Tina grinned “That’s good – she doesn’t let her hair down enough. Mom was the social animal – since she died my mother doesn’t go out often enough. Not without it being something to do with work – she has dinner with clients and colleagues – its great that she enjoyed herself “
“Your mother had a great time – she danced with my dad – she even bopped with Helena and really seeing her jigging with James was “ Bette grinned “It was an experience. Next year its an evening that we are going to attend together “
Tina smiled – it was getting hard to defend her need to stay in the closet with her relationship. She knew Bette was ready to come out to her folks and also that she was only staying silent because of Tina’s desires. Tina walked across and kissed Bette on the lips
“As long as you don’t dance with anyone but me “
“I didn’t dance “
“Why not ?”
Bette sat down and put her briefcase on the floor beside her
“I guess I was sulking because of how much I was missing you and wishing that you were with me. It was a great laugh but so much of it would have been better with you sharing what went on “
Tina felt guilty – Bette was such an amazing woman and she made so few demands on Tina. She was just happy that they were together.
“I am sorry “
“No – I was acting like a spoilt idiot – I fully respect your reasons “
“Its not forever “ Tina said
Bette smiled “ I know “
“I promise – when I am ready – then we can shout it from the roof tops “
“You sure ?”
Tina nodded “ Why wouldn’t I want everyone to know what a wonderful girlfriend I am lucky to have “
Bette’s small smile turned into a beaming grin
“When you are ready – so will I “
She lent forward and kissed Tina on the lips. The blonde touched her face as they kissed.
Bette pushed Tina back against the sofa and put an arm out to stop Tina moving. They kissed for several minutes – their tongues slowly snaking together. When the kiss ended they were both smiling
“THAT makes me feel so much better “ Tina said
“Me too “
Bette was looking at her with those deep brown eyes – what always blew Tina away was how soft and gentle those eyes could be. Tina felt that sometimes Bette could look right into her soul – -she shuddered – that feeling was scary as well as thrilling
“Coffee ?” Tina asked after several minutes of silence
“Please “ Bette said – but her voice didn’t make it sound like she was bothered about anything other than just looking at Tina. Tina kissed Bette again – she just couldn’t get enough of this truly fantastic woman. Bette rested a hand on Tina’s bare thigh and stroked her leg. Tina chuckled and looked up at Bette
“What ?” Bette said in mock innocence
“Nothing – I’ll get that coffee “
“Sure “
Tina eased away from Bette and went into the kitchen. While she was away Bette got the gift bag out of her briefcase and put on down by her leg. Tina refilled the kettle and turned it on. She put coffee in two fresh cups and walked back to the door of the kitchen
“Did you not get my text last night ?” Bette asked
“You sent me a text ?”
“I did – I had been hoping to come round and see you “
Tina glanced around before spotting her phone on the top of her TV. She looked at it
“The damn thing keeps switching itself off “ Tina said switching it on and waiting for a few minutes “Look at that – three messages from you, one from Shane and – wow – my mother must have been well gone – there are ten messages from her. How drunk was she ?”
“Well you have to understand how drunk we all were – I would say that if I rated how drunk everyone was – she was second most pissed to James “
Tina shook her head laughing as she read the messages
“She’s very poud of me apparently “
“Poud ?”
“she must have lost the R key “ Tina read the rest of the messages and laughed
“Wow – this is serious level drunk “
“She was last seen trying to get the chairman of the library committee’s wife to start a conga “
Tina tried to hold in a laugh but she failed “Get in there mom “
“She can party “ Bette agreed “ And she knows some filthy stories “
“There are so few people she can do that with. Every year she organises a work’s picnic and she’s so stressed and trying to make sure everything goes smoothly that she doesn’t enjoy herself “
“I know all about your picnic “
Tina sat down and raised an eyebrow “Really ?”
“When I was really getting suspicious about what my mom was up to I googled your mom – that was how I found the firm’s website and there is a picture of the two of you. You looked so like her – that was how I guessed that you were her daughter “
“You knew what I looked like ?”
“I did and I very much liked what I saw “
Tina grinned “Thank you “
“Pleasure “ Bette said “ what’s up with your phone ?”
“Its on its way out – I just replaced the battery so that’s not the reason it keeps switching itself off . Damn “
Bette couldn’t wait any longer – she picked the gift bag up and put it on the table
“For you babe”
Tina looked at Bette and then at the bag
“What is it ?”
“I will explain the story behind it – every year one of the things that my mother does apart from strong arming everyone she knows to buy tickets for the gala is that she helps to get donations for the charity auction. It wasn’t her but someone got their hands on a couple of these items. Now I really wanted it for you – as soon as I saw it I wanted it for you “
Tina nodded “ Thank you “
“Helena bought it – well I was livid – I wanted to strangle her. She pointed out to me that if I had bought it I would have had some explaining to do “
“Why ?”
“Have a look at what it is “
Tina smiled – this was a lovely and unexpected surprise. She lifted the bag up and put her hand it to lift the item out. As soon as she withdrew the black box she knew what it was
“Oh God “
Bette beamed “I know you really like mine “
Tina stared at the brand new I-phone
“Oh my God “
Bette smiled – Tina touched the box and looked at the picture of the phone on the box
“Oh Bette “
Tina faced Bette – there were tears in her eyes
“I don’t know what to say “
“Just tell me you like it “
“I love it “
“That’s all I need to hear “
“Bette ! “
“I just want to make you happy because you make me so happy Ti “