Tina: (after a pause) So, if we’re being honest what were you doing before you came here tonight?

Bette: (winces slightly) I was at a club with my friends. Alice dragged me out. There was…. someone. We kissed.

Tina: (raising an eyebrow) ok… And then you left?

Bette: The second it happened; I knew it wasn’t what I wanted. It just felt wrong. All I could think about was you.

Tina considers this, her expression thoughtful but not angry. She leans forward slightly, her voice soft.

Tina: Well, Bette, I’m not going to hold your past against you. But if we’re going to do this whatever this is, I need to know you’re serious.

Bette: (nodding) I am. I promise.

Tina smiles, reaching out to gently tap Bette’s knee.

Tina: Alright. Then how about we start with a date? A proper one. No surprise visits, just you and me and see how this thing goes.

Bette: (grinning) Deal. Name the time and place.

Tina: How about Friday night? There’s a jazz club downtown I’ve been wanting to check out. It’s low-key, no pressure.

Bette: Perfect. I’ll pick you up at seven.

Tina smiles, clearly pleased. They share a lingering look, the spark between them undeniable, but neither makes a move to push things further. Instead, they both seem content with the promise of what’s to come.

Bette stands to leave, pausing at the door to look back at Tina.

Bette: Goodnight, North Carolina.

Tina: (smiling) Goodnight, Philly.

As the door closes, Tina leans back against her bed, her sketchbook forgotten as she stares at the ceiling, a soft smile on her lips. On the other side of the door, Bette walks down the hall, her usual confidence tempered by something new hope.

Bette’s Dorm Room – The Morning After

The morning light streams through the blinds of Bette’s dorm room. She’s sitting at her desk, reviewing notes for class, though her focus is clearly elsewhere. She taps her pen against the notebook, glancing at her phone, debating whether to text Tina. Just as she decides against it, the door swings open Alice, as usual, enters unannounced, holding two cups of coffee.

Alice: Morning, Porter. Or should I say, Phantom of the Dance Floor?

Bette: (sighing, setting her pen down) Good morning to you too, Alice.