They finish their meals and their drinks, and leave the restaurant together. Bette’s hotel is a couple of blocks past Tina’s, so they walk together. They stroll along the street side by side, casually discussing the events of the week, the election, the political players they’ll both be meeting during the week.

(Bette) So are you on the breakfast spot for the week?

(Tina) Oh, no. A once off is enough for me.

(Bette) But you enjoy it?

(Tina) I do. In my position I don’t have a whole lot to do with the public, or face to face interviews. It’s a nice way of keeping that up without encroaching on my staff.

As they approach their destination they fall into silence for a few paces. Bette glances over at Tina.

(Bette) If I can be blunt, I didn’t expect this to feel like this

(Tina sighs) Like what?

(Bette) Like no time has passed

(Tina) Bette 10 years have passed

Bette takes a moment and studies Tina’s profile while they walk. She feels overcome with all the many things that she wants to say to her, and a rising anxiety that this might be her only real opportunity to do so. This leads her to speak her mind much more bluntly than she planned.

(Bette) I should never have left

Tina seemingly takes the admission in her stride, and sighs.

(Tina) Well, you did.

They come to a stop outside Tina’s hotel and turn to face one another.

(Tina) And we’re here. I guess that’s goodnight Bette.

(Bette) Can I see you again this week?

(Tina looks at her) You must be extremely busy

(Bette) I can be free any evening you like

Tina takes a moment and stares off into the distance, before focusing back on Bette.

(Tina) Bette I think tonight might be about enough for me, for now

(Bette) OK. Can I read into the ’for now’?

(Tina) Well I know that you will

They look at one another for a moment.

(Tina) I’m open to seeing you again at some stage but can you leave it up to me? I’ll contact you?

(Bette) No problem

(Tina) I don’t think it will be soon, I don’t want to mislead you.