and chats with Steve as Tina goes off. Tina goes outside and takes a quick look around. She comes back in and heads to the back part of the house where the bedrooms are. She walks to their bedroom and opens the door. There she was…there they both were…sitting on the bed…)

BETTE- “Tina…”

TINA- “Bette?”

BETTE- “T…”

TINA- “I…what…”

BETTE- “Tina…”

TINA- “No…no…it’s…I should go…”

BETTE- “Please…stay…”

TINA- “What’s wrong?”

BETTE- “I don’t know. I walked in and she was here sitting on the chair, looking towards our bed…crying…”

TINA- (She walks up to them slowly and as Bette disengages her arm from around Gerri’s shoulder, Tina takes Bette’s place and looks up at Bette who shrugs and shakes her head, indicating she doesn’t know what’s going on. Tina nods her head as Bette walks off and closes the door behind her as she exits the bedroom.) “Hey kiddo…what’s going on? Hmmmm?” (Gerri starts emitting muffled half-speech in between cries and sniffles…Tina looks at her like she’s speaking Bablylonian…) “It’s ok…ok…”

GERRI- “I…I’m so…” (cries and deep breaths and sobs…) “I…I think I…I’m so sorry…” (And she falls into Tina’s embrace again…)

TINA- “It’s ok…take your time. They’ve barely got started out there and I expect this one is going well into the night. But let’s not miss ALL the fun. Easy does it.”

GERRI- (She pulls away a bit, looks at Tina briefly…) “I’m sorry…I shouldn’t be sitting on your bed…”

TINA- “It’s ok…I’ll have it fumigated later…” (Gerri finally breaks out with a laugh…) “Did Bette chastise you for sitting on our temple of love?” (Gerri laughs again and Tina smiles. Tina puts her hand on Gerri’s face.) “Tell me…you know I won’t tell anyone, even old professor Porter.”

GERRI- (Sniffling, wiping her tears…) “Are you sure?”

TINA- “Of course.”

GERRI- “Tina I feel awful.”

TINA- “Whatever it is, I’m sure I’ve heard much worse. Have you met Alice?” (Gerri looks at her and Tina smiles. Gerri snifflechuckles…you know, crying and laughing and the same time…but I digress…) “You should hear the stories that Alice has to tell. So don’t worry. I’m sure that whatever it is we can deal with it. I’m surprised old Professor Porter didn’t get it out of you.”

GERRI- (She shakes her head…) “No…no…I couldn’t…never…my God. Oh Tina…what am I doing?”

TINA- “You’re keeping me in some suspense. Is it about the family issues? Has that gotten worse?” (Gerri shakes her head.) “Is it school? Are you having issues at school?” (Gerri shakes her head but not quite so much.) “Someone at school?” (Geri nods her head just a bit…) “Are you…oh…are you having relationship trouble?” (Gerri looks at her…) “Oh Gerri, I’m sorry…but it’s ok…we all get our hearts broken.” (Gerri starts tearing up again…) “Sweetie, are you in love?” (Gerri nods her head and starts crying…)

GERRI- “I…I think so…”

TINA- “You THINK so? Does this person know?” (Gerri shakes her head.) “Oh, you poor thing. Do you have to see them a lot at school?” (Gerri nods her head.) “It’s tough, I know. You think there’s any chance you could be honest with them and maybe see what happens?” (Gerri sobs while shaking her head.) “I guess that’s a definite ‘no’.” (Gerri nods.)

(In the kitchen, Alice comes up to Helena and Steve, who had been talking Helena’s ear off.)

HELENA- “Oh Alice! Thank goodness you’re here.”

ALICE- “What’s up Helena, forgot how to cook? Hey there Stephen, Kit’s looking for you outside.” (Steve excuses himself carrying a half empty martini glass and leaves.)

HELENA- “Oh thank the Lord! You came just in time…I was going to commit a murder suicide…either that or put my head into the boiling water…”

ALICE- “What? What’s up?”

HELENA- “Nice boy…very nice boy, but my goodness…he wouldn’t stop talking about her…Professor Porter this, Professor Porter that…honestly, you’d think he’d never met a woman before…”

ALICE- “Ohhhhhhh…so our ‘Stevie’ boy is hot for Porter huh?”

HELENA- “He kept telling me how beautiful she is and elegant and knowledgeable and kind and generous to her students and how he’s so lucky to know her…oye…” (She smacks her forehead with her hand…) “And he kept asking questions… how did I meet her? Have I known her long? I mean really…”

ALICE- “Honestly!”

HELENA- “Seriously…”

ALICE- “What’s wrong Peabody, you got Porter envy?”

HELENA- “You little twit! I’ve got nothing of the kind! He was relentless I tell you.” (Alice chuckles and then Helena does too.) “It was kind of cute actually…poor thing…”

(Outside, Steve is helping Kit with the barbecue.)

PEGGY- “So Stevie?” (She turns to Shane…) “Is that the young man’s name?”

SHANE- (Whispering…) “Um…no, I think it’s ‘Steve’ or ‘Stephen’…”

PEGGY- “Oh…how manly…” (Yelling out to Steve…) “Oh Stephen, come here and talk to aunt Peggy.”

