Bette smiled” We know each other’s bodies and we love one another so we want to satisfy our partner – its no shock but I agree with you – it is something off the scale of fantastic. I love how passionate you are and I love that you are not afraid to tell me and show me exactly what you want”
“Not like your usual woman ?” Tina teased
“No”
“Any of your harem likely to be here tonight ?”
“I don’t know – it doesn’t worry me one way or the other. I know that you aren’t bothered by them and that “ Bette blew out her cheeks “That is huge for me”
“Not always been the case with your women ?” Tina asked
“No – its been too much for a couple of women I have tried to date. You and I don’t go to as many clubs as I used to but when we have been out – like the exhibition the other week – that was the perfect response as far as I am concerned “
“I am not worried by any of them – they don’t have the first clue about what you and I have going together – and yes I guess it can be annoying but – they are not a threat to me”
Bette stopped this time and took Tina’s hands “ No they are not – thank you”

Tina told the woman at the reception that they were here for Ms Peabody’s birthday party and their names were checked off against a list and then they were pointed in the direction of the ballroom which was at the end of a long corridor. Bette opened the huge doors and they walked inside. The room has decorated with hundreds of pink and white balloons. Tables were set up around the room and there were three huge empty tables which Bette guessed would house the food when it was served. Helena had ordered food from her favourite expensive restaurants – Thai, Chinese, Indian and Italian would be the offering – Bette was looking forward to the food. There was a bar at one end of the room
“Shall we get a table ?” Tina asked
“I think our place is reserved – my parents are over there “
Tina looked round “ Yes they are – you go and sit with them and I will get us a bottle of wine – shall I get your dad a scotch ?”
“That’s always a good option “
Tina kissed Bette on the lips and they parted. Bette watched Tina go and smiled. Their relationship was just going from strength to strength and that was a truly wonderful thing for both of them
“Hia there “ Bette greeted her folks with hugs and kisses
“This is a lovely place Bette – how did Helena get it at such short notice ?”
“Helena is a Peabody “ Bette replied leaving her remark at that.
“Have you seen her today ?”
“Tina and I woke her up at 8am this morning “
“How and why ?”
“Delivering her present – a 50’s juke box in fully working order with about 30 records already loaded “
“Bette – that is lovely “
“It was Tina’s idea but I found it and James has been hunting the records out – she was thrilled – not sure it fits in with her apartment but she loves it and when we left to go to work she was jiving around the room “
“Helena jives ?” my father says smiling
“Helena can jive like you wouldn’t believe – she is bound to have been inspired to put together a 50’s play list for the part “
“I wondered about the music “
“We have been working on play lists for her and she’s brought them and they will be playing all evening I imagine. She’s had fun doing this “
“How are things with her and Emma ?”
“I don’t know – Tina laid into Emma when we got back from our weekend and then Helena said her piece. I have been too busy to think about her but I gather she is contrite “
“I wasn’t aware Emma Kennard did contrite “ my mother says
“Mom”
“The way she spoke to you was – well “
“I know and I am not happy about how she spoke to any of us but she’s been lectured by Tina and Helena – if they cannot get through to her – well no one can. Just lets see how she is “
“So she is coming ?”
“I spoke to both of them and told them that they would be playing nice for Helena’s sake”
Dad laughs “ I would like to have seen that “
“I got them both on a conference call and just laid it out to them – if they loved Helena like they both claimed then they would not hurt her by not showing up and they would be civilised”
“Brave girl “ dad says
“Well they are supposed to be mature women – they are acting like kids “
“Did you say that ?”
“Hell no “
Mom smiles “Not surprised – here is Tina – I have said this before Bette but she’s a lovely young woman “
Bette stood up and looked at her mother
“Yes she is – and she’s MY lovely young woman “
“Hello there Melvin – her is a whisky for you – there is a list of everyone’s favourite drinks behind the bar – so this is for you Rosemary “
Tina handed Rosemary a cocktail full of straws, umbrellas and fruit
“What on earth is that ?” Melvin asked
Rosemary was laughing as she accepted the drink from Tina
“That darling – is a woo woo – which is something that Helena and I once got very drunk on while we were waiting for Bette to go and see a show with – the show was terrible and I am not sure but I think Bette was 2 hours late – but neither of us noticed because we were high as kites – oh fancy Helena remembering – what a darling”
Bette smiled – Helena was a great person to remember that and to leave instructions for one to be given to Rosemary.
“Nothing exotic for me ?”
“You are not drinking woo-woo’s Porter – I know you – that would have you dancing on the tables”
“What’s wrong with that ? Helena is my oldest friend -if I want to dance on tables I will and I am sure Helena will be up there strutting with me “
“That’s what I am trying to avoid “ Tina said dryly “And I think your parents will back me on that “
“If Rosemary drinks more than one of those she will be the first on the tables” Melvin said
“This is going to be some party “ Bette said sitting down again and bringing Tina to sit beside her. Tina held Bette’s hand and they smiled at one another. The sheer amount of sex they had been having was still fresh in their minds and both had a need to be close to their lover. Bette winked at Tina – if her mother was drinking woo-woo’s at 7:30 in the evening then this was going to be a night to remember.
