**

“Tina says the champagne and wine is kept through there “ Emma said when she and Peggy walked into the kitchen “it’s a cold storage area”
Peggy walked through and turned on the light “Not wrong about the cold bit – nice collection of bottles”
Peggy started to examine the bottles that were neatly stacked in wine racks.
“Its good to see that Bette has a good supply of champagne – gives me hope that she has learnt some good lessons from spending time with Helena and I “
Emma stood watching Peggy. Peggy selected a bottle of champagne
“Not their best bottle but not their worst “
“I think you and I should talk “
“Yes we should – but not in here – brrr – its freezing “
Peggy stepped back into the kitchen and put the bottle on a kitchen unit. She faced Emma
“You and I should have a lot in common “
“We do “ Emma said “But we both like our own way and we don’t handle it well when we are outsmarted “
Peggy nodded “ I was most put out about the painting “
“I was in the wrong about the painting – you and I both know that. I was trying to show off to Helena and it really never occurred to me that you would want the painting for the same reason as I wanted it for Helena “
Peggy sighed “In the end – with hindsight – things did turn out for the best. The picture that Bette done for me means more because of the painting of my husband. You got the painting for Helena and I am sure she loves it “
“Its in the lobby I see it every time I go into her apartment “
“You got a beautiful painting for Helena and I got a picture of the same yacht with a wonderful portrait of my husband in it “
Emma smiled “Peggy – I was in the wrong with just about everything to do with the painting “

“And I assume that you saying that means that I should say that I was in the wrong to try and set you up with an escort ?”
“Peggy Peabody doesn’t apologise “ Emma said
“Then again neither does Emma Kennard “ Peggy smiled “ That said – yes I screwed up trying to fit the two of you up. “
Emma crossed her arms “Before Bette came into Tina’s life she was dating a talent less big head called Steph. I hated Tina seeing her – she was bad for Tina in every way – Tina would say that herself now. But she seemed to have a hold over Tina and it drove me insane. It crossed my mind so many times that I needed to get her away from Tina by whatever means I could. I did think of paying her off but I decided that I wasn’t going to waste my money on her. I pulled strings so she got auditions for shows that were going out of town – stupid bitch didn’t have the talent to get the bloody jobs. So – I can see why you did what you did. All you want for Helena is what I want for Tina. For her to be happy and in a relationship where she can flourish – and she is. I could not be happier for her and I am delighted that she’s going to be doing her Masters – I suspected that was what she was up to. But I didn’t say anything – its good that she’s told me and I can be happy for her “
Peggy nodded and twirled the bottle around a few times.
“For a long time I have wanted Helena to start her own empire “
“Its only 3 clubs and they need a lot of work doing on them”
“All the same – its good that she’s making steps in the right direction. Am I allowed to ask how involved you are going to be ?”
“I am her lawyer and yes – I have invested some money into the deal. It will be fun and its tax deductible. I am not as rich as you and Helena but I have wealth of my own and there is no point in having money if you don’t spend it to enjoy yourself. It will be fun to work with Helena on this venture “
“Did you pay a lot for them ?”
“No “
Peggy raised an eyebrow in question
“I bought them from the administrator who I know for a insanely low sum. The company is due in court in the New Year and there was no way in hell that anyone else would have put in the bid that we did and as I pointed out- we have the money in the bank . I did some digging and I guess the other people interested – well their money wasn’t as clean as ours which I also pointed out “
“Did you grass them to the police ?”
“No – of course not – but I know people who know people”
“I bet you do”
Emma raised an eyebrow “I can be sneaky just like you Peggy. The difference is that my sneaky was for the benefit of Helena. You hurt her – really hurt her Peggy”
“I know – Tina and Bette have been bending my ear about it. Your daughter is a credit – she’s smart “
“She is “ Emma said “ And I love her and I am as proud of her as you are of Helena”
“I suppose” Peggy said rubbing her neck “That you are a good influence on her”
“Was that a compliment ?” Emma asked.
“Yes it was “ Peggy said “Helena doesn’t tend to do long relationships and Bette and Tina are right – love is love . Its obvious that the two of you care about one another”
“If I was you Peggy and Tina was with someone much older than herself – I would be angry and baffled frankly. But Helena has dated all the models and trophy women and it doesn’t make her happy. I don’t analyse why Helena and I work – maybe I am too scared to but it does work. I feel so alive with her and I know that I am good for her and she is so thrilled about the clubs. I had to stop her signing the contract without reading them “
Peggy raised an eyebrow “Sounds like she needs you to reign her back a little”
“Just like Bette wants the best for Tina – I feel the same about Helena. I think she can make a success of this or I wouldn’t have encouraged her – she can do this. So much of why she wants to do this is because of you – she wants your approval”
Peggy looked at Emma for a few seconds
Peggy turned “Where do you think they keep the glasses for champagne ?”
“Cupboards I guess “
Peggy opened a couple of cupboards and Emma did the same. It was interesting to see that even after a day Tina’s things were neatly tided away alongside Bette’s. Emma was amused to see a pasta maker that she had bought for Tina’s 23rd birthday – she had thought Tina had broken it or lost it. It was obvious that it had just been lost in the depths of Tina’s cupboards – Bette was so much tidier than Tina.
“Here we are “ Peggy opened a cupboard and lifted out some champagne flutes.
“Handy – five glasses “
Peggy looked at Emma
“Its obvious that Helena adores you – I can read her and she’s happy and content. Its been a whole since I saw her that happy . I don’t claim to understand what the two of you have but there is something that is good for both of you. I need to talk to Helena – we have to repair our relationship but you and I do have a lot in common. We both love Helena in our own ways and we both love the fact that Bette and Tina have found one another “
“Would you like to have lunch with me next week ?”
Peggy picked up all 5 glasses and nodded
“I think that would be a good idea – lets go and see if Helena has kidnapped the kittens “
Emma picked up the champagne bottle
“I am going to have to get her the Siamese kittens aren’t I ?”
Peggy nodded “Yes darling you are “