(Bette) I’m avoiding the others. I haven’t checked my phone, and I thought it would be one of them at the door

Tina nods.

(Tina) Is it ok I’m here?

(Bette nods) Yes, of course it is

Tina makes her way over, settling on the other lounger alongside Bette. Tina reaches over, holding out her hand for Bette to pass her whiskey. She has a large sip and Bette smiles as she watches her.

(Bette) Have your drink preferences changed since I last knew you?

Tina pulls a face and coughs, taking a moment to recover.

(Tina) Fuck. No, they haven’t changed at all

Bette gives a small laugh as Tina hands the glass back to her and nods towards the house.

(Tina) I assume you have wine?

Bette smiles and nods.

(Bette) There’s a bottle on the bench

Tina makes her way inside and returns with a glass of wine in hand, settling again on the lounger. She has a sip of wine and then looks over at Bette.

(Tina) We’ve given up on not drinking entirely have we?

Bette sighs as she has a sip of whiskey.

(Bette) We all have our limits, it’s been a bit of a week

Tina raises her eyebrows and nods. She looks to Bette.

(Tina) Why are you avoiding everyone?

(Bette) Since you left they’ve all taken on the responsibility of checking in on me, very regularly. I appreciate their concern, but it’s been a bit much

Tina nods.

(Bette) I also wasn’t sure what they know about everything that happened a year ago. It’s not my place to tell them, and I can’t think of much else at the moment to be honest

Tina nods, looking to her wine.

(Tina) They don’t know anything. I haven’t told them, and I’m sure you wouldn’t have either

Bette nods and Tina looks back to her.

(Tina) Well, actually, Helena knows

Tina shrugs.

(Tina) I had too much to drink at my last birthday and told her all about it, for some reason

Bette smiles.

(Tina) What?

Bette shakes her head.

(Bette) Nothing. That just explains something she said to me

Bette has a sip of her drink.

(Bette) When did you get back?

(Tina) This morning