(Tina smiles) Yes, I moved here recently from New York

Bette nods and they smile at each other.

(Tina) You’re a regular here are you?

(Bette) Well I live nearby and my sister owns the place, so you could say that

Tina nods.

(Bette) Did you move here for work?

(Tina nods) Yes, I work in film production. I love New York but I hit a ceiling there really, it made sense to move here if I wanted to progress any further

Bette nods.

The bar attendant again gestures towards Tina and she places her order. Bette turns back to her once the drink preparations are underway.

(Bette) And you’re here with Helena again

Tina raises her eyebrows and looks over at her.

(Bette smiles) I noticed you sitting with her

Tina smiles at her.

(Tina) If you suspect I’m on a date with her then this is pretty brazen of you, what you’re doing here

(Bette smiles) And what am I doing here?

Tina leans her arm on the bar and turns to face her.

(Tina) Well, I think it’s pretty obvious you’re flirting with me Bette Porter

Bette smiles at her and they hold each other’s gaze for a moment.

(Bette) Is it a date?

Tina examines her for a moment.

(Tina) No

Bette smiles at her and Tina smiles back and shakes her head.

(Bette) You’re friends then?

Tina smiles and nods.

(Tina) Yes, we’ve been friends since college

Tina’s drinks are placed on the bar before her and she smiles her thanks as she picks them up.

(Tina) Anyway, I better get back

(Bette nods) OK

They share a look as Tina moves past her and makes her way back to her table.

Late in the night, Bette’s attention is again drawn to Tina and Helena as she sees them rise from their table, Helena moving towards the bathrooms while Tina makes her way to the bar to settle their tab.

(Bette) Back in a minute

Bette abruptly stands and makes her way to the bar, approaching Tina as she stands signing the bill.

(Bette) You must be good friends for Helena to let you pay for something

Tina looks up at her and smiles.

(Tina) Yes, we always take it in turn. She gave up years ago trying to shout me every meal, it makes me uncomfortable

Bette nods.

(Bette) So, you’re leaving?

Tina smiles and gestures towards her with the bill as she passes it over the bar to the staff.

(Tina) Yes, that’s usually what this means

Bette smiles at her as Tina thanks the staff and places her wallet back in her handbag.

(Bette) Could I see you again? Dinner during the week maybe?

Tina looks over at her and they hold each other’s gaze for a long moment.

(Tina) You can

Tina smiles as she takes a step towards her, leaning close and speaking into her ear.

(Tina) But how would you feel about a little sooner than that?

Bette raises her eyebrows and turns her head towards her. They meet eyes, their faces so close they are almost touching.

(Bette) How much sooner?

They smile at each other.

(Tina) I live in this neighbourhood too. I’m dropping Helena home now and will be back in about half an hour. Do you think you’ll be home by then?

(Bette smiles) I can be

(Tina smiles) OK then. Text Helena your address, I’m sure you have her number

Tina makes eye contact with Helena over Bette’s shoulder and smiles as she nods towards the door. She looks back to Bette.

(Tina) Half an hour

As Tina moves away Bette turns and follows her with her eyes, continuing to watch her as Tina heads towards the door and out of the building.