Chapter Text
New York, Tina and Helena are having lunch at an exclusive restaurant.
(Helena) So, three weeks in Majorca. And on your own?
(Tina) Yes, I want some time to myself, and you’ve said such great things about it
(Helena) It’s my favourite. You sure you don’t want some company? I could arrange the time off work. It’s a good time actually, with most of our films in post-production
Tina smiles at her.
(Tina) Thank you, but I really do want the alone time
(Helena) I could keep myself occupied, give you alone time when you need it
(Tina smiles) You mean you’d find someone to keep you occupied
(Helena smiles) Well, as you know there is a reason it’s my favourite holiday destination, it’s the most lesbian that I know
(Tina smiles) I appreciate the offer, but this one’s just going to be me
Helena looks at her for a moment.
(Helena) OK, well I’ll send you a list of my favourite things to do. You’re going to love it
(Tina) I’m sure I will
LA, The Planet. Bette, Alice, Shane and Dana are having breakfast.
(Alice) Majorca? Can I come?
(Bette) No, you cannot
Alice pulls a face at her and the others smile.
(Bette) It’s my first real holiday in years, I plan to basically do nothing at all
(Shane) It sounds great Bette, you deserve a break
(Bette smiles) Thanks, I’m looking forward to it
(Alice) Well it’s basically the gayest holiday destination you could choose, so I’d be very surprised if you end up doing nothing at all
Bette smiles at her and has a sip of her coffee.
Palma airport, Majorca. Bette collects her bags from the carousel and starts to make her way over to the hire car counter. As she moves through the busy airport her eyes are drawn to a beautiful blonde woman talking animatedly with a flight attendant. They are both talking warmly to the other while holding their bags, and the blonde affectionately places her hand on the woman’s forearm as she smiles at her and moves away. There is something about the woman’s warmth, and relaxed and confident movements that captivates Bette, and she finds herself unable to take her eyes off her as she moves past her.
Tina has also collected her bags and having said goodbye to the friendly attendant she had been chatting to throughout the flight, also makes her way to the hire car counter. She notices immediately the brunette standing a few people ahead of her in line. Her eyes take in the woman’s confident and poised stance, and her gaze drops as her eyes travel down the woman’s neck, back and legs that seem to go forever. She can’t believe someone could capture her attention so completely without her having even seen her face. At that moment the woman turns and they lock eyes, and Tina catches her breath as she takes in the woman’s overwhelming beauty. They smile faintly at each other before the woman’s attention is drawn to the counter, and she steps towards it.
Bette approaches the counter and greets the attendant.
(Bette) Hello, my name is Bette Porter, I have a car pre-booked
The attendant taps away at their computer before addressing her.
(Attendant) There is a booking here but it hasn’t yet been paid for, you’re happy to do that now?
(Bette) Well my assistant told me it was paid upfront, but yes, if that’s not the case I can pay
The attendant taps away again and Bette places her card on the counter.
(Attendant) I’m sorry but it seems your card has been declined. I can see here that a payment was attempted in pre-booking that was also declined. Perhaps you need to contact your bank?
Bette rubs her forehead and tries to compose herself.
(Bette) Fine. Is there a phone I can use?
The attendant directs Bette to move further down the counter and places a phone on the counter top.
Tina continues watching the beautiful woman as she waits in line, noticing her tension and frustration rising as she speaks on the phone to the side of the counter. Tina thinks it’s probably a cross to bear to look so sexy when you’re trying to look so cross. She can hear more of the conversation as she gets closer to the front of the line.
(Bette) Are you fucking kidding me? All of my cards have been cancelled? Why?!
Bette pauses while she listens to the person on the other end of the line.
(Bette) Well, what are you going to do about it? I’m standing at an airport in Majorca and trying to get to the Hotel Peonia, and I apparently don’t have a cent to my name. Tomorrow doesn’t fucking help me!
Tina is next in line and is called to the counter as Bette continues her phone conversation. Tina signs her paperwork and retrieves her keys from the attendant as Bette angrily slams down the phone, bringing her hand over her eyes.
(Bette) I’m going to fucking kill my assistant
Tina smiles as she sees the attendant’s eyes widen as they glance over at Bette.
Tina approaches Bette and stands beside her, placing her hand lightly on her lower back. She smiles at her gently as Bette removes her hand from over her eyes and looks back at her.
(Tina) Hi
Bette frowns but then can’t help smiling faintly back at her.
(Bette) Hi
(Tina) I couldn’t help but overhear. I’m also staying at Hotel Peonia, and hiring a car as it happens. I’ll drive you there and then you can sort all this out once you’re settled in
Tina smiles at her again and Bette feels oddly comforted by her warm eyes and the feel of her hand on her back.
(Bette) OK. Thank you
(Tina) It’s no problem
They approach the car together in the parking lot and Tina unlocks it and they both place their bags in the back.
