Bette stood at the sink, absentmindedly using a dishrag to wash out the crystal glasses that had been used for wine that night.   She was barely registering what Tina was shouting from the living room, where she was quickly trying to gather all the dishes to bring into the kitchen.

“This screen is a menace,” Tina began as she stepped around it, “one would think I would know how to lower it, given the industry I’m in.”

Bette nodded as she stared out the window at the wind blowing, creating small ripples in the pool water.

“….plus I told Aaron he could kiss my ass if he wasn’t going to make Jenna’s movie, it really is an amazing piece of work.”

Tina entered the kitchen and placed the dirty dishes near the sink.  She quickly turned and began to pour herself the remainder of the wine into a glass so she could discard the bottle.

“I’m not sure what I’m doing there if Aaron is going to interfere with every creative decision I make.”

Tina turned to face Bette, who had not moved, let alone acknowledged her presence.  Tina smiled as she leaned back on the counter, watching Bette lost in her thoughts.  She chuckled softly before she began to speak again.  Tina guessed that Bette was preoccupied with the obvious, the pending night at the exclusive club.

“I was hoping to use the dog collar that Alice and Dana gave us to restrain Aaron.  I’m sure he could pee outside like a common dog.”

“Right,” Bette muttered as she continued to move the dishrag within the same glass.

“You wouldn’t mind if I borrow the ball gag I’m sure Alice got you to keep him quiet, do you?”

“Whatever you need, T,” Bette said, beginning to be more alert as Tina laughed.

“What I need is for you to tell me what’s got you so rattled.”

“What?” Bette turned and faced Tina, pretending not to acknowledge her own thoughts.

“You’ve washed the same glass throughout this entire conversation.”  Tina nodded toward the glass to prove her point.  “We’ve discussed Jenna’s film, ball gags, and dog collars without you even flinching.”

“Why would one flinch at a discussion about a dog collar?”  Bette’s tone was dripping with sarcasm as she placed the glass in the soapy water and turned to face Tina.  “You can buy them in many different stores, when you actual have a dog!”