One and Only

Chapter 73

Rosemary looked across at Melvin who was knotting up his tie. Things were still difficult between them but at least they were speaking and despite how frosty things were there had been no suggestion that they wouldn’t share the marital bed. She was buttoning up her blouse as she tried to judge his mood and whether a nights sleep had made him any more communicative.

“I wonder how Bette is getting on “ Rosemary said – talking about their daughter was usually a safe topic of conversation even when things were bad between them.

“I am sure that they are really enjoying being able to sleep together “

“Kate has said so many times that Tina has really changed since she started dating Bette”

“So has Bette”

“Yes – I think Tina is lovely “

Melvin finished getting his tie correct and turned and looked at Rosemary

“I would like to get to know her better . I am going to ring Bette today and see if we can find an opportunity to maybe have lunch or go to the movies. I would like to talk to them both “

“That would be nice – its got to be odd for Tina “
“I know -I don’t want her to think that I am a grumpy old sod “

“She doesn’t think that “
“She must wonder how grumpy I am to fall out with her mother “

“I think Tina knows exactly what Emma is like – according to something that Bette has said to me in the past – Tina is under a lot of pressure to get the best grades and to go to the same college as her mothers AND study law. I know we have mentioned law to Bette but we both know that she’s not going to read Law. She will study whatever she wants and she will do whatever she wants – I know she is shy but she also knows her own mind. You and I would never think of forcing her to study Law – not that she would listen if we did. You are a lot more laid back than Emma about your daughter .”

Melvin shrugged his shoulders

“If they are grown up enough to be sleeping together then they can make their own call about college. I can imagine that it would be tough to resist Emma when she makes her mind up “