Bette smiles.

Bette – That’s a good way to convince me.

Tina – So will you do it?

The brunette is silent for a moment.

Bette – I remember not too long ago when you ordered me to stay away from the set …

She smirks, giving the blonde a side glance.

Bette – … and your actresses.

Tina – Of course this is strictly professional!

The rancher sighs.

Bette – I accept with one condition.

Tina – That we are out of here as soon as possible?

Bette – That I won’t be policed in my own ranch.

Tina – Well … as I said, you are expected to act professionally.

Bette – So nobody ever has affairs in movie sets?

The producer chuckles.

Tina – It’s true, movie sets have lots of affairs! Fantasy and excitement and new experiences and new people … and sex! … A group of people isolated in idyllic places without sex. It’s a powerful combination, don’t you think?

Bette watches her in silence. Something in the way the blonde said the word sex … distracted her.

Tina – Are you planning on having a movie fling?

The brunette takes a step closer.

Bette – I will do whatever I want to whichever woman I choose and wants me to. Do you understand?

Tina takes a moment to process the words. Something in the way the brunette stepped closer and looked at her … and the way she spoke … distracted her.

Tina – I do.

She sighs and extends her hand.

Tina – Do we have a deal?

Bette shakes her hand warmly.

Bette – We do.

Tina – It just occurred to me that we hadn’t shaken hands before.

The brunette smiles charmingly.

Bette – Where are my manners? My motto has always been: stay away from an angry woman … even if she is gorgeous.

Tina – Ahhh… shade and compliment all wrapped in one …

Bette – I’m stating the facts, Miss Kennard! Someone told me to turn around the second I met her.

Tina chuckles.

Tina – Tina!

Bette – Tina.

Tina – Shall I call you Bette or … cowgirl?

They smile at each other still holding hands.

Bette – As you please …

The producer finally breaks the handshake.

Tina – Can you whistle?

Bette – Is it a part of my contract too?

Tina – Actually, it’s not a bad idea … it’s a very sexy whistle.

Bette – In this case … I’ll definitely whistle for you!

There it is again: the way she speaks … that smooth voice … that smile … unsettling her. The blonde swallows. She would not feel it … if not for the fact that she was already a little nervous coming to the cabin to convince the brunette.

Tina – Uhh … It’s more like whistling for Minnie … I need to get going!

Bette – Ahhh …

She opens the window and whistles while the producer watches her. Charlie and Minnie return within seconds.

Tina – Thanks! (pause) Well … I’d better go!

Bette – I’ll walk you out.

The two women walk toward the horses. Tina mounts Minnie. Bette caresses the mare’s face.

Bette – You never told me when you want me.

The blonde chuckles.

Tina – Right! How about … tomorrow? At nine. Are you free?

Bette – I’ll be there!

Tina – Perfect!

She gently kicks Minnie’s belly and they trot away.  Charlie neighs and the mare replies.  The brunette pats her stallion.

Bette – The sooner they leave the better, Charlie!

 (TBC)