Is this love

Chapter 62

“What can I do for you Peggy? “Tina was wondering why Peggy had taken her aside as soon as she and Bette had arrived. They were standing in a little ante room that held a desk and sofa.
“Well its more what we can do for one another “
Tina smiled “Yes ?”
“I will not beat about the bush because as Helena will tell you that is not my style. Frankly ever since I met you I have been impressed with you “
“Thank you “
“So I would like you to work for me “
Tina’s face fell “I don’t know if you know but I have just handed in my resignation at the centre – Rosemary helped me get a job in a bookshop “
“I know – Helena was just telling me – she also told me that the job is part time which would fit in nicely with what I want “
“Why don’t you tell what you have in mind ?”
“Simple – join the grants panel for the Peabody Foundation. I know that it was a conflict of interest when you worked for the centre but now that you work in a bookshop it’s something that you can do without it harming the centre. At most it’s a day and a half’s work a week and you will find that the pay would come in handy “
Tina had been expecting some sort of job offer from Peggy ever since their first meeting. Peggy was like her mother in a lot of ways – she was always on the lookout for talent and she obviously saw something in Tina that many people hadn’t. Tina was grateful for any vote of confidence regardless of how much more self-assured she had become since she started to date Bette Porter.
“I am very flattered Peggy – I would not let you down “
“I know that – I read your grant application for the centre “
“Yes ?”
“And you wrote it yourself ?”
“Bette helped a little with the introduction which I had got muddled up and she gave me some tips about the structure “
Peggy nodded – she had seen some of Bette’s style in the document
“What impressed me the most was the passion that you showed for the centre and for the people that you wanted to help with the money “
“You don’t think it’s odd that I am leaving now ?”
“No – you are an intelligent and very impressive young woman – you need fresh challenges. That is perfectly normal and I am pleased to see that you are prepared to take risks and step out of your comfort zone. That always impresses me in a person – are you free later in the week ?”
“Yes – Thursday and Friday “
“Call my secretary tomorrow” Peggy handed her a business card “And I will tell him that you are expected. In fact – I think I will take you for lunch on Friday – we can conclude our business and maybe then the girls can join us for cocktail hour “
“How long do your lunches go on?” Tina asked laughing
“Mine have been known to end a week later – let’s get back to the party – I am supposed to be the hostess but I would rather be sinking martinis with you. Helena and Bette. I believe your mother is joining us tonight ?”
“Yes – I wanted her to see what I achieved in getting the grant “
“And if I may ask – how has your mother taken the news that her daughter is dating someone as impressive as Bette ?”
“You probably know from Helena that there are some tensions – Bette is very protective of me and that makes things hard with my mom “
“Your mother wants the best for you – all mothers do but we are not as good at being mothers or articulating that love like Rosemary Porter. I may frequently be disappointed by some of the things that Helena has done but at the end of the day she is my daughter and I would kill anyone who hurt a hair on her head. She just may not be that good at showing you that but she does feel that way – all mothers do – just remember that “