Is this love
Chapter 50
Bette was not having a good day and had been nursing the beginnings of a massive migraine. It had been a crazy few days what with getting ready to come out to their parents and the whole evening had been a massive adrenaline rush. So it was only natural that she was coming down with a mighty crash – plus the bag of doughnuts she had bought for her and James had given her a sugar rush that she just didn’t need. She hadn’t been able to concentrate on her job and Tina had just left her a message to say that she would be late meeting her as arranged as she had been summoned to a bar to meet her mother. Bette pinched the bridge of her nose and tried to concentrate on her work.
She was trying to reconcile some invoices when the door opened and Helena swept in.
As much as Bette loved her best friend this was not the greatest timing
“Hello darling “
“Helena “
Helena sat down and watched Bette as she struggled with the invoices. Finally Bette threw her pen down and looked at Helena
“Bad day at Black Rock ?” Helena asked lightly
“What makes you say that ?”
“You haven’t had that look that would worry a fire breathing dragon for a few months – trouble in paradise darling ?”
“I have a headache “
“And is this headache blonde – mid 50’s with a fondness for sticking her nose into her daughter’s life ?”
Bette smiled “It could well be “
“I have to confess that I went to see your mother at the library – I wanted to reinforce to her that Tina is not about to come between the two of us. I hate the notion that she was trying to play the two of us off and get the best one for Tina “
Bette sighed “I know its nonsense and so do you and so does Tina. Its just not the easiest thing to say to my mother that her oldest friend from college is basically a devious piece of work. “
“I hope I didn’t tread on your toes by speaking to her – you know that I am on yours and Tina’s side here.”
Bette nodded “Thanks Helena and I am sorry that you have got dragged into this – you have been great with us. “
“”Just accepting the inevitable – you and Tina obviously have a long and happy future ahead of you. You deserve it and I know that she makes you happy – though at the moment you look like you have the whole world picking on you “
“”Mum showed up at lunchtime – I knew she would “
“And ?”
Bette lent back and rubbed her face “I probably said too much “
“”You have been wanting to tell her about the two of you ever since you fell for Tina “
“I think maybe I just need a few hours off – its been a lot to take in – these last few months have all been about having to watch what we say and where we go and protect our asses and then for that “ Bette stopped “woman to stir with her getting Tina with you. its been a lot “
“You do look like you need a break “
“I ended up getting really emotional with mom and telling her how much I wanted to love and protect Tina. I sounded pathetic Helena “
“I am sure you didn’t “
“I did – I do want to protect Tina but if I wade in with that attitude I will lose her because no one in this century wants their partner to say the stuff I did. The thing is Helena – I meant it. I could happily tear Emma’s head off for the stupid way she’s been acting and the things she has been saying about Tina. I hate the woman Helena “
Helena sighed – Bette was prone to massive overreaction and this was the case
“Bette – Tina and Emma have issues – they have massive issues. They have probably always had a complicated relationship. You need to watch how you step “
Bette shook her head and pulled a face
“Yes ? “ Helena said
“If this is the you need to be careful – treading on thin ice speech – you can save your breath – I have had the deluxe version from mom and the be tactful its my boss I am saying this to version from James.”
“And three needs to be the charm – we are all right – you hate being in the wrong – -even if its for the best reasons “
“But “
“No “ Helena said firmly “There is no BUT in this Bette – you cannot wade in there and make the situation much worse which regardless of what you want to do – is what you will do “
“But “
“Bette Porter – listen to me – I am not your mother with the sunny disposition or James who is full of psychobabble – this is me – your best friend and I know you better than anyone and I also have seen Emma Kennard in action and she’s a nasty piece of work. She is not going to take you weighing in – she is going to hate it and it will make her mad and I think that when she is mad she gets even nastier. I know that you are trying to protect Tina because you love her and if I were you I would be just as angry and just as chomping at the bit to look after my woman. But this is not a fairytale where the dragon is slain by the Knight in shining armour. Mark my words Bette – if you meddle too much you will have an enemy for ever in Emma Kennard and you will damage your relationship with Tina . DO NOT DO THIS “
Bette’s look of pure resentment would have been enough to make an herd of rhinos pause in their tracks. Helena had seen that and worse so it didn’t faze her. For a few minutes Bette gave Helena a seriously dirty look and Helena returned the gaze with one that said in big letters “ not bothering me “. Finally Bette looked down – she was tired and wasn’t up for all the fighting she felt that she needed to be doing
“Bette “ Helena spoke softly “I know you – you have the biggest heart of anyone I know and I am really honoured that you are my best friend but there are times when you need to take a step back. Laying down warnings and all that isn’t going to work with Emma “
“So what will ?”
“Tina is the only person who can sort her mom out and I know that she’s been letting her just walk all over her but her confidence is improving and that’s only a good thing “
“Last night – God was it really less than 24 hours ago – last night Tina laid into Emma telling her not to interfere and that she was furious that she had been trying to fix her up with you”
“Good – – that is excellent. So hold fire until Tina and her mom have spoken. Then let the dust settle. Last night – did you make it abundantly clear just how much you love Tina ?”
“Yes “
“So – let that be your opening move – you are on the scene and you are adore her daughter and more importantly her daughter adores you “
“You think ?”
“I do – I think you have to play this smart. I am not telling you that you cannot wade in or ever say anything but you should be holding your fire just until things get a little calmer. Maybe Emma will surprise both of you by being delighted at the fact that the two of you are together”
“Helena “ Bette’s voice indicated that this was the point where she had gone TOO far. Helena grinned “Okay – that was one of the more Pollyanna things I have ever come up with “
“That is THE most Pollyanna thing you have ever come up with “ Bette replied smiling suddenly.
Helena laughed
“You should try and take Tina away for a few days – what about the weekend ?”
“You are kidding – immediate invitation to Sunday lunch with the Porters “
“Well that will be okay- but what about the weekend after that – you will probably have to make sure that you make time just for the two of you – we both know how your mom is into killing with kindness “
Bette nodded
“Bette – the most important thing is you and Tina. Its obvious that things are going to be different now that your folks know. “
Bette looked at Helena
“You fancy a drink ?”
“I take it you don’t mean coffee or juice ?”
“I mean a very cold beer – maybe two and a scotch on the rocks “
Helena smiled “I could always be talked into that – -you are the one with the iron will “
“My iron will just snapped – come on – lets find a bar and talk tactics “