GRIZZI- “Aunt Peggy?”

PEGGY- “Well, what should I say?”

GRIZZI- “How about ‘gra…” (she stops herself…) “oh never mind…Stephen…come play with the old ladies here, Kit has monopolized your time enough. Come tell us what it’s like to work for Professor Porter…”

PEGGY- “Don’t embarrass the boy Grizzi…”

(Tina is still trying to comfort Gerri who is snifflebabbling…)

TINA- “It’s ok Gerri. It’ll be ok. Believe me, you’ll find the one for you…if it’s not this time it’ll happen. We all go through this. You’ll look back on this one day and laugh.” (Gerri is still crying but listening to Tina as the latter holds her hand and tries to comfort her…) “So, does Bette know this person? Are you classmates?”

GERRI- (She looks at her, wiping her tears…she shakes her head…)

TINA- “Oh. Someone who works there?”

GERRI- (Looks down and nods.)

TINA- (Smiles…) “Okay…this is going to take a while…am I going to have to settle for nods and shakes?”

GERRI- (Looks at her briefly…) “Sorry…”

TINA- “It’s ok.” (She pats her on the head.) “Sooo…don’t tell me it’s a teacher…though if it is, it might be better if you talk to Bette. She may have a better perspective.” (Gerri shakes her head…) “You feel uncomfortable telling her? Yeah, well I guess I can understand that. Gerri…is it a teacher?”

GERRI- (Almost whispering and her tears starting to wane…) “Yes.” (She nods.)

TINA- “It’s ok. It’s common, that sort of thing. Sometimes teachers can be very inspirational, especially in the transition times of a young person’s life. They can be very supportive and serve as examples to the young people who look to them every day for insight. We all have had crushes at one time or another on teachers…I had a prof once who…” (Tina starts to feel self-conscious…Gerri looks up at her…) “well…I was just taken…beautiful and was very comforting when I…” (She looks ahead and pauses…) “had some issues…” (she looks at Gerri…) “Gerri…” (Gerri starts crying. Tina puts her hand around her…) “Hey…it’s ok…” (Tina looks ahead and her eyes dart a bit…she smiles though she’s a little uncertain of what to say…) “Gerri, is it…” (A knock is heard and Bette walks half way through the door to see how things are.) “We’re fine…we’ll be fine…no no no…out…we need privacy…”

BETTE- “I just want to…”

TINA- “It’s ok…go…just go…we’re busy…out…”

BETTE- “But…is she ok?”

TINA- “Gerri and I are having a talk…OUT…please…” (Bette smiles and leaves.) “Sorry…Gerri…you can’t help your feelings. There’s no reason to feel so badly. I totally understand. Kiddo, it’s not the end of the world.”

GERRI- (Sniffletalking…) “It might as well be…why do I have to feel all this for the wrong person…it’s a cosmic joke…”

TINA- “Hey now…there’s no wrong or right in these things…”

GERRI- “Tina I’m so sorry. I’m so embarrassed.”

TINA- “I understand but believe me…no reason to be embarrassed. It’ll be ok. Now…just to make sure we’re on the same wavelength…it’s the mocha beauty we’re talking about aren’t we?”

GERRI- “Huh?”

TINA- (Giving her reference a second thought…maybe only she used that term…) “Uhh…Professor Porter?” (Gerri starts crying. A knock is heard and Helena walks in.)

HELENA- “Oh…everything all right in here?” (Gerri stops crying. Tina makes a face like she doesn’t know what to say but she shews Helena away with a hand gesture. Helena shakes her head and comes over and sits on the other side of Gerri.) “Hey there…it’s ok Gerri. Do you mind if I sit? The party’s getting kind of raunchy out there…my mother is driving Grizzi mad, Alice I think is scaring Steve…who, by the way, poor boy…Tina, I’m afraid Bette has a new groupie…”

TINA- “What?”

HELENA- “This poor Stephen boy…he’s head over heals for Porter…can’t believe it…poor thing…has a crush on her…either that or he’s just mesmerized by her knowledge of art…”

GERRI- (She wipes her eyes and looks at Helena…) “Stephen?”

HELENA- “Nice boy really, but drove me bananas…the more drinks he had, he wouldn’t stop talking about Bette, so I unleashed Alice on him…with any luck, she’ll turn him into a lesbian identified male.” (Helena chuckles to herself and Tina shakes her head and starts chuckling.) “I’m mean really…what’s so special about Porter anyway?”

TINA- “Hey!”

HELENA- “Oh please…she’s beautiful and all, but not quite ‘crush’ material…” (She turns to Gerri…) “You know what I mean?” (Gerri shakes her head…) “Well I guess it’s all a matter of perspective…”

TINA- “Helena…”

HELENA- “Now if I were a student, I think I’d be a little more taken with Professor Grandamme…now there’s quite a persona…you know her Gerri, she’s one of Bette’s colleagues.”

GERRI- “I used to work for her.”

