Bette’s stomping around the gallery, her cell rings

(Bette) What?!

(Alice) Jesus, I hope you knew that was me and you’re not just answering your cell like that

(Bette) Al I seriously don’t have time for…

(Alice)  I was just wondering what you’ve done to Tina

(Bette) What do you mean?

(Alice) You’ve fucked it up haven’t you?

Bette closes her eyes and rubs her forehead

(Bette) She dropped in earlier, and I was… rude

(Alice) Shit, if you’re saying you were rude I can imagine it was pretty bad

(Bette) Yes I think it probably was

(Alice) Well call her and apologise, ask her to come tonight

(Bette) Al…

(Alice) Bette I’m serious, I know you’re stressed but I think this girl might turn out to be more important than even one of your shows

(Bette responds quietly) I know

(Alice) Well then… Get to it Porter, tell her to be there at 7

Tina is at her desk at work, and reads a text message:

I’m sorry about earlier. Really sorry. Please come tonight. B x

Tina puts her phone to one side and focuses back on her work.

Later that evening, Tina arrives at Bette’s and knocks on the front door. Alice answers.

(Tina) Hey Al, sorry I’m late, I’m really just dropping in

(Alice) Well you’re too late unfortunately

(Tina) What do you mean?

Alice walks inside and Tina follows

(Alice) It was a bit of a disaster actually. I guess she’s more stressed this time than usual.

(Tina) Your shindig didn’t help?

(Alice) It did not. Somehow it made her angrier. I don’t know….

(Tina) I’m sure she appreciates you trying Al

(Alice) Mmmm. Anyway, the hulk has retreated upstairs to bed and I’m just finishing tidying up. Everyone else has left for the Planet. Sorry I would have texted you but I thought you weren’t coming.

Tina nods.

(Tina) Look why don’t you let me finish up here. Catch up to the others and have a drink.

Alice looks at her.

(Alice) You sure?

(Tina) Yeah, get going.

(Alice) Thanks Tee. I’m glad you came anyway.

Tina smiles at her and they hug goodbye. Alice leaves.

Tina puts the last of the dishes in the dishwasher and stands at the bench thinking.

Bette’s room. Tina quietly opens the door and makes her way over to the bed. She slips off her jeans and crawls under the covers.

(Bette) Wha?

(Tina) Shhh

(Bette) Tee? What are you doing here? Oh my God I’m so sorry about earlier…

(Tina) Shhh. No talking remember. Let’s see if I can’t help you with some of that stress.

Chapter 6

Tina and Bette continue seeing each other through the week, spending each night together after long days at work.

They wake together in Bette’s room, a morning later in the week, tangled up together in the sheets.

(Bette smiles) Hey

(Tina) Hey

They stare at each other, Bette smiling and Tina looking pensive

(Tina) I don’t think I can do this

Tina sees the sudden hurt in Bette’s eyes

(Tina) Oh no I don’t mean I can’t do this (Tina gestures with her hand between the two of them) I mean this not discussing anything until after the opening. I can’t keep doing this without knowing what you’re thinking. What this is to you. If this is just sex… And I don’t want to ask you, so I think let’s just cool it for now and I’ll see you after the show

Bette looks at her and runs a fingertip along her jawline.

(Bette) What if I want to tell you what I’m thinking.

(Tina) Well, it was your rule. I guess that would be fine.

(Bette) I want you to be my girlfriend.

Tina gives her a shocked smile

(Tina) Really?

(Bette) Absolutely. (Then nervously) Could that maybe… Do you think… Could that be something you want… Also?

Tina’s smile widens

(Tina) It’s all I want

Bette smiles and sighs in relief, leaning in for a passionate kiss.

THE END