“We – eh – I didn’t think you would like the idea”
“We as in you and your father or you and Bette ?”
“Bit of both really “
“I am used to being the baddie Tina because that’s what I have been acting like for too long to you and Bette and you and Matt. I have been a bitch – I ran into him outside the court building about 5 weeks ago and I really laid into him”
“Why ?”
Emma finished her vodka and signalled for a refill – she let out a long sigh
“Why ? – I didn’t need a reason. I was in pain – I was in 20 types of pain and I was just lashing out “ she stopped for a few seconds “ I can remember when you were 4 or something you were poorly – fever and you couldn’t sleep. Boy you threw some tantrums – it was because you were in pain and nothing anyone could do would make it stop. I was hitting out for the same reasons – it hurt and I wanted it to stop and I was just lashing out. The fact that I am not 4 makes my behaviour worse . I was jealous of how well he and you get on”
Tina was silent – that had not been easy for her mother to admit
“Its not a contest mom “
Emma nodded “I know but when you are the alpha mom and you are me – everything is a competition. Even the affection of my only child”
“Well it has to stop “ Tina said
Emma nodded “I know and I might still get crazy now and again but – I am trying”
Tina smiled “That’s good enough for me “
“Thank you Tina”
“You also don’t have to thank me – a few more lunch dates like this might help”
Emma laughed “Sweetie – New York is full of places  I would be proud to take you”
“When you get back we can discuss that offer”
Emma picked her bag up and brought out her huge diary/wallet/notebook.
“I might be able to help you actually “
“What with ?”
“Hold on “ Emma flicked through pages and pages of neatly filed business cards until she found what she wanted. She removed the card and handed it to Tina
“One of my business clients “
“Coffee Connoisseurs “ Tina read
“They don’t own coffee shops but they are like an academy of coffee. If you would like I will ring the owner. He owes me a favour or three.  And he will give you a discount because your name is Kennard “
“Wow – that would be awesome “
Emma smiled – it would be nice just to be able to do something useful for her daughter
“I will call him tomorrow and give him your email address if that’s okay”
“That would be brilliant – thanks mom “
Their food arrived which was as lovely as Tina had expected. After they had eaten both courses and almost finished the champagne Emma lent back with her coffee
“At some point when I get back I would like to make my peace with Bette if she will talk to me. I realise I have a lot of work to do to make amends with a lot of people and I know I am on probation with you but I am not even out of jail with Bette am I ?”
This was tricky Tina reflected.
“Bette is still angry “ Tina said tactfully
“She has every reason to be – I was vile to both of you and while I do think that the two of you going to separate colleges was the right thing in the long run I went about it in my usual tactless and roughshod way. Bette was devastated at the time – you both were”
“I hated you for a long time” Tina admitted  – she knew her mother must know that
“I have hated people for a lot less reason than you and Bette had reasons to hate me “
“We were 18 and we loved one another so much and with such an intensity. We weren’t casual – you know that”