A/N: It took me a while but I'm back into this now. For some people, I know it's probably a bit too sweet but as ever let me know what you think.

I will try to update soon I promise.

Naomi

I woke with a start and glanced at the clock. Nine is a respectable time to get up on a Sunday right? I'd had a totally shit night's sleep, I kept waking up every hour like a kid waiting for Father Christmas. It was two weeks since I'd invited Emily over for lunch and I'd been counting down the days ever since.

Obviously I'd seen her in the intervening time, I couldn't keep away and even if we weren't going out I always made sure I popped into the shop at lunchtime. The past couple of days had been busy, Mandy had some big project she was working on all the hours God sent which naturally meant I was in the office a lot too so I'd only managed to see Emily for a few snatched minutes each day. I was really looking forward to spending some proper time with her, of course that was only if Mum actually left us alone long enough.

Jesus the way she was acting you'd think she was the one dating Emily. She'd done that really annoying thing where she made me hand over the phone while I was speaking to Emily so she could have 'a little chat'. Little chat my arse, they were on the phone for ages and Mum fired random questions at her, seemingly delighted with all the responses.

It had ended with a cheery 'looking forward to meeting you too Emily' as she hung up and I stood there mystified that I hadn't actually spoken to my girlfriend.

I sighed, seriously the woman was doing my head in. Take the other day for example, I'd walked in from work at stupid o clock and hadn't even taken my coat off before she accosted me asking me what Emily's favourite flowers were. I shrugged and said I wasn't sure, Mum tutted and actually tried to get me to text her then and there to find out. It was only my insistence that it was too late and a promise I'd do it straight away the next day that got her off my back.

I got out of bed and stretched, I really hope she's going to be on her best behaviour today, I don't want Emily being put off when she realises what a deranged mother I have. I grabbed a t shirt and some shorts to put on before I made my way to the door. I paused at the top of the stairs as I heard an unfamiliar voice, what on earth is going on now?

I rushed down the stairs two at a time to be greeted by what can only be described as a flower mountain.

"Thank you so much, enjoy the rest of your day." Mum said cheerily as she closed the door.

"What the hell is this?" I asked incredulously.

Mum waved her hand dismissively, "You said Emily's favourite flowers were lilies and tulips so that's what I got."

I snorted, "Mum, I thought you'd get a bunch, not the whole European supply chain. Where are we going to put these?"

She looked at me patronisingly, "I bought new vases of course, now come and help me. Honestly Naomi, you think you'd be more pleased I'm making an effort."

I mumbled something and grudgingly followed her into the kitchen, to be fair something smelled good. "What's that?"

"I'm doing a passion fruit creme brûlée for pudding. James Martin recipe, lovely man." my Mum replied wistfully.

Like a lot of women my Mum spent most of Saturday morning drooling over the tv, and only part of it was to do with the food.

"Er, when do we ever have pudding after Sunday lunch. I thought it was middle class wank." I asked incredulously.

At least she had the grace to look slightly sheepish, "Like I said Naomi, I'm making an effort. You don't want Emily thinking were paupers who can't provide a decent meal do you?"

I shook my head in disbelief just as the bell went, "Oh who the fuck is that now?"

I wrenched open the door and immediately tried to slam it shut again but Cook was too quick, "Come on Naoms, don't be rude."

"What are you two doing here?" I asked sulkily.

Effy walked through the door, "We were just passing and thought we'd say hello."

What a load of bollocks, Effy and Cook never just passed anything this early on a Sunday morning unless it was on the way back from a night out. They both looked far too awake and bright eyed for that to be the case.

"Why don't you come in." I responded sarcastically seeing as they were both already in the kitchen.

I walked through the doorway and found them chatting away while they arranged the flowers. Honestly, have I woken up in a parallel universe?

I was grateful for the distraction when my phone rang, but I started to panic when I saw Emily on the caller id, oh God, I hoped she wouldn't cancel.

"Hi," I uttered cautiously as I answered.

"Hey sexy, you're awake." she responded.

I nodded until I realised she couldn't see me, "Yeah, I got up quite early. Is everything ok? You don't need to cancel or anything?"

"Stop panicking baby, I'll be over at 1, exactly like we agreed." she replied.

I sighed with relief, "Oh good, I mean not that it wouldn't have been ok if you needed to rearrange..."

"Naomi, stop wittering, I'll be there. I just wanted to know what flowers your Mum liked as I don't want to turn up empty handed." Emily stated.

I glanced wryly at the vases beginning to fill the room, "I wouldn't bother with flowers Em, I think my Mum might have got it covered."