HELENA- “Oh, then you know what I mean…she’s quite stunning. Well ok, Bette is sort of impressive in that way, but Grandamme…hmmmmm…she’s got…you know, that Sophia Lauren sort of appeal…” (Gerri looks at her perplexed…) “You don’t think so?” (Gerri shakes her head.) “Oh sure, you’d be more into Bette wouldn’t you?” (Gerri looks disconcerted….)

TINA- “Uuuhhh Helena, do you think you could give us a moment?”

HELENA- “Oh alright, I guess I better get out there. Tina, Kit was looking for you and so was Alice. Better check on our Stephen in case Alice has put him into shock…”

TINA- “Bye Helena…we’ll see you out there.” (Helena pats Gerri on the head, smiles and leaves.) “Well then…maybe we should get poor Stephen in here for a chat…” (She looks at Gerri and they both start to chuckle…) “Isn’t life funny? Listen kiddo, why don’t you go get freshened up and go out there and get a drink. I better make the rounds a bit before everybody starts walking in here. We’ll talk some more a bit later while the rest of them are all drunk. And please don’t worry. We’ll figure it all out.” (Gerri nods and Tina pats her on the arm as she leaves. Tina sits there and looks ahead…she looks at herself in the mirror and smiles, she shakes her head. A knock is heard and Bette pops her head in…)

BETTE- “Can I come in or will I get into trouble?” (Tina waves her in. She shuts the door and sits next to Tina.) “So…what’s all the excitement I seem to be missing?” (Tina chuckles and shakes her head.) “You know I think Alice got Stephen a little under the influence…I don’t know who is more dangerous to him…Alice or Peggy…I have to make sure to keep him safely away from both of them.” (Bette chuckles and Tina starts to laugh. Bette looks at her like there’s something Tina’s not telling her.) “What?” (Tina continues to laugh…) “Hey…what’s so funny? What’s going on with Gerri? Is she ok?” (Tina looks at Bette, almost like she’s going to say something but then can’t help but laugh…) “WHAT???? Oh come on…tell me…what’s going on with everybody?”

TINA- (Trying to stop laughing enough to talk…she takes Bette’s hand and shakes her head as she laughs some more and looks at Bette…) “Koo koo ca choo Mrs. Porter…”

BETTE- “I thought I was Mrs. Kennard…Aren’t I Mrs. Kennard and you’re Mrs. Porter?”

TINA- “What?”

BETTE- “I dunno…T…what’s going on?”

TINA- “I just told you…”

BETTE- “Told me what? ‘Koo koo ca choo Mrs. Porter’…what does…” (She looks at Tina…and feigning being discovered in an illicit affair…) “Uh oh…you found out about my affair with the sexy student?” (Tina’s eyebrows come together as Bette smiles, not really knowing yet what’s going on or that this has anything to do with Gerri…) “You know I’m highly desirable Mrs. Kennard…” (Tina picks up a pillow and hits Bette…) “Hey!!!” (They get into a bit of a friendly scuffle as they fall off the bed and Tina falls onto Bette on the floor…out of sight of the doorway.) “Well, Mrs. Kennard, I must say…you’re quite intent on having your way with me aren’t you? I’m quite sexy in my advanced age sort of way I know…” (Tina starts laughing again…) “What is so funny Kennard?” (Tina positions herself intently over Bette and grasps her lips. Bette returns the veracity of the provocation and they start to enjoy the moment. There’s a knock at the door and it opens…)

PEGGY- “Bette? Tina???? I thought she said they were in here…”

GRIZZI- “Well I guess not. Really Peggy, we shouldn’t have come to their bedroom in any event. It’s not nice to disturb people in their bedrooms…”

PEGGY- “Oh come now Grizzi, they’re not going to be going at in the middle of hosting their own dinner…” (Bette and Tina look at one another smiling and trying not to laugh…) “Besides, they’re not exactly young lovers you know…” (Bette raises an eyebrow almost at the same moment that Tina does…)

GRIZZI- “That doesn’t mean their love life isn’t active…I’m still quite energetic myself…”

PEGGY- “YOU? Oh yes…you’re a veritable energizer bunny when it comes to ‘the act’…”

GRIZZI- “The act? Oh come now…I think the ‘hunt’ is pretty exciting myself…”

PEGGY- “Yes, I’m sure your prey have never run faster in their young lives!”

GRIZZI- “HEY!!!!” (She starts chuckling and so does Peggy as Bette and Tina struggle not to laugh.) “Peggy I half to admit…that’s a good one!”

PEGGY- “Come on you old cougar…let’s go back…I need another drink…”

GRIZZI- “Somebody warn Stephen…”

PEGGY- “Oh stifle it…” (The door closes as they banter on. Tina rests her head on Bette’s chest as they laugh.)

TINA- (Through the laughter…) “Those two are priceless…”

BETTE- “Are you going to explain the ‘Coo Coo Ca Choo Mrs. Porter’ now, or am I going to have to force it out of you?” (Tina can’t stop laughing…) “Kennard…”

TINA- “Mmmm…force it out of me Porter…” (Bette looks at her and laughs a devilish snicker…) “Oh no Bette…we are not going to ‘go at it’ while hosting our own dinner…Bette…Bette…” (Bette wasn’t listening…instead, she commenced her ‘interrogation’ and got lost in the throws of it somewhere.)