“Of course “ a waiter appeared ready to take their order “ For starters I will have the tuna and my friend will have the shrimp – and for the main course – the lobster and the chicken and a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc – thank you “

Left alone Emma looked at Bette – really she had grown into a very fine young woman. A woman you would be delighted to date your daughter – which she was. Emma took a sip of her bourbon and faced Bette

“I was very wrong to upset you and Tina the way I did. I had my reasons and I still believe that it was the right thing for you two to spend time apart”

Bette started to speak but Emma held her hand up “Please let me finish – I have thought about this a great deal. Nothing – and I mean nothing justifies how I acted. I was horrible to you and to Tina and to everyone else. I rode rough over your feelings and that of Tina’s. I was the worst possible parent to her. My parents were mean to me about my schooling and I had always said that Tina wouldn’t be subjected to the same pressures but I went back on that. I was a horrible mother and it looked to you and to Tina like I didn’t care for you and her. I couldn’t see anything but what I thought was best for Tina. I misjudged your love for her and her love for you. I was wrong – I was utterly in the wrong and I don’t deserve to have her back and having her back and in my life again – well I am not going to mess up again. She is all I have and I am very proud of her. She is such a kind person and I know that she idolises you and you treat her like any mother would be glad to see. I am sorry to you and to Tina for how I acted. I hope the in the months and years ahead you will allow me to make amends.”

Bette took a drink of her bourbon and looked at Emma – well that had been as total an apology as she could have wanted. In truth Bette’s anger towards Emma had died several weeks ago. She smiled at Emma and shook her head