Some kind of wonderful

Chapter 39

Tina had officially finished working at the NYPD headquarters which meant she had the time, if not the money to take long lunches so she was able to accept her mother’s invitation without worrying if she cold fit it into her schedule.

Emma had picked The Russian Tearooms as an experience her daughter might enjoy. Tina arrived just before noon and looked around in some awe at the fabulous chandeliers and vast mirrors on the walls – this was something else. She was glad she had put on a chic black dress that she owned – one that drove Bette crazy she said because of the tassels around the bottom of the dress. Tina’s usual clothing was jeans and sweaters but she did like to dress up now and again. It felt slightly decadent to be dining in this style at lunch time. Emma arrived a few minutes later – also dressed smartly in a red dress and black jacket. She was looking at little better than she had been Tina observed as her mother swept in and announced her presence to an intimidating maitre de. It made Tina smile – it was good that she was still freaking people out by her sheer personality – or maybe that was part of her problem. Emma smiled when she saw her daughter
“You look lovely Tina “
“So do you mom “
“Well I have been moping around in sloppy sweaters and leggings for too long”
“Even your sloppies are designer mother “ Tina told her – she was happy to see Emma looking a little better. There was still a long way to go but this was a start.
“I don’t think so – shall we get our table – have you been here before – I was trying to remember ?”
“No – and its not the sort of place my budget stretches to at the moment”
“Don’t worry – this is on me “
“I know – otherwise I would be washing up until New Year for them.”
“You don’t have to – come on – you will like this “
Tina was speechless – something that didn’t happen very often. The booth they were shown to was vast but the thing that took Tina’s attention was the giant glass bear in the middle of the dining room.
“This is surreal “ Tina said
“Its different – I haven’t been here in years but I always liked it “
“Well thank you for bringing me here – this is going to be cool”
A waiter appeared and handed the menu to Emma who fixed him with a glare that could have downed the bear
“And what about a menu for my daughter “
“Very sorry Madam”
He scuttled off to get a second menu
“You have been reducing waiters to the rank of naughty schoolboys ever since I can remember “
“Good to know that I still have it then isn’t it ?”
The waiter returned and handed a menu to Tina who was struggling not to grin.
“And to drink Madam ?”
“Bring me the vodka menu “ Emma declared “And a bottle of your best champagne”
“Mom ! “
“Thank you  waiter “ she dismissed him
“Vodka and champagne “ Tina exclaimed
Emma shrugged “ it’s a great combination”
“I am sure it is  – why ?“
Emma sighed “ All the time you were growing up I used to have dreams about taking you out and have lunch in places like this. I could have brought you here when you weren’t 21 but its not as much fun if you cannot indulge in some of their finest vodka. You are 23 now – that’s old enough “
“Melvin is educating my palette with brandy “
“Excellent   – we will round the afternoon off with a glass of cognac so old that it will make him weep when you tell him. Now pick some food “
Tina was glad that this was the sort of restaurant that didn’t include the prices on the menu because if she knew how much it would cost it would freak her out. So she ordered onion soup followed by beef stroganoff – that should help soak up some of the booze they would be consuming. Emma went for crab cakes followed by Kulebiaka which Tina read from the menu was salmon with slow cooked onions and other vegetables.