Zoe stayed with Madison nursing her back to health. The hot compresses and back rubs helped and by Wednesday evening Madison was feeling well enough to go to her parents for dinner. She had asked Zoe to come with her but Zoe had a work dinner that she needed to attend. Since Madison still wasnt well enough to drive Zoe agreed to drop her off a bit earlier and come in to meet her parents. They pulled up into Tina and Bettes driveway, Zoe exhaling deeply.

Hey, there is no need to be nervous Zoe. They are good people. I dont think theyll interrogate you too badly.

And you know this how? Youve never brought anyone to meet your parent before right?

Yeah, youre right but I just know. Theyll be cool. Come we cant put off the inevitable.

Inside the house

Tina, come away from the window and stop spying on them.

Tina turned to Bette and smiled. I just want to see what she looks like. Give me a break will you? This is the first girl Maddie has brought home to meet us, she must be serious.

Shes too young to be serious.

No she isnt. You know what happens when you meet the right one.

Well thats just it I think shes too young to know that.

Bette, why do you have to be such an *****? Think back through that cobwebbed mind of yours and remember what it was like when you first laid eyes on me, when we first touched. You knew in that instant and so did I.

Yes, but I was 40 and you were 35. Big difference.

Just then the bell rang and Maddie opened the door. Hi mom Id like you to meet Zoe, Zoe this is my mom.

Please to meet you Ms. Kennard, Zoe said as she extended her hand to Tina.

Please call me Tina.

And this is momma B.

Nice to meet you Ms. Porter.

Nice to meet you to Zoe and please call me Bette. How about a quick glass of wine before you have to leave?

Sure, Id enjoy that.

Great, why dont you have a seat on the couch with Madison. Tina, could you help me for a moment in the kitchen?

Bette and Tina made there way into the kitchen, with Bette whispering in Tinas ear. Shane was right, she does look a bit like me. Our daughter has exquisite taste in women.

Tina shot Bette a dirty look and laughed. Is that because she looks like you or because you think she is hot?

Honey, I only have eyes for you and besides Im old enough to be her mother.

Bette?

Okay, shes hot. You think so too huh?

Yep. Lets get back in there and see if she has the brains to match.

The four women sat casually for about 45 minutes talking, with Tina and Bette subtly asking questions about Zoes background, education etc.

Well Im sorry I cant stay for dinner but the partner I work for insisted I attend this meeting with a client. Id better be going so I can make sure Im not late.

Of course, well it was a pleasure to meet you and Tina and I look forward to seeing you again very soon. Thank you for taking care of Madison these last few days, I dont think Ive ever seen her look so well rested.

Zoe blushed at the memory of sharing a bed with Madison, exploring every part of her body during her back rubs. While they still hadnt made love she felt more connected than ever to Madison.

Well Madisons a pretty good patient Bette. I think she said she takes after her mom in that department.

You little smart *****. Ill get you for that. Bette grabbed Madison and gave her a hug and noogies on her head.

Hey easy Im still in pain here.

Ooops, sorry.

Let me walk Zoe to her car and Ill be right back.

When they got to the car Zoe turned to Madison after she opened the car door. That went better than I thought.

I told you it would be fine. You were great. I think they genuinely liked you.

Yeah? Theyre pretty cool for parents. Okay, let me get going. I love you. Zoe leaned over and gave Madison a soft quick kiss on the lips, knowing that someone might be watching.

I love you too. Ill see you tonight right?

Yeah, just call me when youre on your way home and Ill meet you there.

Madison walked into the house to find her parents still sitting in the living room, sipping their wine.

Okay, Im ready. Ask all the questions you want.

What makes you think we have any questions?

Come on mom. I know you. You always have 21 questions to ask. You wouldnt be my mom if you didnt.

Well, I do have a few.

Tina, I thought we agreed to be respectful of Madisons relationship and let her tell us when shes ready.

We did. I just have one. Do you love her?

Tina!

Bette!

