“Melvin “Emma contradicted frowning. Tina knew that getting people’s names wrong was one of her mother’s pet hates. She also knew that she had come to expect that Tina got people’s names wrong all the time – Tina hated to disappoint her.
“Close enough “Tina replied dismissively “So what is Melvin like?”
Emma smiled “He’s a sweetie – he was somewhat of a firebrand at college but he was always and still is devoted to Rosemary. He was argumentative -”
Tina raised an eyebrow “Argumentative being anyone who disagrees with you mom “
Emma held up a hand “You could be right – he was very radical. We all had our causes and we hung around all the time. We are having such a laugh remembering old times and recalling friends. Rosemary and I are talking about organising a reunion – there a few people who are not that far away from New York – we could get about 6 – maybe 8 people together. That
would be a fantastic laugh “
“The red wine suppliers of New York will be getting in extra supplies “Tina remarked “It’s obviously good for you. You do seem to be really enjoying their company “
“I am – it’s fantastic “she reached for her briefcase – Tina knew exactly what was coming next
“I would like you to come with me to a library gala benefit with me “
“Of course, mom – I would be delighted “Tina said knowing that it wasn’t going to happen
Emma got out the gala tickets “What are you doing on the 26th?”
“26th – mm “Tina pulled her pocket diary out and pretended to take great care in looking for that date
“Did you say the 26th?”
“Yes “
“Sorry “
“What are you doing on that date?” Emma asked sarcastically “Some wild party with Shane and your other dead-beat friends?”
“No “Tina said coolly “There is a sponsored fundraiser at the gym. I have signed up to spend 2 hours on a spin bike between 7 and 9pm on the 26th “Tina showed her mother her diary “I will be waving a sponsor sheet in your direction “
Emma looked at Tina – it was obvious she was not happy about Tina’s excuse
“Can you not change the time?”
“No “Tina replied
“Why?”
“Because through sheer force of my personality I have talked Shane into dong it and she will only do it after she finishes work and that’s the time, she wants to do it “
“I wanted you to come to this event with me – it’s important “
“Why is it important?” Tina asked casually
“Because it is important to me – really Tina – I would have thought that the least you can do is to is to try and attend this event with me – I ask so little of you “
Tina had been expecting that remark
“Mom – I am sorry – you should have asked me before the weekend. I didn’t agree to this
until the weekend”
“I couldn’t ask you at the weekend because you were missing in action “
“Mom – you have given me grief for the last 12 months because you said I was lying around doing nothing and feeling sorry for myself. So, I have got off my ass and I am trying to help people who cannot help themselves and I am socialising “
“Socialising for you means getting drunk and stoned with Shane “
Tina winched – there was more than a grain of truth in that comment – which was why it hurt
“I do not smoke dope any more mother “Tina said defending herself
“Every time I see Shane, she is wrapped in a cloud of marijuana smoke – her clothes reek of the stuff. I know you smoke marijuana – I have seen the evidence around your apartment “
“For your information I stopped smoking grass about 6 months ago and I yes I get drunk now and again but I am aware that my state of mind has been adversely affected by what I eat and drink. This may surprise you mom but I am pulling myself together – it would be nice if you
noticed it “
Tina glared at her mother as their lunch was delivered – Tina put her diary away and took her book and dropped both in her bag
“I am merely saying that this would be a good event for you to attend “
“Why?” Tina asked
“Well networking darling – there are going to be all sorts of people at the event – black tie – you might find someone who one day will give you a chance to do more with your life than you are at the moment “
As many times as her mother made disparaging remarks like that, they still did not get any less hurtful. Tina sipped her orange juice and regarded her mother.
“Mother – how many times do you need to put my down by criticising my job and my friends
and everything else? It is my life “
“And you are my only child and I love you. I want the best for you “
“Mom – just leave it okay – I am an adult and you and I long since reached a stage whereby you cannot interfere in my life. “
“Your mother “
Tina was prepared to take a lot of criticism from her mom but when she brought her other mom into the debate that was the point when Tina called a halt to it
“Do not use my other mom here – do not go there”
There was such a determination and edge in Tina’s voice that for once Emma bite her tongue. She knew how Tina felt about her mother – she knew that Kate’s death had been the catalyst for all the problems that beset Tina now. Maybe her daughter was sorting her life out
“I am sorry – it would be good for you to make contacts at such a prestigious event “
“Who will be there? “Tina asked. She had a bet with Bette that hell would freeze over before her mother mentioned that her very good friends The Porters had a rather hot lesbian daughter.
“Well Melvin and Rosemary “
“Did she mention that she had seen me at the library?” Tina asked picking her sandwich up.
Come on your old bat – admit that I charmed her.
Emma picked her coffee up “The person that Rosemary described was polite, charming, pretty and very intelligent about books and the importance of literacy “
“And you didn’t think it was me “Tina said dryly. The look on Emma’s face gave the truth to Tina’s joke – well she was hardly surprised
“On the one hand I know that my daughter has all of those attributes in abundance but by and large in the last few months I would more readily recognize the phrases grumpy, untidy, sullen and un communicative “
“Remind me to renew your membership to the Tina Kennard fan club “Tina said sarcastically
“But Rosemary could not have been more impressed with you “
“Amazing what a high-class education can do “Tina said
“I liked her – I thought she was really neat. I am sorry that I cannot go to this fancy event with you but you and mom already told me that I should not go back on something that I have promised to do “
—
After Tina had finished lunch with her mother there was one person she needed to see. If only to rant about what an unreasonable old crow her mother could be. Tina arrived at the gallery and was greeted by James who was grinning at her
“Hello Tina “
“Hello James – are you still tormenting Bette about us?”
He smiled “I am having a little bit of fun at her expense “
“She says you are having slightly more than a little bit of fun “
Tina raised one eyebrow at her and he blushed “It’s very rare that I get the chance “
“I can imagine – is she free?”
“She is – would you like me to announce you?”
“Would it make you laugh?”
“I would be amused “
“Then would you like to announce me James “
James got up and went to the door that lead to Bette’s office
“Ms Tina Kennard for you Ms Porter “James said with the up most dignity. Bette looked up
“James – stop screwing about “
“I have a Ms Kennard for you Ms Porter – I believe you know her in every sense of the word”
Tina appeared at the doorway and grinned at her lover
“Hey there “
“Are you two colluding against me now?” Bette asked
“I hope so “James said – he could see the look of delight on Bette’s face – it was nice to see and well as giving him more ammo to tease her.
“Thank you, James, “Tina said smiling
“Thank you, Ms Kennard, “
James left the door open as he left the two of them alone. Tina closed the door with a firm shove and looked at her lover. God how fantastic was this woman –
“Hey beautiful “Tina said
“Hello sexy “Bette stood up and walked across. This morning’s love making in the shower was only five hours in the past but for Bette it felt like only minutes ago. She rested her hands-on Tina’s waist and pulled her closer. Bette kissed her on the lips
“Mm – tuna and onion for lunch “
“You are good “Tina said “You want to guess what I had at 11?”
Bette kissed Tina again and their tongues moved together for several minutes
“Nice”
“Yeah?”
“I might have to try again “