They had been chatting for about ten minutes when Melvin spoke
“Here’s Peggy “
They watched as Peggy swept into the room wearing a beautiful pearl white dress
“I have often wondered if Peggy has ever met the Queen “ Melvin said
“Why ?” Bette looked at her father
“I once saw a program about the Queen and the camera followed her around and she worked the room really – I just am reminded of that when I see Peggy arriving”
“I think Peggy has some quirks that possibly the Queen lacks “ Tina replied
They watched amused as Peggy greeted everyone – a hug, a word – she was “working “ the room as Melvin had said. She was heading towards them.
“Darlings “ she said greeting them with a wave of her hand. Tina had to hide behind Bette to stop herself laughing.
“Hello Peggy – you look lovely “ Melvin got up and greeted her with a small bow which set Bette and Tina off.
Peggy looked slightly bemused but Bette jumped up and greeted her with a hug
“Hello Peggy – dad is right – you look lovely – that’s a gorgeous necklace – would you like a drink ?”
“Do bears defecate in the woods ?”
“Not something the Queen says that often “ Tina whispered to Rosemary setting them both off giggling.
“I will get it “ Tina jumped up and hugged Peggy “I am so glad you are here Peggy- you brighten any room “
“Well thank you darling – as does seeing two fine young women who obviously are as in love as you and Bette “
“Thank you – come on Bette – you can help me with the drinks – another woo woo Rosemary ?”
“No “ Melvin and Bette both said
“Yes Tina – thank you “
Tina walked off laughing – Bette put her arm around her as they walked. Peggy watched them walking off before she sat down
“You must both be delighted that Bette has found her soul mate “
“Yes – its lovely and Tina is so sweet “ Rosemary said
“She is a first class administrator as well “ Peggy said “ Smart as well as pretty – I will be making her a job offer next week “
“Does she know that ?”
“No – and I would be grateful if you didn’t say anything but Tina is a rare talent and I want her working for me”
“I think she’s been a little worried in case you hold against her that Helena and Emma are lovers “ Melvin said
“I do not hold it against Tina -regardless of what happens between the two of them – Tina is still as dear to me as Bette is “
“How do you feel about Emma and Helena ?” Melvin asked
“Still not happy – but I have agreed to a truce for Helena’s sake. This evening is for my daughter “
“Have you seen her today ?”
“I just got back from Chicago about 50 minutes ago. Things have been difficult between us but I do love her you know. I think it took Bette to remind me that she is the apple of my eye – even if we argue most of the time. She is my little girl and I want her to be happy “
“And what if Emma is the one to make her happy ? “ Rosemary asked gently
“I don’t think she is the one – I really do not “
“Its difficult – you want the best for your children – its ironic that all three girls are only children – that causes problems “
“Do you think that ? Rosemary said “I think Bette and Tina are both very mature and strong – Bette will be there for Tina when things are rough and visa versa “
“I do not disagree Rosemary but all three girls are used to getting their own way”
“I don’t think with Emma as a mother Tina got her own way much “ Melvin remarked.
“I am just saying that its ironic that the three girls are only children and they get on so well “
Tina came back carrying a bottle of champagne in a silver ice bucket and a glass – she put it in front of Peggy
“That was behind the bar with the instructions from your daughter that it was to be kept chilled and that you would open it yourself “
Tina didn’t know anything about champagne but Bette did and she had told her roughly how much that bottle was worth so the blonde was keen to see how Peggy reacted.
“Oh ! “ Peggy was shocked by the gesture. She took the bottle from the bucket and regarded it – she smiled “ How sweet “
Tina grinned at Rosemary – Helena was obviously holding out an olive branch to her mother in the shape of a $500 bottle of bubbly.
“I won’t be a minute “ Tina walked off back to where Bette was waiting for the woo-woo to be created for Rosemary
“Have you seen what goes into one of these ?”
“I was thinking of getting one “ Tina said
Bette grinned and gestured back down the room “How did Peggy take it ?”
“She’s very moved by it – Helena is a class act “
“She is – this cognac is apparently for dad “
“We don’t get special drinks ?” Tina joked
“I am sure she has something up her sleeve for me – probably something disgusting that we drank at college”
“That will be fun – when do you think the birthday girl will arrive ?”
“No idea – probably right on the dot of 8 – what about Emma – she will really hurt Helena if she is not here”
“BETTE PORTER !! “
They both turned
“This is the original good time girls – Phyllis and Jodie “ Bette explained before she was swept into hugs and greetings. When the hugs ended Bette took hold of Tina and pulled her close
“This is Tina – Tina is my partner “
“OH GOD – -Helena did say that you had settled down – say it isn’t so Bette “
Phyllis was very good looking and spoke with a broad Texan accent.
“Its true “ Bette said “And I couldn’t be happier – Tina – this is Phyllis and Jodie”
Bette signed to Jodie who beamed and taking hold of Tina she hugged her
“We are so pleased to meet you” Jodie spoke
“Same here “ Tina shook their hands. Jodie was signing to Bette who shook her head
“We will talk later – come on babe – lets get back to my parents – see you both around “
Bette picked up the drinks for her parents and headed down the room. Tina looked at Jodie
“What did you sign to Bette ?” Tina asked speaking clearly
Jodie shrugged – she obviously wasn’t going to tell Tina and by the way that Bette had walked off she had not been happy about what was said. Tina narrowed her eyes at Jodie and picking up her drink and Bette’s she followed the brunette. So who the hell was this Jodie and what had she said to Bette – did they have a history ? By the way that Bette had reacted – that much was obvious. Tina shrugged – she had seen off women before and she would do so again