Some kind of wonderful
Chapter 66

They had been talking for another 50 minutes when the door of the bar opened and Bette looked up to see Tina walking in
“Tina is here “
“Oh God – I am nervous – are you sure she is okay?”
“Yes – don’t worry. As I said we had a long talk last night and this morning –she has burnt off some energy and she’s been with Shane – I wold be amazed if she changed her mind”
“I hope to God she hasn’t “
Bette stood up and went across to greet Tina
“Are you okay?”
Tina nodded “This is still surreal”
“I know “
“How is she?”
“Like a nervous kitten – she is scared that you are going to be livid with her”
“Why would I be?”
“I think “Bette said lowering her voice even though they were far away enough for Emma not to hear any of their conversation “I think she is just accustomed to be the bad guy”
“How was Rosemary?”
“Shocked and left to cry off the rest of the day so she could see dad”
“I am worried about he will take the news that we know “Tina said
Bette nodded – grateful that Tina could see how hard this could be for her father. That showed how much Tina cared not just for her but for her family. Bette took Tina’s hands
“Do you want me to stay with the two of you or would you like some time alone with her?”
“Don’t leave me just yet “
“I won’t leave until you are okay. Do you want a beer or something stronger?”
“Just a beer – what is mom drinking?”
“She has had a couple of double ryes, one beer and two Irish coffees “
“So she’s not steamed?”
“No – she is sober and she is okay I think. Other than being terrified about what you are going to say – be kind to her”
“A few months ago I don’t think I would have ever heard you say that about her “
“I know – but be kind to her – she’s had a shock – they all have”
Bette kissed Tina on the lips and went to the bar. Left alone Tina headed towards her mother who was looking unusually sheepish. Tina walked across and sat down facing her mother
“Well mother – there is nothing wrong with your taste in women is there?”
Emma looked at Tina slightly shocked at the remark but found that Tina was smiling
“Well if anyone should appreciate my taste it’s you “she replied
Tina laughed “Mother – mother – you sly old fox “
Emma grinned – Tina’s reaction was better than anything she could have expected. She held out her hands
“How the hell was I to know that my only daughter would fall in love with her daughter?”
“You weren’t and at that age you were – there is no reason that you ever would. Are you okay?”
“I am more worried about my daughter and her daughter’s reactions “
Bette came back with a beer for Tina and another Irish coffee for Emma. She had been watching mother and daughter from the bar and Tina seemed in great form and had made Emma laugh which did mean that the ice had been broken between them. She would stay a little longer and make her excuses and head back to the apartment – she needed to spend some time lost in Forensic science – not her current study of human fragilities.
“How was it with Shane?” Bette asked
“She is very wise “Tina said “I can see that one of her attractions is that she is very all seeing and wise. Despite having a love life that would not be out of place on one of those daytime soaps she is sage. I have missed her so much “
“And what did she have to say?”
Tina smiled “That my mother has amazing taste in women “
Bette chuckled “I think that’s a joke you shouldn’t make in front of my father “
“I wouldn’t “Tina said “You know I wouldn’t babe “
Bette nodded “Well you two seem okay – and I think you two need to have some mother and daughter time”
Tina looked at Bette “ Bette – I didn’t mean”
“I know “ Bette smiled “ I know that – I just think you and Emma need some time – like I need some time with mom. Are you all still planning to go to Matt’s thing tonight?”
“It depends on your father “Emma said “I would like to go and talk everything through “
“I don’t think Tina and I should be there – you three have a lot to talk about “Bette looked at Tina
“Is that okay with you – or if you want to go?”
Tina shook her head “No – you are right – we ca go to the next one. How about we go to the movies or something?”
Bette nodded “You have a date Ms Kennard “
She stood up and looked at both women and smiled
“I will say what I have said to both of you separately – what Kate did was mean and spiteful. It doesn’t deserve to damage anything between any of us. So yes we can all be shocked and need time but we stay solid and she loses. One day with you two angry at one another is a victory for someone who shouldn’t be allowed any victories “Bette lent forward and kissed Tina softly on the lips
“I love you “she said tenderly and touched her face “I will see you back at the apartment later”
She looked at Emma “Take care of each other “