Chapter 36

Bette looked around the limo as they were driven through the streets of this beautiful holiday resort. Helena was checking her mobile – the fantastic view hadn’t caught her attention or maybe there was something more interesting on her phone. Tina was captivated by the view and hadn’t spoken since they came out of the airport and got into the limo that was transporting them to Peggy’s new villa. Bette smiled – maybe it was easy to get blasé with the exotic holidays that Helena seemed to regard as a monthly routine. But Tina was captivated by the sights and sounds of Nassau Island – Bette was touched by Tina’s obviously awe at what was happening. Bette touched Tina’s hand, she looked at her
“You okay ?”
“Fantastic “
“Helena – if you do not put that freaking phone away I will open the window of this limo and see if I can use it as a skimming stone into the sea – can you not appreciate this view”
Helena looked up “Sorry darling – just checking my emails “
“Is she hot ?” Bette asked
“Its business “ Helena said
“You always take your love life seriously “
Helena smiled at her friend and looked at Tina who was looking out of the window.
“I hope that you enjoy my mother’s hospitality Tina “
Tina looked at Helena “I am really grateful for the invite – thank you Helena “
Helena smiled
“Have we warned Tina enough about your mother ? “
Helena laughed “ Peggy is eccentric and crazy but she is also generous and once she has decided that you are okay she will take you under her wing she will be loyal to you for life. I do have to warn you that so far NO woman has passed her test for Bette “
Tina looked worried “ Really ?”
“She’s met a few and yes – she has insanely high standards for the two of us “
“SHIT “ Tina looked at Bette “You should have warned me “
Bette laughed “I didn’t warn you because I knew you would freak – Peggy will be fine “
“Its bad enough worrying about what your parents will think about me and then what my mom is going to say but now I have Peggy to impress “
Bette and Helena laughed “Its not funny Bette “
“It is “ Bette said laughing “ You will have no problem with my mother – she will just adore you “
“Bette is right – as crazy as it seems – once you win Peggy over you are on the home strait”
“You might have given me some warning “
“You would have only worried babe “ Bette said
The car turned down a tree lined drive and in a few minutes the house came into view. It was an old fashioned white building – the type that the British built when they were in charge of the island.
“Wow “ Bette said “Nice little holiday bolt hole “
“Yes – very quaint “ Helena nodded
Tina was looking at it “ Freaking hell – this is gorgeous “
“It is – my mother has the most amazing taste “
The car pulled up in front of the villa and the three women quickly climbed out of the limo and they removed their luggage. Bette looked around – she could see the sea through the palm trees that surrounded the house. Bette looked at Tina
“You okay babe ?”
Tina nodded “This is fantastic “
Bette smiled “We are going to have a wonderful time “
Bette picked up her bag and followed Helena into the house. The first thing that hit Bette was how cool it was – there was a huge ceiling fan pushing cool air around the entrance.
“Mother ! “ Helena shouted “We are here “
Bette closed the door behind Tina and took her hand – they smiled at one another. Bette couldn’t resist Tina another second – she lent forward and kissed her on the lips. Tina rested her hand on Bette’s cheek – always a sign that she didn’t want the kiss to end. Bette obliged and the kiss became deeper and more passionate. Helena glanced at them and smiled – well they had resisted one another for several hours so it was reasonable that they needed to kiss before they both combusted.
“Darlings !! “
Tina looked across as Peggy swept in. She was as tall as Helena with curly strawberry blonde hair – she was wearing a black bikini and a floral wrap over skirt – in her hand was a glass. The huge and expensive rings on her fingers were very noticeable – as was the pearl necklace.
“Hello mother “ Helena said with obvious love in her voice
“Helena sweetie “ Peggy put the glass down on the nearest table and embraced her daughter “You look well dearest “
“You too mom “ Helena replied “Nice little pad you have picked up here “
“I will give you the tour – Bette ! “
“Hello Peggy “ Bette hugged Peggy – they were both laughing “Its good to see you “
“You too – you have been working too hard – but Helena tells me you have a new playmate “
“I have “
Peggy looked at Tina who was feeling nervous – this was going to be a trial for her – she desperately wanted to impress Helena’s mom. It was a trial for the inevitability of when she and Bette came out to her mom and to Bette’s parents.
“Hello Mrs Peabody – thank you for inviting me here “
Peggy was looking Tina over – she liked what she saw and more importantly she could see the way that Bette was looking at her and the way they had been kissing when she had first seen them.
“Call me Peggy please “ They shook hands as Peggy continued her appraisal “I am delighted that you are here “
“Thank you “ Tina said again
“You don’t have to keep saying thank you “ Helena said
“There is nothing wrong with a little politeness – but you very welcome Tina – please feel free to take full advantage of my hospitality “
“My mother took several days to recover from your hospitality at the library benefit “ Tina said
Peggy laughed “I gathered that I missed one hell of a night “
“You did “ Helena said “ It was a hoot – so come on mom – lets see this little holiday place of yours “
“I think it will meet with your approval “ Peggy replied picking her glass up and regarding the three women “ I am sure that you three beautiful young women will liven this place up. I am looking for ideas to renovate the place so I expect you all to chip in- have you all got your luggage – I will show you the bedrooms “