“Are you staying in the Pines area or Cherry Grove?”

Bette remembered Helena mentioning Cherry Grove yesterday on the phone but wasn’t sure.

“Do you know where the HRC event is being held? I think she said we’d be there tonight. She was staying in Cherry Grove with friends, but thought staying at the hotel the event was held would make things simpler this evening.”

“That would be The Madison, which is in the Pines.”

“Have you been there?” Bette fished.

Sonja shook her head, “It’s more typically a ‘boy’s hotel’ you know? Tonight will be an exception because so many women are involved in the event and staying there. I’ve heard it’s absolutely gorgeous though. You should love it.”

                *********************

The Madison, Fire Island Pines
Sunday late morning

Tina entered the lobby empty handed except for her shoulder bag. Their luggage was being delivered from the Ferry directly to their rooms.

Observing the casual elegance of the property and its tranquil setting, the tired producer began to relax at once. The upscale hotel with its modern design and pristine attention to detail contrasted starkly with the sand and scrub pines it nestled into so beautifully.

“Very nice,” she smiled to herself taking it all in.
 
“Very nice,” she repeated aloud, looking forward to some quiet time with her book and a chaise.

An authoritative declaration made at the front desk shattered the blondes so recently acquired calm. She’d recognize that voice anywhere.

“Fuck. Helena,” she sighed.

“I appreciate that check-in is traditionally at one o’clock but this was all taken care of yesterday and I’m disappointed that wasn’t communicated as effectively to you. Is there someone in charge here I could speak to?” Helena was in full on Alpha mode. The smile she directed at the young man checking her in was much more concerning than a frown would have been.

Tina decided to put the poor boy out of his misery.

“Helena,” she chided gently, “Let the man do his job. It’s not his fault you are as impatient as ever.” 

Helena turned to find her ex-lover smiling at her, genuinely happy to see her it seemed.
"Tina, darling! A little birdie told me you’d be here tonight.” The Brit smiled back just as warmly as she reached for a hug.

Tina laughed into Helena’s ear. “A little birdie, eh? Don’t you get too cozy with that birdie, Helena,” she warned. Helena knew the blonde was kidding but also a little worried.

“Dear heart, you know you have my undying loyalty. I have only your best interests at heart. You have nothing to worry about.” Helena flashed Tina her most spectacular smile.

Tina smirked at her, knowing Helena knew very well she had a killer smile. Tina’s heart skipped accordingly on auto pilot.

“Why is it when you tell me I have nothing to worry about, I start to worry?” the blonde teased.

The reunion was broken up by a stage cough from behind. Tina turned to see Sam and Tessa watching her and Helena’s interaction. Tessa had decided she wanted an introduction to the ravishing brunette flirting with Tina.

                         *******************