“Close.” Helena grimaced. “It’s…oh shit, I can’t explain it. Just have a look on the internet tomorrow.” She waved a dismissive hand.  She had known all along that the children would figure out that an entire small town in England specialized in childish entertainment, and she had no doubt that Winnie’s latest girlfriend—herself an ex-pat—would tell them all about Blackpool. “I’ll eat donuts and sit on a bench while Bette takes them on dangerous looking rides.” She huffed.

“Tina should come with Angelica. She can help us out…and your friend…she can come…” Bette smirked.

“Darling, she’s your friend as well…” Helena turned back to her mother with a small roll of her eyes. “And, as it turns out, Tina’s friend.”

“Well aren’t we all such good friends?” Peggy rolled her eyes, knowing full well that Tina and Elaine were not meeting up every night for tea and crumpets. “still jealous Bette dear?” Peggy teased. Their entrees arrived and they spent the rest of their meal discussing the children, including Angelica’s flu the previous week, how well Jun Ying and Wilson were getting along with Winnie’s new partner, and Peggy’s latest strange little adventure in the north of Canada (which involved a hotel made of ice, and an amorous female bush pilot).

When they got back to their new home, a message waited on Bette’s cell.

“Angelica fell asleep at Tina’s, so she’ll just keep her until the morning.” Bette grinned, as happy with the security of knowing she could see her daughter whenever it was convenient, as she was with the knowledge that she had an entire night of grownup time with Helena.

“Ok darling…” Helena was already halfway up the stairs.  Bette’s face flushed when she realized that Helena was also already half undressed. “Race you to the bedroom…” The Brit purred.

By the time Bette reached the bedroom, Helena was waiting for her.

Bette’s mouth fell open.

They hadn’t garnered much furniture yet, so the hardwood floor was empty save for the new King sized bed in the middle of the room, and an antique wooden chair which usually sat next to a desk by the window but which now occupied a spot at the foot of the bed.  Helena sat in that chair, while candles glowed from the desk and on the floor nearby. She wore nothing but a shell necklace and a hint of perfume, but her arms were crossed as well as her legs.  “Strip.” She said quietly.