She paused, "Oh ok, I'll just bring some wine."

I checked in the fridge, "We might be ok on that score too."

She sighed, "So what should I bring then?"

I smiled, "Just bring yourself, it's more than enough."

"If you're sure..." she began hesitantly.

"Honestly Em, Mum's really looking forward to meeting you and I can't wait to see you. I've been so tied up in work I've missed you." I confirmed.

I sensed her smile, "I'm looking forward to seeing you too, my lips are in a permanent pout because you've not been there to kiss them."

"Are they indeed, well I'm sure that can be easily rectified." I said with a grin.

She coughed, "Right on that note I'm going in the shower, I'll see you in a couple of hours babe."

My eyes closed as a very nice mental image popped into my head, "Hmmmm, see you soon."

There was a pause, "Naomi? Are you picturing me in the shower?"

I blushed, but only slightly, "Um hum."

"Good and I expect to be felt up later too." she replied with a laugh.

I licked my lips, "I doubt that will be a problem, although the rate she's going it might have to be with my Mum watching."

She snorted, "Right perv, I'll see you in a bit."

She hung up and I smiled to myself. Ever since I'd spent the night at hers we'd engaged in what swimming bath posters described as 'heavy petting' as often as we could. Sometimes it got a bit heated like the time we were in the cinema and we'd got caught with Emily's hand inside my top as my hand ventured up her thigh. I was quite bold these days and it was getting harder and harder to stop. To be honest, I wasn't sure why we were holding back. I guess it always felt a bit wrong for the first time we had sex to be in public or on the sofa in the shop and as we hadn't managed to spend time anywhere else the opportunity didn't present itself.

One thing was for sure though as soon as it did I'd be in there like a shot. I'd never fancied anyone as much as I did Emily and I was definitely ready to move things on. I could tell she was impatient too, not that she'd ever put pressure on me or anything, but she was more and more obviously frustrated each time we reluctantly said goodbye after a date.

"Mum, did you say you were out next Saturday?" I asked.

"Yes love, I'm out with the girls and we'll probably stay at Dot's. Why?" she replied.

I shrugged, "No reason, I thought I might cook Emily dinner, that's all."

Cook and Effy exchanged knowing looks and I rolled my eyes, "It's not a crime."

"Of course it isn't, maybe Emily can stay over eh Naoms? It'll probably be late when you've finished dinner." Effy said with a smirk.

I tutted loudly, "Sod off, I'm going in the shower, you two will have pissed off by the time I get out."

In the end I decided to have a bath, it was more relaxing and gave me much more time to think about Emily. I looked a bit like a prune when I got out but I needed some head space. Phew, so we were going to sleep together at bloody long last. I smiled at the thought, I couldn't wait.

Gina

I glanced round the kitchen, the flowers looked lovely and I suppose they were a bit much but I'd rather go a bit overboard than have Emily think we hadn't made any effort. I knew I was annoying Naomi but this was the first time she'd ever bought anyone home, it was a big deal. It wasn't like she was exactly calm about it either, after she got out of the bath she'd taken ages to get ready then she came downstairs and started fussing around double checking everything. I'd tried to tell her I had it all in hand but apparently unless she saw it with her own eyes she wasn't convinced.

Effy and Cook were sitting at the table with amused looks as my normally couldn't give a toss daughter rushed around like a clucking hen.

"Mum, we've got red wine as well as white haven't we?" Naomi asked.

I rolled my eyes at Effy, "Yes Naomi, we've still got red wine unless someone has drunk it all in the ten minutes since you last checked."

"Seriously Naoms, calm down before you wear a hole in the floor." Cook said with a chuckle.

Naomi's eyes narrowed, "I thought I told you to piss off..."

He grinned, "We're only going to say hello and then we'll go right Eff?"

Effy smiled slyly, "Yeah sure, say hi, have a few drinks and then we'll be off."

Naomi sighed exasperatedly, she knew they were winding her up, she was about to respond when the doorbell went.

"Shit, that's Em," she pointed, "You say hello and then you fuck off like the supposedly good mates you are."

Effy and Cook nodded sarcastically and started to laugh after she'd left. "God she's jittery."

I smiled, "Come on you two, be nice. I think it's sweet she cares so much about it going well."

After a couple of minutes there's still no sign of them and I frowned, "I wonder what the hold up is."

"Oh Emily, you're so wonderful, kissy kissy." Cook said in a falsetto voice.

"Oh Naomi, you're so dreamy, I love you sooooo much" Effy added with a grin.

I shook my head, "Honestly you two, how old are you?"

Effy raised her eyebrow, "You'll see."

