“I was thinking of ringing James and telling him to close the gallery for the day then I was planning to switch my mobile off and then I was planning to undress and get into your bed”
Tina’s grin told Bette that this was a plan she totally approved of. Tina stood up
“That would seem to be a plan that is utterly without flaws “
“Do you have to be at work ?”
“I’ll text Billy and ask if its okay for me to switch my day off “
“Your phone isn’t working “ Bette pointed out
“Landline it is then “
“Why don’t you charge up your new phone while we are otherwise occupied ?”
Tina grinned as Bette retrieved her phone and disappeared into her bedroom to make a call. Tina sighed – wow. It had taken a while but gradually it was sinking into her head that this relationship was serious and it really could be a long running thing in her life – to have Bette Porter by her side. It was enough to blow anyone away. After a few minutes Tina realised she was grinning so hard to herself that she was in danger of getting lockjaw. She snapped herself out of her reverie and went to call her boss.

When Tina walked into her bedroom she had cast off her shirt and was naked. Bette was standing looking out of the window talking. Tina walked up behind her and rested against her back. Bette turned
“Yeah – I better go – talk soon bye “
Bette ended the call and put her phone on table beside her.
“That was Helena “
Tina raised an eyebrow
“Yeah ?”
“Last night your mother cornered her in the toilets and asked her straight out if the two of you were having a quote “ hot affair “
“No “
“Yes “ the smile on Bette’s face at least told Tina that she was not concerned by this development
“What did Helena say ?”
“She said that she was not and she went further – given the champagne and the fact that when the queue was formed to hand out self confidence Helena had misdirected everyone else to the queue for pizza so she got the share that should have gone to about a million other people. Helena asked your mother why she was interfering in your life “
“And she lived ?”
Bette nodded “Helena has few fears – and people tend not to feature on any list of things that H avoids. Anyway – your mother said that she would be more than happy if she- Helena asked her daughter out as she needed someone to put her on the right path in life”
Tina closed her eyes – so far her day was turning out perfect – she had heard Bette declaring her love for her and she was the owner of a new I-phone. Trust momma Emma to rain very heavily on her parade.
“The fucking interfering old bag “ Tina cursed
Bette was grinning “She then told Helena what a great catch you are – Helena was most amused “
“Did she offer a dowry if Helena asked me out ?”
Bette wrapped her arms around Tina
“Hey – at least she cares “
“She cares that I get the right woman and I find a proper job – there are times when I am just a status symbol for her “
Bette knew this was a very raw nerve for Tina – she stroked her hair and kissed her
“Babe – don’t let her get at you “
Tina looked up at Bette
“I don’t want to be with Helena “
“I should damn well hope not “ Bette replied
“I mean it babe – I swear that “