Bette had once dated a fashion designer who had lived in the apartment block next to this one so she had an idea what the apartments were like but this one was very much the top of the range. It was decorated in a modern style with lots of book shelves and family pictures around the walls. There was a trophy cabinet between two book cases and Bette wondered if
any of the trophies belonged to Tina – this was going to be an interesting insight into her beloved.
“Mom – where are you ?”

Tina shouted looking around the apartment. She was surprised when Emma emerged form
the kitchen complete with apron and carrying an oven glove
“What are you doing ?” Tina said
“Cooking darling – hello Bette “
“Hello “ Bette said
“I thought you were going to get a caterer in “
“I thought that but I always liked cooking so I dusted down my favourite cookery book and I have been having a blast all day “
“You are cooking ?” Tina said again
“I can cook “
“I know you can – you just always needed mom to clean up after you and make sure you weren’t putting dishes back in the cupboards with food still encrusted on them “
Emma raised an eyebrow
“Sorry mom – but you have to admit that you are a great cook if you have a labourer and an audience “
“I will admit nothing of the sort – would you like to put your jacket in your room and Bette’s as well of course “
Are you sure you do not need a hand ?”
“I can cope “ Emma said
Tina was about to start arguing but Bette rested a hand on her back – Tina looked round and Bette raised one eyebrow at her
“Okay – would you like to give me your jacket babe and take a seat – I will be inspecting the kitchen later mother “
Tina left the room and Bette walked across to look at bookshelves and the photographs that were in prominent places. Tina featured in most of them – always the innocent smile and confident expression – even at 7 it was obvious that she was the woman that Bette now loved so much. It was true that she looked an amalgam of her mothers – Emma’s facial structure but Kate’s warm smile. Bette spotted a picture of the two women in graduations gowns both obviously a little worse for wear.
“Would you like a glass of wine ?”
Bette turned – Emma was standing at a well stocked drinks tray
“Not just yet – do you have any fruit juice ?”
“I will get you some”
Bette nodded “Thank you – is there anything that I can do to help ?”
“ Thank you for your offer but you and Tina are my guests tonight “ the older woman paused “Bette – I know you and I got off to a bad start and I have antagonised you. I seem to do that a lot – maybe I have been a pit-bull terrier lawyer too long but I do tend to see the worst in people before I see the best. I distrusted you greatly and regardless of what Rosemary and Tina told me I couldn’t see you as anything other than a very stunningly beautiful lesbian who could get whoever she wanted. I realise that did you a dis-service and I am an sorry. I see now that you are every bit as lovely as your mother. Tina has been through a lot – she had to see her mother dying in front of her eyes and that is a very hard thing whatever age you are. Seeing Tina now – she is just back to her best – she is so confident now and when I saw her in that business suit and she just looked so sleek and happy – I knew my baby was back to her best and you are largely responsible – thank you Bette “
Bette didn’t often get lost for words but this speech had not been expected – regardless of what Tina had said about her mother turning over a new leaf. Bette smiled
“I guess its understandable that you are protective of Tina – I really have never been a player. I love Tina – she’s fantastic and we are very happy and we are really making what we have work “
“You don’t need it Bette but you and Tina have my full blessing – and I know that Kate would have approved as well “
“MOTHER ! “
Bette laughed – Emma pulled a face
“I feel I am about to have a debate with my daughter about my ability to use every dish and bowl in the cupboards and sin of sins – not wash up as I am working. She inherited that from her mother “
“I have noticed that in her “
“You know its been a long time since anyone called me on how sloppy I have become lately. I was having dinner with your mom and dad last week and Rosemary told me off for not washing pans properly – it cheered me up in a very odd way “
“MOTHER ! “
“Give me a call if you need rescuing “
“I might just have to do that “