Chapter 5

A few days later, Tina is sitting at her desk in her office frowning at her monitor when her cell rings.

(Tina smiles) Hey, I wasn’t expecting to hear from you today. Don’t you have back to back constituent meetings?

(Bette) Thankfully one was a no show so I have a minute to breathe. You’re at the office?

(Tina) I am, I’ve been running around to different meetings all morning and I’m just catching up on things now.

(Bette) Well I won’t keep you, I just wanted to say hi since I have a second.

Tina smiles.

(Bette) And are we still on for dinner?

(Tina) Yes, absolutely. I have to drop home first but I can let you know when I’m leaving.

(Bette) I can come to you if it’s easier?

(Tina) No, no, I’m coming to you. I’ve been looking forward to seeing your place.

Bette smiles.

(Bette) OK well I’ll be there by 7, so come anytime from then.

(Tina) OK, see you then

Later, Bette’s apartment. Bette is cooking dinner while having a tense conversation on her cell, when the doorbell rings. She makes her way over while continuing her call. She opens the door to Tina, who is also talking animatedly on her cell and struggling to search through her briefcase while holding a bottle of wine under her arm. They look at each other and smile knowingly, both mouthing apologies to the other with a friendly roll of their eyes. Tina walks inside and Bette relieves her of the bottle of wine on the way past. She steers Tina to the lounge to continue her conversation before walking back to the kitchen to continue her own.

When Bette finally is able to end her call she walks to the lounge and finds Tina standing with her phone in hand, captivated by a painting on the wall. Tina looks over when she hears her enter.

(Tina) I can’t believe you still have this

Bette approaches and stands alongside her, looking up at the painting while Tina fixes her gaze on her.

(Tina) Did you put it up for tonight?

Bette looks over at her and frowns.

(Bette) What? No, it’s always there. It’s been up in all of my houses.