(Kelleher) It does pain me to see her at an event such as tonight. To think what we have lost from her standing aside.

Kelleher sighs and looks over at Tina.

(Kelleher) But our loss is your gain I suppose

(Tina) I can’t deny that Evelyn, it certainly is

Kelleher smiles resignedly.

(Kelleher) And I could see for myself that though brilliant in the role, she wasn’t happy

(Tina) She’s found her feet with Legal Aid. Brilliant and happy

Kelleher smiles at her.

(Kelleher) I’m glad to hear it. Still I don’t lose easily Tina, and I rarely back away from a fight. I never had any intention of letting her go. I knew from the start that I had my work cut out for me, but from my end the deal we made simply represented a three year project to convince her to continue.

Kelleher sighs.

(Kelleher) But then when I saw the way she looked at you, I knew I was fighting a losing battle

They smile at each other.

(Kelleher) Anyway, I’ll let you enjoy your evening. Don’t let that wife of yours leave without speaking with me first

Tina smiles at her and takes a sharp intake of breath before responding.

(Tina) She won’t, I’m sure. She’s keen to see you

Kelleher looks at her for a moment.

(Kelleher) I see you’re still in that phase of getting a buzz when someone refers to her as your wife?

(Tina smiles) That’s a phase, is it?

Kelleher considers her for a moment.

(Kelleher) You know what, with you two I’m not so sure

She affectionately places her hand on Tina’s forearm as she moves away with a smile.

Tina moves towards the bar and takes a glass of wine from a tray placed there. She turns and begins to move away when she feels Bette’s arm wrap around her waist. Bette pulls her close and positions herself behind her, kissing her gently on the shoulder.

(Bette) My God I still get a kick out of being able to do this

They continue to stand close together, as Tina turns her head and they look at one another, both smiling faintly at the other.

(Tina) I am still here in a professional capacity you know