(Bette) I decided I wasn’t going to get through this without at least one drink, which I’m not supposed to do at the moment

Helena nods.

(Helena) Well I won’t tell anyone

(Bette smiles) Thank you

Helena has a sip of wine and they sit in silence for a while. Helena looks over at her.

(Helena) I do want to say, I understand that you probably feel very awkward towards me. I guess all you really know of me right now is that I was once with Tina. But that was just so long ago Bette

She shrugs.

(Helena) I’m a friend. Truly

Bette looks at her for a moment and then nods.

(Bette) OK. Tina said the same, that we’re friends

Helena smiles and nods, and Bette has a sip of her drink. Their attention is then drawn to the rest of their group entering the restaurant. As they both watch them, Bette’s eyes remain fixed on the only unfamiliar member of the group, and she frowns as she watches Sarah help Tina out of her jacket as they all wait to be shown to their table. Helena has a sip of wine and glances over at Bette.

(Helena) You can say what you’re thinking, if you like

Bette continues watching Sarah for a moment and then looks to Helena and frowns.

(Bette) Does she seriously have to look like that?

She looks back to Sarah and shakes her head.

(Bette) For fuck’s sake

Helena gives a small laugh and raises her eyebrows as she watches Sarah across the room.

(Helena) Yes, well, you and I are also both evidence of the fact that Tina has impeccable taste

Bette gives a small laugh and Helena smiles at her. Bette again looks at Sarah across the room.

(Bette) Can you tell me about her?

Helena looks over at Bette.

(Helena) What do you want to know?

(Bette sighs) I don’t know

Bette rubs her forehead for a moment and then looks to Helena.

(Bette) Is she kind? A good person, a good partner?

Helena looks at her for a moment before responding.

(Helena) Have you asked anyone else these questions?

Bette shakes her head.

(Bette) No. I haven’t wanted to talk about her