Bette glares at her friend until she finds her voice. “She’s not here, but you’re welcome to come in.” Alice says in a sarcastic tone which causes Bette to scoff. “She’s at work, um… she and Oscar are in some big project.”

“Did you know she’s hiring a lawyer?”

“She’s not hiring one, she just went for a consultation.”

“Provide bank statements? Have the house reappraised? Supply a list of my assets? Does that sound like a consultation?”

“She was just going to get some advice. I thought she needed it, you know, to feel like she had some options.”

“You thought…?” Bette couldn’t believe that her friend had betrayed her like that.

“Bette, you know what? She doesn’t have any money. She doesn’t have anything of her own anymore.”

“You sent her to fucking Joyce Wischnia?”

“I just suggested she see a lawyer!” Alice said defensively.

“Fuck you!”

“Fuck me?!”

“Yeah, fuck you! Weren’t you my friend?”

“You know, I’m still your friend! I’m totally your friend, but you can be a little cruel! … I’ve been there. I remember.”

“That’s low. You and I dated for six weeks, it was never gonna go anywhere, I did us both a favor.”

“It’s just… Tina’s hurting, and I would kind of like my place back. Someday.” Bette looks at Alice with tears brimming, but still trying to maintain her composure.

“Well, I’ll tell you what, my friend, you can judge me all you want to. You make me into a pariah, I fucking deserve it. But don’t you dare interfere with my life like that. Okay? Don’t cross that line again!” Bette walked out slamming the door in Alice’s face as she tried to follow her.

“I didn’t mean to cross a line. I – I’m sorry!”

***

The following week, Bette and Bert meet with Tina in Joyce’s prestige law offices. They are sitting at a round table stealing glances at each other while the lawyers speak for them.  “Why don’t you tell me what you have in mind?” Joyce states.

“Okay. My client and I have every intention of making this as painless as possible. We are offering to cover all living expenses for Miss Kennard including her own apartment, and an initial $10,000 dollar stipend to be disbursed any way Miss Kennard sees fit.”