An hour later Helena decided that it was about time she took her own advice and went into the side room where all the food was laid out. She fancied Chinese so took a plate and scooped some beef in black bean sauce onto it and added some spring rolls. She was just considering what else looked really nice when she saw Emma walk into the room. There was only three other people in the room and they were at the other end of the room chatting so Helena felt safe having a conversation with her on-off girlfriend without causing much suspicion.
“You back for seconds ?” Helena said smiling
“Yes – I realised I haven’t eaten all day “
“Busy at work ?”
“Yes “
“How’s the Morgan trial ?”
“Tetchy and technical and its dragging on “
Helena nodded – one of the things that she loved about being with Emma was the fast paced conversations they would have about various cases and matters of law. Helena had started studying law at college but given it up realising she didn’t have the passion for it that she needed. But that didn’t mean she didn’t enjoy talking about the law and debating ethics and meaning.
“How have you been ?” Helena asked
“Working mainly – what about you ?”
“Organising this crazy party “
“Bette said that it was short notice “
“Short notice – this was because Bette and I played squash and she asked me what I was doing and I said that I wasn’t and she started telling me how I had to have a party and she would pay for it and I loved a challenge so why wasn’t I organising one for myself “
“Seems that she knows you very well “
“Too well at times “
Emma smiled “Do you know that she put your mother and I on notice that we would both be at this party and we would behave in the most civilised way “
Helena raised an eyebrow
“No I didn’t “
Emma grinned sheepishly “I think it was what we both needed. She rang me at work and she had Peggy on a conference call and she laid it on the line for both of us – we both love you and it was about time we acted like the mature adults that we are rumoured to be and put our differences to one side for your sake “
Helena smiled – God Bette really was a great friend – Emma said what she was thinking
“You have a very good friend there and if she is that loyal to you that bodes well for her loyalty towards my daughter “
“Bette worships Tina – you don’t have anything to worry about on that front. I have been dealing with my ex Dylan who was insinuating in that nasty way of hers that I was carrying some jealously because Tina picked Bette rather than me “
“That’s the short haired one ?”
“Yes”
Emma smiled “I could see you getting worked up – I wasn’t sure if it was because she was annoying you or turning you on”
“It wasn’t the latter I promise you “ Helena said with feeling
Emma swallowed “I have been doing a lot of thinking – – Tina gave me a lot to think about – mainly pointing out that I couldn’t go through life upsetting people the way that I have been. And I cannot act the way I have been and not have happen what did. You can check yourself but I have apologised to Bette and Melvin and Rosemary “
“Bette was very impressed with your apology “
“Good – because I meant it – I have been a silly old fool to treat people the way that I have. I would like the chance to make it up to you if you will let me “
Helena took Emma by the hand “Stay after everyone else has gone home and we can talk and maybe you can escort me home “
Emma grinned “I would be honoured to “