**

Bette found Tina on her own sitting under a tree watching some families playing with a soccer ball. Bette sat down next to her partner and kissed her on the lips
“I missed you “ Tina said
“Did you think Jane was having her way with me ?”
“No – where were you ?”
“Talking to your mom “
“Has Helena showed up ?”
“No and she’s hoping that she doesn’t “
“I thought that would happen – she would hate to be the butt of the jokes “
“Not sure if anyone in this firm has the balls to make fun of her “
“They would – she’s a target because she is the top of the firm”
“Would you like to see her cutting back her hours ?”
“Yes – but she won’t. She did have a plan with mom that they would retire early and they would spend their time on cruises and travelling “
“She still could “
“Not without my mom – work has kept her sane “
“She is starting to have feelings for Helena “ Bette said
Tina looked at Bette
“She told you that ?”
“I asked her outright if she was in love with her and she said no but there is something there”
“Shit Bette “
“They are both strong, financially powerful women – there is bound to be a spark “
“Not what you said when you found out “
“Yeah – well – I was an idiot and a horrible idiot at that. I hurt Helena and after how she supported me when I was starting out with you – it was mean “
“You just didn’t want either of them to get hurt “
“I don’t “
“But its going to happen isn’t it – if mom is falling for Helena “
“It seems that Helena is showing no sign of wanting out – she is having fun”
“Really ?”
“Apparently “
Tina sighed “This is going to get complicated “
“We will just have to sit back and let whatever happens just play out and be there and support both of them- as long as you and I don’t fall out “
“We won’t – I swear babe “
Bette lent over and kissed Tina fully on the mouth “Oh God I want you “
“Still – after how much you got last night “
“That was last night “
“That was also a lot of orgasms “
“They are rationed ?”
“No — but you cannot be horny”
Bette rested her hand on Tina’s thigh “What if I am “
“You might need to see a Doctor about your constant sexual demands “
“Excuse me – you are not exactly sexually reserved “
“Compared to you I am “
“I will remember that the next time you come to bed naked with that look on your face “
“What look ?”
“The fuck me and fuck me now look “
Tina tried to look offended but she burst out laughing “I am offended “
“it’s the truth “
Tina threw herself at Bette and kissed the brunette
“God – where have you been all my life Porter – you just totally complete me”
Bette stroked Tina’s face “ I was thinking that “
“I mean it – I have never been with a woman where things are as easy and comfortable. We just seem to be on the same page and that’s a great feeling”
“I know what I have with you is destiny “
“I love you “
“I love you too “
They kissed again – Tina ended the kiss after several minutes
“This is getting a little too steamy given that we are in a fairly public place “
“You want to go ?”
Tina sighed “Lets go and see what she is doing – I feel guilty that I have done nothing to help “
“We might get a doggy bag to take home “
“If you eat any more you will look like one of the Thanksgiving balloons “
Bette laughed and taking Tina’s hand she placed it on her flat stomach
“Just as well I know a really good way of burning calories “
“Come on Porter “
Bette and Tina wandered around looking for Emma
“Look “ Bette stopped
“What ?“
“I recognise that figure anywhere – that’s Helena over there “
They were heading towards some tents where the caterers where cleaning up when Bette spotted her friend. Tina looked at Bette
“Shall we follow her ?”
“Its wrong “
“I am just curious “
Bette looked at Tina then across at the retreating figure – she was curious as well.
“Come on “
They carefully followed Helena who dipped out of sight until Tina spotted her mother standing between two catering vans. Tina held Bette back while they watched Helena appear and join the older woman between the two vans.
“I wish we could hear what they were saying “ Tina said
“It might be better if we don’t “ Bette pointed out “Could you shake off hearing your mother talking to Helena the way you and I talk to one another sometimes “
Tina shuddered “You have a point “
Helena walked towards Emma and they hugged. They chatted for a few seconds then the younger woman kissed Emma who responded. The kissing was gentle – not rough or demanding – just soft, tender kissing. Tina stood watching them before moving away. Bette watched for a few more seconds and followed Tina. They walked back towards where the last of the stragglers where starting to head home. Tina stopped and faced Bette
“That looked serious “
“It looked like there is some affection there “ Bette agreed
“Wow “
“Are you okay ?”
“Yeah – its going to take some getting used to “
“Lets just see how it goes. I know that Helena has the attention span of a gnat when it suits her – but everyone grows up – even a Peabody . Peggy and my mother don’t approve – we might have to get ourselves into their corner “
“You don’t approve “ Tina said
“If they are happy I approve – if one of the deliberately hurts the other I wont be “
“Come on – lets go home “
“We should say good bye to your mom “
“And interrupt them ?”
“Hell “
“Call her “
Tina nodded and got her phone out
“Hello mom – we are trying to find you – Bette and I are heading home — okay – the vans – okay – give us a few minutes – we are close “
Tina switched her phone off and looked at Bette
“Give it a few minutes “
Bette pulled Tina closer and they kissed
“That should have passed enough time “
Holding hands Bette and Tina headed to towards where they knew Emma was. When they found Emma she was still standing with Helena.
“Hey there “ Tina greeted them
“Hey “
“Helena – you missed a great afternoon “ Bette said
“You enjoyed it ?” Helena asked
“The advantage of dating the bosses daughter is we got to have a go on the bouncy castle”
Bette admitted
“She does it every year “ Emma told Bette
“Mom – you had to tell her that ?”
“Sorry – well I am really delighted that the two of you enjoyed yourself – thank you for coming along. A lot of people have told me how wonderful it is to see Tina looking so happy”
“Thank you for inviting me “ Bette said graciously
“Eh – we – wanted to ask you something “ Tina said
“Of course “
“Would you like to go to dinner with Bette and I ?”
Helena’s eyebrow raised itself and she looked at Emma who looked delighted
“Really ?”
“Yes “ Tina swallowed “There is no point ignoring the fact that the two of you are dating- lets all be grown up “
“I would be thrilled – Helena ?”
Helena smiled “I would love that – thank you Tina “
****