(Tina) She’s not coming actually

Alice stops walking and furrows her brow.

(Alice) Oh, really?

Tina looks to her and shrugs.

(Tina) I told her not to. She’s been chasing a meeting with this reclusive artist for months and they finally agreed to see her tonight. I didn’t want her to miss the opportunity, it means a lot to her

Tina focuses back on the clipboard.

(Tina) And it’s just a Q&A, there’ll be others

Alice glances around at the crowd and then looks back to Tina and nods uncertainly.

(Alice) OK

Tina tucks the clipboard under her arm, looking to Alice and smiling.

(Tina) Anyway, I’ll speak to you afterwards

Alice smiles at her.

(Alice) Well, during , actually

She holds up a notebook as she moves away.

(Alice) I have some questions for you

Tina raises her eyebrows as she watches her go.

Tina moves through the crowd back towards the front of the room, greeting various people as she passes them. As she reaches the front she slows her pace as her eyes land on Bette, who is standing by the doorway surveying the crowd. Tina stands still watching her for a moment, and then steps towards her, and Bette meets her eyes and smiles at her as she approaches. Tina reaches her and places her hands on Bette’s waist, looking at her for a moment before speaking.

(Tina) What are you doing here?

(Bette shrugs) I told you I’d manage it, and I managed it

Tina raises her eyebrows.

(Tina) And I told you it didn’t matter

Bette furrows her brow.

(Bette) Tee, I was always going to be here

She nods towards the stage.

(Bette) This is the most important event for you since we’ve been together again, I wasn’t going to miss that

Tina takes another step towards her and moves her arms further around Bette’s waist.

(Tina) Baby, we both have intense careers. There will be times when our obligations keep us from nights like tonight. We’re not going to be able to attend every event together

She holds her hand to the side of Bette’s face.

(Tina) I know you want to be here. That’s what’s important to me