(Tina) Well no, but I have four years of notes on you I guess

(Bette) Ha! (Bette shakes her index finger) Can’t use any of that

They both smile.

(Bette) I better let you do whatever you need to do to prepare for the rest of the show.

(Tina) Ok.

Bette gets up and walks to the office door, giving Tina a glance over her shoulder on her way out, while Tina busies herself at the desk and avoids looking in her direction.

They get through the interview relatively unscathed, both relying on their professionalism and switching off their mutual awkwardness. What results is a charming interview with casual banter and a whole lot of chemistry. They are both shocked to find that it feels just like how it used to, all those years ago.

Tina’s office. Bette returns to her position by the door and knocks softly on the frame. They again stare at each other, this time both faintly smiling.

(Bette) Can I come in?

Tina nods and Bette enters and closes the door behind her.

(Bette) How long are you in town?

(Tina) All week. I wanted to be here for the opening of the new Congress.

(Bette) Still not much for delegating huh?

(Tina) I prefer to look at it as liking to stay involved on the ground, but yes, you’re probably right.

(Bette) Well I’m obviously also here for the week.

Tina looks at her.

(Bette) Have dinner with me tonight.

(Tina) Bette

(Bette) It’s just dinner with an old friend

(Tina scoffs) When were we ever friends?

(Bette) Dinner with a new friend? An old lover? Whichever you like.

Tina looks out the window, thinking and biting her lip. Bette smiles at the image.

(Tina) Why not

(Bette) Well I can probably think of…

(Tina) Seriously? You’ve got the date. Try to make it out of here without annoying me or I’ll change my mind.

Bette smiles and leaves, the smile remaining on her face as she strolls down the hallway.

Later that evening, Tina arrives at a casual and busy restaurant and walks over to Bette sitting in a booth. They greet each other a little awkwardly, but soon relax as their easy style of conversing takes over again. They both stick to simple  and uncomplicated subjects, and find they have no shortage of topics to cover.