I tentatively poked my head around the doorframe, Naomi had her arms wrapped around someone I assumed was Emily, otherwise the kissing was pretty inappropriate. I couldn't see much of the redhead mainly because my daughter was in the way but even with my limited view I could tell she's pretty. I ducked back into the kitchen when I saw them pull apart, but sneakily I carried on listening. Hey, don't judge me, Naomi was so cagey and most of what I've heard about her behaviour has come from Effy, I just wanted to hear for myself.

"Hey you." Naomi said quietly.

"Hey yourself, my lips are definitely happier after that greeting." Emily replied.

Even though I couldn't see I could tell from her voice she was smiling. She sounded cute with her slight lisp.

"It feels like so long since I've properly seen you, I'd almost forgotten how beautiful you are." Naomi stated.

Really? I never heard my daughter compliment anyone before.

"Hmmm, and I'd almost forgotten how charming you are." Emily responded with a laugh.

Emily obviously appreciated it.

Naomi sighed, "So you ready for this? I should warn you Mum has gone a bit mental, well more mental than normal."

Cheeky cow, I thought indignantly.

"Naomi, I'm sure your Mum just wants to make me feel welcome and there's nothing mental about that, it's very nice of her." Emily chastised.

That's it Emily love, you stick up for me, I liked her already.

"Come on then, into the twilight zone it is." Naomi replied.

I turned around quickly and hissed, "Look busy, like we weren't listening."

Effy rolled her eyes, "We weren't Gina."

I stand casually as they walk into the room hand in hand, I was right Emily's very pretty and cute as a button.

"Hi guys, are you staying for lunch too?" Emily questioned as she smiled at Effy and Cook.

Effy winked at me, "Well technically we weren't invited, but I suppose we could."

Naomi narrowed her eyes, "No they're not, they were just leaving. Weren'tyou?"

Cook held his arms out, "But we always have our Sunday lunch here."

Emily smiled as Naomi got more annoyed and I decided to step in.

"I've done you a lasagne to make up for it, but I want the dish back this time." I stated as I opened the fridge.

Cook grinned, "Mrs C, you're a legend. Come on Eff, pasta and vodka sounds like the perfect Sunday to me."

"Seems like it's just the three of you." Effy said with a smirk as she got up, "I'll call you tomorrow Naoms."

I showed them out, mainly to make sure they'd actually gone and I hoped Naomi might relax a bit once they did.

I took a deep breath and entered the kitchen, "Sorry about that, I didn't mean to be rude."

Naomi cleared her throat, "Mum, I'd like you to meet Emily, Em this is my Mum, Gina."

Emily held out her hand, "Hi, it's really nice to meet you and thanks for inviting me to lunch."

I shook it and smiled, "You're welcome and it's lovely to meet you too at long last."

I heard Naomi tut, "Don't start Mum..."

Emily glanced around the room, "The flowers are lovely, I was going to bring some but now I see why Naomi told me not to. I still feel a bit rude turning up empty handed."

"Nonsense love, now what can I get you to drink?" I reeled off a list of what we had, out of the corner of my eye I saw Naomi sigh.

"I was just about to ask Mum." she said exasperatedly.

Emily turned to her, "I haven't seen you properly in days, so huffy Naomi better bugger off sharpish."

I watched in surprise as Naomi's whole demeanour changed, "Sorry, it'll only be very happy to see you Naomi from now on."

Oh she's good, I smiled knowingly at Emily, "I think my stroppy daughter might have finally met her match."

My surprise increased as Naomi smiled shyly and was that a slight blush in her cheeks?

"Em's more than a match for me Mum." she replied looking tenderly at the redhead.

Looks like Effy and Cook were right earlier, my daughter was a completely different person when Emily was around and from the smile the redhead was giving her in return it looked like being in love was entirely mutual.

Emily

I placed my knife and fork down and rubbed my stomach, "Wow Gina, that was fantastic."

Naomi's Mum beamed at me, "Glad you enjoyed it love and it's nice to see someone with such a healthy appetite."

"Yeah, it's always good to know there's a helping hand if you can't finish your lunch." Naomi said with a grin.

"Hey, you said you weren't going to eat it." I admonish.

Her eyebrow quirked, "No, I actually said I was slowing down, how was I supposed to know that was the cue for Henry the Hoover to sweep in and guzzle it all."

"Sorry, I guess it's just if you grew up in my house the slower you were the hungrier you went." I replied sheepishly.

Gina smiled, "Not much food to go round?"

I shook my head, "Oh no, there was always plenty of food, it was about being the quickest to locate the one thing that was actually edible. My Mum is an appalling cook. Luckily they can afford to employ a chef these days."