Timeout you two, go to your respective ends of the catch and chill. Madison looked directly at Tina and said, Yes mom, I love her. More than I thought I could love anyone. It kinda just snuck up on me and bam I was a goner. Ive just never felt like this before, and as you know Ive been playing the field quite a bit.

Thats an understatement Madison.

Madison pretended to pout and Tina continued but thats not the topic today is it? Im happy for you, she seems nice, just take things slow.

I will mom, thanks for your support. She look at Bette and said youre being very quiet momma B. Dont you like her?

I do, I just think youre a bit young to be professing your undying love. Relationships are hard work Madison and I dont want you to get into something before youre ready. That being said Ill support you and be here for you if ever you want to talk or need advice.

Thanks you two, your support really means the world to me. One day I want a relationship that will be as strong and loving as yours has been. You two are my role models and youve have to admit youre a tough act to follow.

Bette and Tina shot each other a knowing glance and Tina spoke softly. Every relationship is different Madison and me and your mom had our share of rough times. Dont put us on a pedestal. We dont deserve that but do know that what keeps our love alive now is love, communication and honesty. Thats what you need to look for in your relationships and dont settle for anything less.

Madison was about to say something but the doorbell rang and Bette quickly jumped up to answer the door. Madison sensed there was some kind of hidden meaning in what her mother had just said but didnt have the privacy now to follow-up on it with them.

The gang arrived; Jake, Kit, Alice, Dana, Shane and Julia. They had been doing these weekly dinners ever since Bette and Tina had gotten back together and merged their two families. The wine flowed freely and the food was plentiful. The conversation somehow turned to one-night stands, relationships and infidelity and everyone seemed to have their own opinion. Madison noticed Bette being very quiet and she called her on it.

Momma B, youre being very quiet. Surely you have a perspective here. Everyone got quiet wondering how Bette was going to answer.

Bette looked up and barely managed to smile. Im tired thats all Madison but I think the topic has been covered fairly well by everyone here. I dont have anything to add.

Bullshit Porter, surely you have something to say on the topic. It was one of your favorites to preach to us about until you fell off your high horse. Dana grabbed Alices hand under the table and almost broke it when she gave it a hard squeeze. Alice had been chugging her wine all night and it was now clear she had lost all of her decorum. Bette just stared at Alice. Finally Alice realized what she had said but by then it was too late.

Sorry Bette, dont know what got into me. Please accept my apology.

Dont worry about it Alice, that was a long time ago and you are right I was way off base. I couldnt live up to the standards I set and should never have expected anyone else to try.

Madison was looking at Bette, Tina and Alice trying to figure out what was going on. She also remembered her early conversation with her parents and what Tina said. Something clicked in her brain and she prayed she was wrong.

So who did you cheat on momma B? Was it my mom?

Tina answered, That question is disrespectful and uncalled for. Dont you ever ask your mother a question like that ever again.

I guess I have my answer. Madison sat there the anger building inside of her. She stood her voice barely a whisper but the venom present was clear My whole life has been built on a lie. One big lie. Pointing a finger at Bette you cheated on my mother and you (looking at Tina now) were weak and took her back.

It was Jakes turn to speak Maddie, calm down. There has got to be a reasonable explanation for all of this. Lets just talk this through.

You would say that. It was your mother who cheated. Jakes draw dropped. Maddies words cut deep into his heart.

Bette spoke next, Stop this right now Madison. You want to be angry? Fine. Be angry with me but dont take it out on anyone else in this room. Apologize to your mother this instant and for the record she is anything but weak. She is the strongest, most kind person Ive ever known. Her love, determination and fortitude rescued me on more than one occasion and without her you wouldnt be here today. None of us would.

Madison turned, tears now streaming down her face and stormed out of the house.

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Some of you folks might think it is far fetched that the kids wouldnt know about Bette cheating on Tina. I thought about that but then realized that every family has some kind of secret, sometimes small sometimes big. I was 35 before I found out that my aunt had been married 2 times. Hope you enjoyed the story.more drama and angst to follow.