(Alice) I can’t believe how casual you’re being about this

Tina sighs as she pulls away from the lights.

(Tina) I’m not being casual. I’m dreading it, but not in the same way you are. There won’t be a scene but Bette might be very upset, and that’s what I’m worried about

Alice frowns and nods.

(Tina) Why don’t you put this energy into checking in on Bette during the night and making sure she’s OK?

Alice nods.

(Alice) Yeah OK

Tina pulls into a car space outside of a restaurant.

(Tina) Anyway I better run

(Alice) So final answer, dinner or drinks, no preference?

(Tina smiles) No preference, let me know what you lot decide

(Alice nods) OK. See you Tee

(Tina) Bye Al

Saturday evening, Bette is sitting on her own at the bar of a busy restaurant sipping on a whiskey. Helena enters and sees her and makes her way over.

(Helena) Bette, I’m glad someone else is early as well, nice to have some company for a pre-dinner drink

Bette looks at her blankly and Helena raises her eyebrows.

(Helena) And of course you have absolutely no idea who I am

The bartender approaches and smiles at Helena as they hold up a bottle of wine in question, and Helena nods and smiles back at them. She turns back to Bette and they look at each other for a moment.

(Bette) Well we’re obviously both here for the same gathering, so I guess that would make you Helena, or Sarah

Helena raises her eyebrows and smiles.

(Helena) Ah. You’re gauging how mean you should be to me then?

Bette raises her eyebrows and Helena smiles at her.

(Helena) Care to guess?

The bartender returns and places Helena’s wine in front of her and she smiles at them, and Bette examines her for a moment.

(Bette) I think you’re probably Helena

Helena looks back to her and smiles as she picks up her glass.

(Helena) And you’d be right

Helena has a sip of wine and then takes a seat on the barstool alongside Bette.

(Helena) Did you intend to arrive alone to this? It wouldn’t have been easier on you to come with the others?

Bette holds up her whiskey and sighs.