The next afternoon, Tina is driving and answers her cell.

(Alice) Hey Tee, what’s going on?

(Tina) Hey Al, I’m just driving back to Bette’s from work. How are you going?

(Alice) Yes good, how’s Bette?

(Tina) She’s OK, no change with her memory though

Alice nods.

(Alice) You’re just hanging out tonight?

(Tina) Yes I’m picking up some food on the way over and we’ll just stay in

Alice nods.

(Alice) OK, well I’m just calling to see if you have a preference on whether we should do dinner or just drinks tomorrow night

(Tina frowns) Ah, no, what does Dana want?

Alice ignores her question and continues with her train of thought.

(Alice) I mean drinks would obviously be less formal, but there’d maybe be more mingling. If it’s dinner we can sit Bette at the opposite end of the table from you and Sarah and they don’t even really need to talk

Tina smiles.

(Tina) Al you really don’t need to change plans for us. We’ve spoken about it and of course it’s going to be awkward, but we’ll handle it. You don’t need to stress about this

Alice raises her eyebrows.

(Alice) Oh I didn’t know you’d spoken to Sarah about everything yet, that went OK then?

Tina doesn’t immediately respond, and Alice frowns.

(Alice) Hang on, sorry, by ”us” do you mean you and Bette ?

There is another moment of silence and Tina clears her throat before continuing.

(Tina) Anyway, I’m just saying Dana should do whatever she wants

Alice raises her eyebrows and takes a moment before continuing.

(Alice) Dana’s fine with either. Though I think she probably has a strong preference to avoid a bloodbath at her fucking birthday

(Tina) Jesus

Tina rubs her forehead.

(Tina) I don’t know what you’re expecting Al but seriously, I’m not worried about this

(Alice sighs) Well why the hell not? Bette meeting Helena and Sarah on the one night?

Alice gives a small laugh and shakes her head.

(Alice) I remember jealous Bette. I think it’s best for everyone if we try to keep this as relaxed as possible

Tina smiles as she pulls up at a set of traffic lights.

(Tina) This isn’t some woman being handsy in a bar Al. Bette’s meeting my fiancée . That’s going to be hard and sad and awful, but there’s not going to be any sort of scene