A couple of days later, Tina is in her office and answers her cell.

(Tina) Hey Al

(Alice) Hey Tee, you’re at work?

(Tina sighs) Yes, and run off my feet. I’m really paying for all this unexpected leave I’ve taken recently

(Alice) Do you need to go?

(Tina) I can talk for a second

Alice nods.

(Alice) Well I got your text. It sounds like we have a lot to catch up on

Tina raises her eyebrows.

(Tina) Yeah, we do

(Alice) Are you OK?

(Tina sighs) I guess so. I don’t know Al, there’s a lot going on

Alice raises her eyebrows.

(Alice) Yeah

They fall into silence for a moment.

(Alice) You said you called it off though? It was your decision?

(Tina nods) Yes, it was my decision

(Alice nods) OK. And have you seen Bette?

(Tina) Yes, I saw her when I arrived back, but not since. We’ve decided to take a step back from each other really. Things have obviously gotten pretty complicated, as you saw the other night

Alice raises her eyebrows and nods.

(Alice) Yeah

There is another silent moment.

(Alice) Well when can I see you?

(Tina) Give me a few days Al, I just want to lie low for a while I think

(Alice nods) OK

Later that week, Tina is preparing dinner in her kitchen and stops when she hears a knock at the door. She makes her way there, opening the door to Bette and looking at her with raised eyebrows.

(Bette smiles) Hi

(Tina) Bette, hi

Tina furrows her brow and looks at her for a moment.

(Tina) Is everything OK?

(Bette nods) Yes, I’m sorry I’m later than I said, my appointment at the hospital went over

Tina gives her a confused look and doesn’t immediately respond. Bette studies her for a moment.

(Bette) Why are you looking at me like someone who didn’t invite me to dinner?

Tina raises her eyebrows and looks back at her.

(Tina) Because I didn’t invite you to dinner

Bette raises her eyebrows and they hold each other’s gaze. Bette then retrieves her phone from her bag and navigates to her texts, handing the phone to Tina. Tina frowns as she reads the message and then looks to Bette and shrugs and shakes her head. They stand together in silence for a moment, and Bette looks to her.