Naomi looked incredulous, "Your parents have staff?"

I nodded, "As well as the chef, there's a housekeeper, a handyman and a gardener."

Naomi looked at me so strangely I was afraid I'd done something wrong. My brow furrowed as she continued to stare.

"You'll be telling me they live in some sort of country pile and vote Tory next." she said with a snort.

The expression on my face must have given me away because her eyes widened, "Oh please Emily, tell me you're not serious..."

I shrugged, "It's not exactly a country pile, more of a Georgian house and yeah they vote Tory, what's wrong with that?"

I think her head is about to explode, "It'll take a lot less time to discuss what's right with it. I mean honestly, how could anyone possibly justify..."

And she was off, Gina tried to interject but she was easily dismissed. I watched as Naomi's body language got increasingly erratic and focused on her rapidly moving but still very kissable lips. I pretended I was listening but really all I was thinking about was how gorgeous she was when she was passionate about something.

She stopped when she noticed the amused smile playing around my mouth, "What?"

I leaned over and pressed our lips together in a sensual kiss, I smiled as we pulled apart, "I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree about politics."

"But Em it's fundamental..." she started.

I put my finger across her mouth, "Naomi, shut up."

She pouted as she removed my hand, "You're a bossy cow sometimes."

I laughed, "Only when your Mum has gone to a lot of trouble over lunch and I want my pudding."

Naomi bit her lip, "I thought you liked it when I was passionate about things."

I reached over and wiped the corner of her mouth, "Spittle aside, I love the fact you care so much, even if I don't always agree with you. It's very sexy."

Her eyes narrowed but she still blushed slightly, "Oh you're good Fitch."

Gina had a puzzled look as she placed the desserts in front of us, "Fitch? Why is that name familiar?"

I looked pointedly at Naomi, "It's probably because of my Tory bastard parents, Rob and Jenna, they have a show on TV, Don't get fit, get Fitched."

Gina paused, "Oh the lifestyle one? I love that programme, so many useful tips."

Naomi snorted and I saw Gina glare at her, "Really? I think it's smug wank personally."

I watched Gina as her face broke into a big grin, "It's not just me then? They're so patronising and self-satisfied."

She paused in case she'd offended me but I smiled back.

"You try having them as parents." I said wryly, "I get constant advice about how my life can be more fulfilled."

"I imagine that sort of interference could be quite trying." Gina pondered.

Naomi burst out laughing, "Hmmm, it's a good job not all parents meddle like that eh Mum?"

Gina looked at me, "Honestly you can't win as a mother, you leave them alone and you don't care enough, you try to show an interest and you're meddling."

I shoot Naomi a look, "I can imagine."

She shoves me, "Hey, whose side are you on? It's bad enough Effy and Mum gang up on me all the time, don't you bloody start too."

"How's that persecution complex these days?" I asked with a smile as I got up and started to tidy the dishes.

Gina practically snatched them out of my hands, "You're a guest Emily, I'll tidy everything up."

I frowned, "If you're sure..."

"I insist, now why don't the pair of you go into the lounge and I'll bring in some coffee." she replied.

I picked up the remainder of my wine and followed Naomi, "Your house is lovely, it's got a real homely feel to it."

"Hmm, you mean it's small." Naomi said slightly huffily.

I sighed exasperatedly, "Babe I thought we agreed to drop this?"

She pouted, "You never said you were rich."

I rolled my eyes, "We're not rich, ok yes my parents are pretty well off, but they work for it. So do I, it's not like I sit on my arse all day living off a trust fund is it?"

"Suppose not." she grudgingly conceded.

"Fine let's get this out in the open, what exactly is your problem with this? Is it just that it offends your socialist principles?" It came out more sharply than I intended to but I was at loss to know why this was such a big deal.

She shrugged, "A bit I guess."

"Naomi, talk to me." I said warningly.

She sat down with a resigned sigh, "I don't have much money, you're probably used to being treated to nice things all the time, things I won't be able to afford."

I sat next to her, "Right, I'm going to park the fact I'm hugely offended you think I'm so shallow."

She smiled unsurely.

"Naomi, I love spending time with you and I love the fact you're so thoughtful when it comes to things like planning our dates. I don't need fancy, showy stuff to know how much you care about me and I hoped it was obvious how much I love you back, just the way you are." I said gently.

"I know but you deserve to be spoilt..." she continued.

Jesus she really wasn't letting this one go easily was she?

I tutted, "Naomi, you spoil me all the time, I've never felt as special as I do when I'm with you. Come here you silly sod."

