Helena turns away, takes a long gulp of the wine and continues to pace.

SYDNEY: For God’s sake Helena, you’re pacing like an anxious cat.  Sit down; enjoy the buzz from the wine and the massage. (Syd pats the floor next to her signaling Helena to sit) And talk to me.

Helena stops in front of Syd then chugs her remaining wine

HELENA: Doesn’t it feel awkward to you, the two of us alone, clad in robes in front of a romantic fire?

SYDNEY: (smiling sympathetically) Helena, you know I do not think of you that way.  We’re just two friends enjoying a nice pampered evening.

HELENA: But why Syd?  (Helena opens her robe to reveal her breasts) Am I really that unappealing to you?  That bad?

SYDNEY: Of course not, you are an amazingly beautiful and brilliant woman.  But you know I’m not in the market.

HELENA: I know we have no hope as a couple with long-term possibilities.  But maybe we should be the other type of couple•friends with benefits.  No one needs to know, and if they start to suspect, it’s over, finished.

Helena abruptly sits down on the floor next to Syd then leans forward until her face is only a couple feet from Syd’s.

HELENA: Do you know why we never have time alone together Syd?  Why I avoid being alone with you at all costs?  Because I can’t trust myself not to do this.

Helena quickly moves forward pushing Syd backwards and pinning Syd to the floor.  Helena is on top of Syd.  Syd’s left arm is immobile under Helena torso and Helena’s right hand has pinned Syd’s right arm above her Syd’s head.  Syd’s robe as opened slightly, revealing her right breast.  Helena’s face is very close to Syd’s.

SYDNEY: Helena don’t…

HELENA: I need this Syd, just this one night…consider it a gift to me…no one will ever need to know.

SYDNEY: I can’t…

HELENA: Why?  Because of Shane?  Do you honestly believe Shane was celibate all the while you were in India?

SYDNEY: You’re hurting me.

Helena gently lowers her head and softly kisses Syd’s nipple.  Then raises her head so her lips are within inches of Syd’s.