Tina took a sip of her mineral water I cant believe your mother surprised us with this night together

I cant believe I thought she intended to look after her granddaughter Bette smiled.

Yeah..the nanny thing..Im not sure about a stranger looking after Rosie.. Tina stifled a yawn; she was determined to enjoy her night out.

Bette noticed the yawn and stood up Ill go see how much longer before our tables ready..

Its OK.. said Tina who was just enjoying the alone time with Bette.

Ill just ask.. said Bette. She made her way across the bar to the front of the restaurant.

Tina watched Bette as she walked across the room. Saw the eyes of both men and women watching her as she passed them. She smiled. Bette was amazing; she shouldnt let herself ever forget that and she was all hers.

Tina heard a mobile ringing. She looked around; it sounded like Bettes. She checked Bettes bag then lent over, picked up the phone and answered it in case Maggie was trying to reach them. Bette Porters phone..hello

Hello ..I presume this is Miss Kennard..is my daughter there?

Tina stopped smiling immediately Oh..hello Melvin..

Is she there.. he said again..

Yes..hold on a moment .. she gestured to Bette to hurry back and take the phone

Who is it? mouthed Bette..

Your father.. Tina mouthed back and turned away sadly.

Daddy..where are you? said Bette excitedly.

Here in New York.werent you going to let me know you were stopping over?

Sure Daddy..but we didnt have time to come down to Philly..I didnt realise you were here

Ive got tickets for a show..

When? Im not sure Tina and Ill have time Bette looked up at Tina who was frowning at her drink.

Tonight..

Tonight..well Ill ask her..what time? Bette looked expectantly at Tina.

I thought Miss Kennard would be busy looking after her child

You mean ..just you and me.. Bette said puzzled.

Tina stood up to leave the table. She felt shed been here before. She knew she wasnt going to win this one. She didnt want to hear any more of the conversation so she decided she might as well go to the bathroom and get ready to go back to the apartment.

Bette watched her get up..she reached out her hand to halt Tina.. Daddy I cant..Tina and I are ..

Bette..you wouldnt deny you father some time with his girl would you?

But Daddy..

Tina left the table. She headed for the bathroom and took her time. She splashed a little water on her face. *****, she thought, as she looked at herself in the mirror. I hate the way he treats me and I hate how Bette acts around him ..its as if I dont exist anymore.

She looked at her tired face in the mirror and tried a smile. It turned into a grimace as she thought about having to go out and find Bette and pretend everything was OK no matter what Melvin had talked her in to. It sounded like their night was shot anyway.

Tina looked towards the door and was surprised to see Bette coming through it.

Hey T, are you OK? she said looking concerned.

Tina put a smile on her face Yeah sure..

Good well the tables ready lets go eat..

But..I thought.. said Tina.

Bette came up close Well.. she whispered in Tinas ear you thought wrong..well see him tomorrow at brunch or lunch, whenever were all free. Tonights our night.

Tina put a real smile on her face, took Bettes face in her hands and kissed her.

Mmm T..are you telling me you want to skip dinner and go straight for dessert? Bette whispered in her ear.

Tina smiled and wiggled her eyebrows at Bette.

Bette laughed and kissed her then took her hand and drew her back into the restaurant so they could enjoy their night out together.

TBC