“Well I do mind. It wasn’t your place Helena. When did you even talk to Bette?” Tina asked not liking the idea of the two women colluding.

“We attended an art thing together on behalf of the CAC last night. You know I’m on the board of directors now. Since we have to work together I don’t see any reason why she and I can’t be friends.”

“And that’s why you invited her … to make friends?” It took everything Tina had to hold her tongue at the absurdity. It was hard enough for Bette to manage civility with the woman much less friendship.

“My mother adores Bette. Nothing would make her happier than for us to get along.” Helena reasoned.

“Helena, since when do you care what would make your mother happy? You seem to go out of your way to defy her. I know that Peggy has been like a mother to Bette but you haven’t exactly made the best impression on her. As a matter of fact, she’s warned me to stay away from you.”

“That’s only because she wants to get back with you and even though you say you want to date her, you’re still with me. I keep having to remind her that she fucked everything up between you two long before I came along. Dating is one thing, but I honestly don’t see why you’ve agreed to co-parent with her after the way she treated you Tina. You don’t owe her a place in this baby’s life. I can take care of you and your daughter.”

“You don’t know anything about how she treated me Helena and frankly who I chose to have in my baby’s life is none of your business.”

“I know she cheated on you while you were trying to get pregnant to give her the family she wanted. I know she kept seeing the other woman for a month after you found out about the affair. I know she just came back because of the baby. She’s charming you Tina. Believe me I know how the game is played. I’m just concerned that you’ll get your heart broken again if you let her back in.”

“That might be how you played the game with your wife, but Bette isn’t anything like you Helena. Besides if you feel that way why would you invite her?”