(Tina) I’m Tina by the way
(Bette) Bette
They smile at one another as they get in the car.
Bette directs them to the hotel using a map picked up at the airport and Tina navigates the unfamiliar streets.
(Tina) So, what’s the issue with your bank do you think?
(Bette sighs) It seems that in attempting to alert them to expect overseas transactions while I’m here they have somehow recorded that as a report of suspicious transactions and cancelled everything
(Tina smiles) Ah, will it take long to sort out? I’m sure that assistant of yours is fearing for their life, so they’re probably pretty onto it?
Bette smiles at her for a moment.
(Bette) Yes, I think that’s probably the case. It’ll apparently be sorted out by tomorrow
(Tina smiles) Well, ok then
They arrive at the hotel and walk together through the entrance doors and approach the counter. They are each attended to by one of the two receptionists on duty. Tina checks in and is ready to head to her room when she tunes into Bette’s conversation on the other end of the desk.
(Hotel clerk) Unfortunately since the room has not been paid for we need a credit card to be held against the room until check out
(Bette) Oh my God this can’t be happening
Tina looks over at her and then steps closer, turning her attention to the hotel clerk.
(Tina) You have my card, just put it against both rooms for now, we can sort out our individual payments on check out
The clerk glances between them.
(Tina) Will that take care of the issue?
(Hotel clerk) Yes, of course
(Tina smiles) Thank you
The clerk moves away and Tina looks over at Bette and shrugs. Bette examines her for a moment.
(Bette) Why are you being so nice to me?
Tina smiles.
(Tina) Well, I’m a pretty good judge of character
Tina picks up her bag and moves towards the clerk, who is gesturing for her to follow to her room. She talks over her shoulder to Bette as she moves away.
(Tina) And despite your grumpy exterior, I can tell that you are actually quite lovely
Tina smiles at her and Bette watches her leave, further intrigued by the beautiful woman.
The next morning, Tina sits having breakfast and reading a newspaper in a casual cafe with a view of the beach. Bette sees her as she is walking past and so enters and makes her way over to her table.
(Bette) Hi
Tina looks up at her and smiles.
(Tina) Hi, I was wondering if I’d see you again
Bette smiles back at her.
(Tina) Would you like to join me?
(Bette) Oh, I don’t have to, I don’t want to assume you want company. I hate it when people do that to me
(Tina smiles) Thank you, but I’d love you to. It’s fine too though if you’d rather be alone
Bette smiles back at her.
(Bette) No, I’d like the company
Bette sits down and a waitress stops by the table and takes her order.
(Tina) So, have you sorted things out with your bank?
(Bette) Yes, this morning
(Tina smiles) Great, you must be relieved?
Bette smiles at her, looking embarrassed.
(Bette) I’m really not as awful as I probably seemed yesterday
Tina smiles at her.
(Tina) I know
(Bette smiles) How do you know?
Tina studies her for a moment, smiling faintly.
(Tina) You have kind eyes. It’s hard to hide that
Bette smiles at her.
(Tina) Though you were trying pretty hard
The waitress arrives with Bette’s order and they both continue chatting while they eat.
(Bette) So, where’s home?
(Tina) New York
(Bette) Do I detect something southern to your accent?
Tina smiles.
(Tina) It’s still there then? It’s hard to shake completely I guess. I grew up in North Carolina
Tina pauses to swallow a bite of toast.
(Tina) What about you?
(Bette) I’m from Philadelphia
They’re interrupted by the waitress coming over and replacing their water bottle on the table, they both thank her and then turn back to each other once she moves away.
(Bette) And what do you do in New York?
(Tina) I work in film production
Tina looks at her for a moment as Bette takes a sip of her coffee.
(Tina) If you don’t mind could we not talk about home too much? I’m sort of here to step away from it
Bette smiles at her.
(Bette) No problem, that suits me too really
(Tina smiles) Thanks. So how long are you here for?
(Bette) Two weeks. What about you?
(Tina) Three
(Bette) That’s a good break
(Tina) Yes, well hopefully. I have a friend who has been several times and has said great things. Is it your first time here?
(Bette nods) It is. I’m sort of surprised I haven’t made it before, being such a lesbian destination, but I haven’t had much time for holidays really
They look at each other for a moment.
(Bette) You’re aware it’s a lesbian destination, I assume?
(Tina smiles) I am
Bette smiles back at her.
(Bette) And that you’re sitting in a lesbian cafe?
Tina smiles.
(Tina) Are you asking if I’m a lesbian Bette?
Bette smiles at her and shrugs, and Tina laughs.
(Tina) Yes, I’m a lesbian
(Bette smiles) Well ok then, never hurts to check
Tina smiles at her.
(Tina) So what’s on for today?
(Bette) Well originally I’d planned to drive to Bellver Castle and the surrounding towns, but I haven’t sorted out a car yet. I’ll look at maybe catching a bus. What about you?
