The following Saturday evening, Bette pulls into Tina’s driveway and steps out of the car. She makes her way to the front entrance, pausing for a moment and taking a breath before ringing the doorbell. She hears footsteps approaching and Tina then opens the door while holding her cell phone to her ear. She smiles at Bette as she lowers the phone to hold it against her chest, and speaks to her quietly.

(Tina) Sorry, it’s Angie. She’s gone off to check something with Alice but she’ll be back in a second

Bette nods.

(Bette) Everything OK?

Tina raises her eyebrows.

(Tina) We’re working it out

Tina gestures for her to enter and Bette steps into the house. Tina closes the door behind them and then turns back to her.

(Tina) You didn’t happen to tell her she could watch some horrendous horror movie tonight did you?

Bette raises her eyebrows.

(Bette) Ah, no. I spoke to her earlier and we didn’t even discuss what they’d be watching

Tina nods and raises her eyebrows, and Bette frowns.

(Bette) She’s trying to pressure you to agree by saying that I already have?

(Tina shrugs) I guess so. I think the plan is probably to call you once I’ve caved and then use that to get a yes from you too

Bette nods, furrowing her brow and looking past Tina, and Tina smiles as she watches her.

(Tina) Are you reflecting on whether this tactic has ever worked on you before?

Bette focuses back on Tina and sighs.

(Bette) Yes, and I think it probably has

(Tina smiles) Yeah me too

They smile at each other.

(Bette) Do you think she plays us off each other a lot?

(Tina shrugs) Well, we’re obviously speaking more now, so I guess we’ll find out

They smile at each other.

(Bette) Do you need me to call her?

Tina waves her hand dismissively.

(Tina) That’s OK, I’ll take this one. You get the next one

(Bette smiles) OK

Tina hears a sound on the other end of the line and returns the phone to her ear. She listens for a moment and then sighs.

(Tina) Yeah that’s a no Ange

Tina reaches towards Bette and rests her hand against her stomach.