«Hello Bette», the woman said, glancing in Tina’s direction.

«I brought my girlfriend with me», Bette said, hoping maybe Mrs Stone wouldn’t approve and turn around. But she smiled at Tina and extended her hand. «Yeah, I knew you were gay, Bette. Nice to meet you young lady, I’m Irene Stone»

«I’m Tina, Tina Kennard», Tina told her, shaking her hand.

Mrs Stone took a seat and smiled at Bette. «You have a very beautiful partner, Bette and you two seem so much in love…», she remarked, much to Bette’s surprise. «Actually, I’m glad you could join us Tina, because I have a feeling what I’m about to say to Bette will shake her up. She’ll need someone by her side», she added, making Bette even more nervous about the whole thing.

Maybe it had been a mistake to come here and listen to that woman. She was happy with her life, with who she was, she didn’t need someone to rehash the past. But what if this was all true ? Bette realised that she needed to hear Mrs Stone’s story…

A waiter came by their table and Mrs Stone ordered a coffee while Tina asked for tea. When the waiter left, Mrs Stone turned to Bette. «I guess it’s time now to explain everything…». She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Bette braced herself and sensing how stressed her lover was, Tina laced her fingers into hers and gave it a loving squeeze.

«A long time ago, I worked as a cashier in a grocery store and this is where I met your father. He used to come in very often and we started talking. One day, he invited me for coffee. There wasn’t anything romantic going on, we were just two lonely people looking for company. He talked to me about his ex-wife and your sister Kit… and he told me about a woman named Angela that he was mad about». Hearing her mother’s name, Bette got teary-eyed and she desperately held on to Tina.

«They had gone out regularly, but he wasn’t sure if she loved him or not… We saw each other a few times after that and I found myself smitten with him. He was charming and good looking. One night, he came over and to my surprise we… you know, and that’s when you were conceived…», Mrs Stone went on.