(Tina) Nothing definite yet. I could join you if you don’t mind. I’ve got the car and it might be a bit more fun not being restricted by the bus times
Bette smiles at her, taken aback by Tina’s directness.
(Bette) That sounds great
(Tina smiles) Great
Later that morning, Bette walks out the doors of the hotel and approaches Tina’s car. She hops in and they take off together, chatting along the way.
(Bette) Why did you choose to drive? I don’t think it’s the most common way for tourists to get around here
(Tina) I like the freedom. What about you?
(Bette) It’s a control thing, probably
Tina laughs.
(Tina) Why does that not surprise me?
Bette continues navigating and they eventually reach their destination. They spend a couple of hours wandering around the castle grounds, Bette taking photographs with her SLR while Tina walks around empty handed. They come together to enter the castle.
(Bette) No camera?
Tina smiles at her.
(Tina) No, I usually travel with one but decided not to on this trip. I just wanted to get away, be in the moment
Tina shrugs and Bette looks over at her.
They continue taking in the site, spending some of the time exploring together as they chat away to each other, and at other times they each take a moment to step away and roam around on their own for a while. They both find the other very easy company, and are enjoying how relaxed and at ease they are with one another.
They eventually make their way back to the car.
(Tina) I know you wanted to take in some nearby towns, but I think we’ve lost track of time a bit
(Bette) Yes, let’s just head back. Avoid driving at night?
Tina nods as she climbs into the driver’s seat. They set off again together, making their way back to the hotel.
(Bette) It looks like the road gets pretty winding up ahead, it might get a bit stressful
Tina smiles.
(Tina) I know you’re angling to drive but it’s not happening
Tina looks over at her with a grin.
(Tina) Get your own car
Bette smiles back at her.
(Bette) Watch the road
Tina turns back ahead while Bette continues smiling at her.
They approach an intersection and Tina glances over at Bette as they get closer.
(Tina) Left or right?
Bette doesn’t respond and so Tina turns to her again.
(Tina) Bette?
Bette looks over sheepishly and Tina looks back at her, noticing her empty hands.
(Tina) Where’s the map?
(Bette) It’s possible I left it on the roof of the car at the last stop
Tina comes to a stop at the intersection, biting her lip and looking back and forth at their two choices.
(Tina) Do you have a coin? Heads left, tails right?
(Bette) God, is that our best option?
Tina shrugs.
(Tina) I think so, that way we won’t second guess ourselves or blame each other for making a wrong decision
Bette smiles at her.
(Bette) I feel like you could blame me for losing the map
(Tina smiles) Nah
They share an affectionate look.
Bette produces a coin and flips it, holding it out to Tina.
(Tina smiles) Right it is
They return to the hotel late in the evening, and Tina pulls into the hotel carpark.
(Bette) I guess left was the right choice
Tina laughs.
(Tina) Well, I don’t know about that. We made it, and I had fun
Bette smiles at her as they both step out of the car.
They walk together through to the hotel courtyard, talking as they go.
(Tina) Are you staying here for the two weeks? Or moving around?
(Bette) Staying here and doing day trips. You’re moving?
(Tina) Yes, tomorrow I think. I haven’t decided where to yet though
(Bette) You haven’t booked anywhere?
(Tina) No, I always just book the first two nights and then decide what I want to do
Bette frowns at her.
(Bette) But what if you can’t get in anywhere? Or you miss out on what you want because you didn’t prebook?
(Tina smiles) The freedom of choice is what I want. Besides, how could you possibly know what it is you want from a place before you’ve stepped foot in it? If you base your decisions on things you read you’ll end up doing someone else’s trip, and miss out on your own
Bette examines her.
(Bette) There’s no way I could travel like that. The uncertainty would make me too anxious
Tina smiles at her.
(Tina) You should try it, you might surprise yourself
They reach the hotel courtyard and both come to a stop and look at one another for a moment.
(Tina) Why don’t you join me?
Bette smiles at her.
(Bette) Could I expect more of today?
Tina slaps her arm with eyebrows raised and holding back a smile.
(Tina) You lost the map!
Bette raises her hands in surrender with a smile.
(Bette) OK
They smile at each other for a moment.
(Bette) Anyway, I’m booked here
(Tina smiles) Cancel it. You haven’t paid yet, I’m sure you can work out a cancellation fee with them
Bette studies her for another moment.
(Bette) I’m kind of intrigued by you
Tina smiles.
(Tina) Well then, all the more reason to come along
(Bette smiles) I’ll think it over
(Tina) OK, well don’t think too long. Meet me at check out if you want to come
(Bette smiles) OK
Tina smiles at her for a moment longer and then steps towards her and kisses her gently. She leans back and looks at her with a faint smile.
(Tina) I hope you decide to come
They smile at each other before Tina turns and heads to her room, leaving Bette standing and watching her as she moves away.