I pull her into a tight hug and feel her sigh contentedly as she wraps her arms around me. "I love you."

"And I love you, even if you are an annoying twat at times." I replied gently stroking her back.

"Hmmm," she muttered as she pulled away slightly and started to kiss along my neck.

I think briefly about stopping her but my resolve weakened considerably as she made her way along my jawline and it disappeared completely when her mouth finally covered mine. She ran her hand through my hair and I moaned softly as her fingertips gently stroked my neck. She yielded when I slowly pushed my tongue into her mouth and the kiss immediately deepened. Christ, I wanted her so much it was driving me crazy.

Her hand ventured inside my top and she started to rub my breast, oh fuck, I mean I know I said I wanted to be felt up, but... oh Jesus...how the hell was I going to...hmmm, oh God...

"Here's your coffee... Oops sorry." Gina said apologetically as we jumped apart.

Naomi coughed, "Thanks Mum."

"I'll leave you alone but I'm just in the kitchen if you need anything." Gina said with a knowing look.

Naomi poured the drinks and grinned at me, "Probably best she interrupted when she did."

I raise my eyebrow, "Yeah?"

She nodded, "Actually Em, I wanted to ask you something."

"I'm all ears," I replied with a smile.

Naomi looked nervously at me, "I know you can't always get away at weekends but I was wondering if you'd let me cook you dinner next Saturday. Mum's going out and I thought you could maybe, um, stay over."

I took a sip of coffee to buy some time, I thought I knew what she was saying but it never hurts to double check, "Does that mean what I think it means?"

She smiled, "That depends, if you think it means I'm asking you to spend the night with me so we can have sex, then yes; if it's something else, then no."

"You're sure you're ready?" I questioned and immediately I asked myself why, Jesus this is what you've been longing for Emily, don't try to put a spanner in the works you prick.

Her eyes rolled, "Em, it's getting harder and harder for me to control myself around you and I've never waited this long before I slept with anyone. Believe me I'm ready."

The grin that erupted nearly splits my face, "In that case I'd love to come over for dinner next Saturday."

I paused, "Er, not that I wouldn't anyway, I mean it's not just because we get to have sex..."

She silenced me with a kiss, "Now who's wittering?"

I checked my watch, "I should be going, there's some things I need to sort before work tomorrow."

"Oh that's nice, as soon as you've got lunch and secured the promise of a wild night of passion that's it, you're off?" she said teasingly.

"What else did you think I came over for? It was my latest attempt to get into your knickers." I responded cheekily.

She pulled me up, "Well it worked."

"Finally." I said with a grin as we made our way into the kitchen to say good bye to Gina.

"Mum, Emily's got to go." Naomi stated.

Gina came over and hugged me tightly, "it was lovely to meet you Emily, but honestly how you put up with her, you must be a saint."

I winked at Naomi, "I don't know, it has its upsides."

"Well hopefully I'll see you soon love." Gina stated as she let me go.

I smiled, "Definitely, that lunch was delicious, I'll be coming round regularly."

Naomi grabs my hand as we make our way to the door, "if you get invited back."

"You're welcome anytime Emily, don't wait for grumpy drawers to ask." Gina called from the kitchen.

"She's lovely." I said with a nod of my head.

"Hmmm, she's ok I suppose." Naomi said with a smile.

I pick up a picture of Naomi, Cook and Effy in silly Mexican outfits on the hall table, "God you look so young."

Naomi laughed, "Ah, the three amigos"

She paused and a frown appeared on her face, "What's wrong?"

"That's what bugged me at your house." she said in a puzzled voice.

"What did?" I enquired.

"I couldn't put my finger on it at the time, but now I realise what it was. There were no photos anywhere." she said staring at me.

Shit, shit and double shit, I could fucking kill Katie sometimes. I asked her to tidy up because I thought Naomi might want to come back and because she was a lazy cow I was faced with this. Think of something Emily.

"Oh erm, yeah, we're thinking of decorating so we've put a lot of stuff in boxes at my parents, you know where there's more space." I stated far more confidently than I felt.

Naomi paused, "But the CDs were still there..."

As I'm about to respond there is a beep outside saying my taxi has arrived, phew saved by the bell.

I leant up and kissed her, "I'd better go, I love you and I'll see you tomorrow."

"Yeah, hopefully Bob will let me out for more than a few minutes. I love you too." she replied kissing me again.

I gave the taxi driver my address and turned to wave goodbye. As soon as we were out of sight I got my phone out, it rang a couple of times and I took a deep breath.

"Don't kill me K, I know you've just done it but we might have to redecorate the lounge..."

Xxxxxx