“That’s just her face. If she were extra bitchy she would have on a hat and scarf as well, and once I sat down then she would sweep them from her face, toy with her hair and pretend as though the photographers are getting her “natural” beauty.” Tina looked back to Bette as they shared a small laugh, she wanted to kiss her then. That was nothing new to her, she always wanted to kiss Bette. But that could damage both of their careers, and the risk was something that they both were not ready to face as an out couple. The valet politely knocked on the window and both women took a big breath preparing themselves for the diva that was Tina’s mother.

………………………………………………………….

She hadn’t even been in her mother’s presence for 10 minutes and already she was upset with Bette for cancelling her order of bourbon and replacing it with a sandwich and orange juice. She looked over to the end of the bar and Bette was there on the phone as usual while some big-titted hussy tried to get attention enough to have Bette flirt back with her. Bette looked up from her phone to check on Tina again, they shared a smile and Tina’s mother was not pleased with her daughter’s lack of attention.

“Discretion.” She said, that immediately got Tina’s attention, as it always did.

“Mother please don’t start.” Tina’s eyes rolled so hard she let her head fall back. Tina knew where her mother’s new posture and line of sight was about to take this conversation.

“You know I have no personal ill-will towards the girls in your life.”

“One woman. She’s one woman mother, I don’t have “girls” in and out of my life.”

“Right.” She condescendingly answered. “But your behavior is a reflection on your family and your upbringing.”

“Now that’s telling, isn’t it mother?”

“I raised you to have a bit of discretion when it comes to your private affairs.”

“This isn’t an affair, she’s my girlfriend, and has been for the past 3 years since you’ve known about us but for some reason you insist upon calling her one of my girlfriends, why is that?”
“This misguided attempt at goading me, is sadly directed toward the wrong parent.” The moment Tina’s ears registered the jab at her father she became upset. The waiter approached with their food the moment she was reared up in her seat to tell her mother to go hell and walk out. For some unknown reason to her she eased back down in her seat and looked to Bette again at the bar. This time Bette mouthed to her “Eat” with a stern look laced with undertones of love and concern. Tina looked down to her plate and picked up one quarter of her sandwich and took a bite, the food was tasteless, to her at least. She had no real desire to eat this food but she kept on chewing and biting in order not to have to engage her mother any further.