“Tina, this is Bette Porter, she works at the CAC and has sent me quite an impressive grant proposal,” Helena said with a smile, “Bette, this is my life partner, Tina Kennard.”

Bette turned to Tina and shot her a dazzling smile, making her the blond lower her eyes and blush profusely. Helena didn’t fail to notice.

“Tina and I have just moved here Bette,” Helena said slowly, leaning back in her chair to look up at Bette clearly. “Why don’t you pull up a seat so you’re more comfortable?”

Bette did as she said and was soon sat down beside her, “LA is a nice place to live. I’m not surprised you chose to live here,” Bette said in understanding. “This area is beautiful and friendly.”

Helena nodded along, slightly interested in what she had to say. She shared a glance with Tina and smirked, Tina noticed the slight menacing glint in her lover’s eyes. But she knew it wasn’t directed at her. It was for Bette.

Finally Bette approached the subject that she’d come over to talk about, “Miss. Peabody, I was just wondering if the grant proposal I sent you was good enough.”

Helena looked at her pointedly, biting softly on her lower lip, tapping her fingers on the table ledge. Once again, she looked over at Tina, who sent her a warning look.

“Bette, I haven’t read all of it at the moment, so far it is pretty impressive,” Bette smiled contently, “But, there are some that I’ve read… which are much more important then art. Yes, I know art is important.”

Tina ran her hands over her face; she knew Helena was going to do this. She knew Helena found pleasure in doing it.

Bette clenched her jaw, watching Helena with a cold glare, waiting for the Brit to finish her explanation.

“For example, there are many centre’s opening now to help homeless women and children,” Helena said slowly, as if she was talking to somebody who could not understand, “This doesn’t mean that I’ll be ruling the CAC out, just so you know.”

Tina sighed audibly, causing both Helena and Bette to look in her direction. This gave Bette the opportunity to leave. She quietly rose to her feet and pushed the chair she’d borrowed under the table she’d got it from.

“I’m sorry that you feel that way Helena, thanks for taking the CAC into consideration,” Bette stuck out her hand, Helena shook it with two fingers, as if she was afraid that she’d catch some disease if they kept contact for too long. “Nice to meet you Helena Peabody,” Bette breathed through her teeth.

“You too,” Helena said with the sweetest smile she could muster. Before she could say any more, Bette had spun on her heel and returned to the table where her friends were sat. Helena looked back across the table to Tina and shot her a smile, “I’m just going to use the bathroom Tina. I’ll be back in a minute.”

Tina watched her until she was in the bathroom before she stood up and quickly approached Bette. She softly tapped her on the shoulder, causing the brunette to look at her, startled.

“I’m sorry for Helena,” Tina whispered, genuinely. “That is just how she is. I just wanted to apologize for her behavior.”

Bette, who’d been angry calmed down as she looked into Tina’s soft hazel orbs, “It’s ok,” She said with a shrug. “You’d better get back before she returns from the bathroom.”

Tina squeezed Bette’s shoulder in a small sign of comfort, “It was nice meeting you Bette Porter.”

“It was nice meeting you too Tina Kennard,” Bette smiled.

Tina returned to the table seconds before Helena returned to the room, a smug smile on her face. When she reached Tina’s table, she shot her a smile.

“Are you ready to go?”

“Sure,” Tina replied, smiling up at her, “Are you ok?”

“I’m great; now let’s go… we need to christen our new bedroom.”

As much as Tina was disappointed at her girlfriend’s behavior, she didn’t decline the offer and willingly took her hand. Allowing Helena to lead her back towards the house.