They arrived at Bette’s parents right on time  – she was always on time when she was with Bette. Tina hoped that they would have a good lunch and that no one brought Emma into the conversation  – that was the quickest way to ruin everyone’s appetites.
Bette knocked at the door and looked at Tina
“You okay ?”
Tina nodded  – Rosemary and Melvin had always been kind to her and she didn’t think that they would take any issues they had with Emma out on her – their prime desire was to repair their relationship with their daughter. The door opened and Melvin stood there smiling at them
“You should use your key Bette”
“I know – hello dad”
“Hello darling  – hello Tina”
“Hello Melvin – its good to see you “
“You too – come on in”
Tina stepped inside and took a deep breathe – the smells from this apartment were always tantalising to say the least  – she had so many memories of great meals here. Long breakfasts that stretched to midday – lunches that went on until it was dark and midnight snacks that only ended when neither could eat another morsel of food.
“Rosie “ Melvin said raising his voice slightly
From the kitchen emerged Bette’s mom – wearing a white apron and looking as good as always
“Mom I would like to introduce you to my new girlfriend  – she is called Tina “ Bette said
“I know exactly who she is “ Rosemary said scolding Bette slightly and heading towards the blonde “And she is as beautiful as always – you look so grown up these days Tina – its so nice to see you “
Rosemary grabbed Tina and gave her a big huge “Welcome back “ she said in a whisper that only Tina heard
“Thank you “ Tina replied and returned the hug. Rosemary pulled away and looked at Tina “ You look so like Kate”
Bette said something under her breath to her father who smiled  -Tina didn’t know what it was but she had a pretty good idea it had not been flattering to Emma.
“I hope you are both hungry “
“I am never not hungry when I come home mother “ Bette said
“Well I know that – its all that running”
“Another 8km this morning “ Bette said “So there better be plenty of carbs for me”
Rosemary smiled at Bette and looked back at Tina “Does she eat a lot when she is with you ?”
“Yes  – but then we both eat a lot “
Rosemary looked at Melvin “ Would you like to make our guests a drink Melvin ?”
“Delighted to – come on through – if you leave some space after all the food your mother is going to pile on your plate Bette I have a rather good brandy that you might like – do you drink brandy Tina ?”
“I do like brandy “ Tina said “ I have only had the cheap stuff  though “
He shuddered “ I must educate your taste buds Tina – I like a challenge”
“He’s been pouring brandy down my throat since I was 15 “ Bette said “ Slightly diluted but I grew up to have a very expensive palate when it comes to brandy”
“I have collected some good bottles in the last few years”
“Do not get me too drunk dad  –  I have a very busy day at college tomorrow”
“Nonsense “ Melvin winked at Tina “ You are a Porter – you can take a few brandies”
“That is what worries me “ Bette said to Tina -” protect me babe “
“You think I can protect you from your dad and brandy ?”
“You could protect me with your broomstick “ Bette joked
“Consider yourself in trouble Bette “
Bette leant over and kissed Tina “I know how to get back into your good books though – by some very skilful fingers “
“BEHAVE “ Tina slapped Bette on the back which made the brunette laugh