Tina was feeling stressed by the time they got off the plane. Rosie had not been happy on the flight and had cried almost non-stop much to the disgust of the other passengers. It seemed that people who paid for business class seats expected all parents to travel in coach with their offspring and leave them in peace.

And it wasnt as if Bette had started in a good mood. Theyd taken a very early flight to allow them the maximum amount of time in New York and mornings were never Bettes best time. So, Bette had, as shed expected, not been very sympathetic throughout the flight and although she hadnt said much she had looked at her as if she should just know how to keep Rosie quiet.

As a result, they werent really speaking when they arrived in New York and to make matters worse Rosie had fallen asleep as soon as their United Airlines flight landed. So Tina had struggled off the plane alone carrying a sleeping Rosie and her carry-on luggage while Bette stalked off ahead to find her mother.

Tina saw Bette coming back towards her as she came through the gate. Bette had her arm around her mothers shoulder and was gesturing towards them.

It was amazing how alike Bette and her mother were. Maggie wasnt quite as tall as Bette and her hair was almost white now and tied back with a scarf which matched her elegant outfit but they were clearly mother and daughter. Tina had seen early pictures of Maggie – shed been stunning – but what could you expect when she had such an amazing daughter – the looks had to come from somewhere and it obviously wasnt from Melvin. In her youth Maggied had long dark hair and fiery eyes which had gone with her fiery Irish temper – another trait that Bette had inherited.

Mom.. this is Rosie Bette started..

Bette, help Tina with her bagswhat are you thinking? Maggie chastised her before she could finish.

Oh..here..sorry T Bette said as she took Tinas bag, her previous behaviour all forgotten.

How are you Tina? said Maggie giving her a kiss Let me see my granddaughter… Tina returned the kiss and turned sideways so Maggie could get a good look at Rosie who was fast asleep snuggled down in the baby carrier strapped around her front Oh..shes so tiny…and look at this gorgeous hair..was she a good girl on the flight?

Tina opened her mouth to speak but before she could Bette said Yeah ..we had a good flight..Rosie was an angel.

Tina rolled her eyes but said nothing.

I thought wed go straight to the apartment so you can change and have a rest if you want to said Maggie.

Sounds good said Tina before Bette could say anything further.

You really didnt have to come to meet us Mom we could have managed. Bette said as they made their way towards the exit.

Nonsense..I wanted to see my granddaughter.

.. a little later in Maggies apartment in New York.

Did you find everything you needed? said Maggie to Tina as she stood in the doorway of the bedroom I hired everything on the list Bette sent but I couldnt resist a few little things I saw when I was at the store.

Yeah.. thanks Maggie..everythings great.. said Tina relieved that theyd not had to carry everything with them. Shell love this Tina pointed to a huge stuffed giraffe.

Its so cute isnt it..I couldnt resist it..

Maggie could see Tina was getting ready to feed Rosie Uh..I think Ill go and organize lunch … take your time… She turned and left. Maggie was liberal enough to accept their relationship but old school enough not to want to have someone breastfeeding in front of her.

A few minutes later Bette came into the room. Do you have everything you need T?

Yeah she pointed at the giraffe Hes going to need his own seat on the plane she smiled.

Bette chuckled She just wants to spoil her granddaughter a little..well manage

I know but hes yours to carry, OK laughed Tina.

Bette came over and sat beside Tina, she patted her on the leg Umm..Im sorry about the flight OK..Ill do better next time..

Tina looked up at her and her immediate impulse was to try and smooth things over, to tell her it was OK, but she forced herself to say what she felt Bette..you promised youd help if I came here and well its not started out that way..

I know..Im sorry..Ill try and do better..

It wasnt in Tina to say more than that and since Bette had apologized she let it go. OK, I accept your apology. She smiled at Bette to let her know everything was OK Now why dont you go and talk to your Mom. Ill bring Rosie out when Ive fed her..I dont think your Mom wants to see this much of me.. she gestured down at the exposed breast their hungry daughter was latched on to.

Bette sat for a few moments watching them. She touched Rosies hair, stroked her little cheek and sighed then she walked out of the room and down the gilt-laced corridor to find her mother. Maggie was in the sitting room in a sunny corner of the apartment and as Bette entered the room she could clearly see a corner of Central Park visible over her mothers shoulder It doesnt seem to change much does it? she said gesturing out the window.

Maggie looked up at Bette Is everything alright?

Yeah.. why wouldnt it be?

I just thought things were a bit..uh.. tense..between you two.

No..no eveythings fine.

Good was all Maggie said not feeling it was appropriate to pry any further Josie will be serving lunch in about 30 minutes.

Bette walked around the room, admiring the artwork Maggie had collected since her last visit. She eventually sat down and looked at her mother. Do you have any plans for the weekend?

Maggie looked up Why dear..is there something special you wanted to do? You should have told me I could have arranged it..

No..I just thought you may have something planned..

Well..tonight..I reserved a table at that new restaurant I told you about.. Restons-ici un peu

What time?

7:30..is that too early for you?

No..its fine..itll fit around Rosies schedule Bette smiled at her mother.

They sat quietly for a few minutes; Bette was searching for something neutral to talk about. Would you like to go to one of the museums this afternoon, I havent been to the MoMA for a while. I always enjoy it there.

Oh..didnt I tell you..my shows opening this afternoon.. I thought you might like to go.. Maggie said offhandedly.

Wow Mom..why didnt you say something..of course well go..Where is it? Whats it called?

TBC