Emma looked at Helena “I just don’t want anyone to hurt her – she’s been through so much”
“Bette won’t – I know its easy for me to say but Bette is really in love with Tina. They have something – there is a connection that I have never seen between Bette and anyone else. Bette Porter is your daughter in law – you do know that don’t you ?”
“It has crossed my mind – I would be delighted if she really was. She makes Tina happier than I have ever seen her before “
“Bette has always needed a woman to worship – to put on a pedestal and idolise. Tina is very comfortable with Bette’s sometimes over the top romantic streak “
“How do you think we are doing ?”
Helena kissed Emma on the lips “ I am not complaining or kicking you out of bed “
“I noticed – are you okay with us ?”
“Emma – its going well – do not analyse it – do not look for hidden meaning in what we say or do – just enjoy “
“I am enjoying myself so fucking much “
“So am I – now do you want some coffee before you go ?”
“I would love some – you stay in bed – I obviously wore you out – I will make it “
Helena smiled at the “challenge”
“Put the coffee machine on and come back to bed for five minutes “
“Five minutes ?” Emma smiled
“Well maybe ten “
“Helena ! “
“You cannot fuck me three times and not let me return the favour “
Emma jumped up and winked at Helena
“I think you will find Ms Peabody that I did just that “

**

Tina looked across at Bette. They has just got off the subway heading for Madison Square Park – the site of the picnic. Bette looked gorgeous – faded Levis and a white shirt that showed off her fantastic skin colour. Coupled with high black boots and her hair hanging loose she looked wonderful. Tina squeezed Bette’s hand causing the brunette to look across at her.
“You okay ?”
“Fine – you ? “
“I never thought about bringing a girlfriend to one of mom’s picnics – this is a big thing for me”
“I will try not to embarrass you “ Bette replied dryly
“I know – Bette – I didn’t mean “
Bette laughed and kissed Tina’s cheek “I know babe – just relax – I am house trained and everything “
“You are fucking awesome – that’s what you are “
“Sexually or in some other way ?”
“Everything – I love you “
“I love you too “
They walked along for another block
“Have you spoken to Helena in the last few days ?” Tina asked. She knew that things were not back to normal between Bette and Helena.
“No – have you spoken to your mom ? “
“Yes “ Tina said “When you were out running – she had just left Helena’s apartment and was on her way down here – she just wanted to know if you and I were still going to attend”
Bette raised an eyebrow
“Its still on then “
“Obviously “
“Its been two weeks now “
“That’s a week longer than anyone gave it “
“Mom has asked Helena to come along today “
“WHAT ! “
“I said that but not with that shrill”
“What did she say ?” Bette asked
“Helena is busy today but she will pop in later when the picnic is winding down. I think it was mom’s idea not Helena’s”
“If she wanted her to come along – does that mean its getting serious ?”
Tina shrugged
“How serious can you be about someone in 2 weeks ?”
Bette didn’t reply that she had been wildly in love with Tina after a hell of a lot less time than two weeks
“Maybe its getting serious for your mom “
“No – I asked her how it was going and she said that the two of them were having fun. Mom found out that Helena loves Japanese food “
“She does”
“So mom pulled strings – in the way that I suspect only Peggy could match and took her to Masa in the Time Warner Centre – there are only 26 tables in there – I suspect its hideously expensive “
Despite her fears about the Helena/Emma affair Bette laughed
“I am impressed and more importantly – I bet Helena was as well “
“Oh she was – so Helena took mom to the Ritz-Carlton “
“That “ Bette said “ Is 15-all “
“It is – you know I know that everyone is down on them but they are financial equals. If anyone can out gesture Helena – it is my mother “
“I just don’t want either of them to get hurt “
“Mom is having a good time – okay so its not the match I would have made for her but the two of them are having fun. That’s what she needs at this stage in her life and that is what Helena is giving her “
“You know that if this goes on – we are going to run into them. I was looking at my diary for the next few weeks – like that AIDS benefit at the Rockafeller centre in three weeks “
“How do you feel about that ?”
“I think its more how you feel – she is your mom “
“I guess it will look weird – especially as I am trying not to think about their physically relationship. I hope that I can see the happiness in my mom’s eyes. Part of her died when Kate did – she lost her zest. This seems to be bringing it back “
“If you don’t have a problem with it – I shouldn’t “
“We don’t have to react the same way just because we are a couple “