1997

As Bette handed the keys to her hunter green MG to the parking valet for Chignon, her glance fell on the pale blue Honda Odyssey minivan pulling in behind her.  She smiled and then grinned broadly when she confirmed her guess that the driver was  Susannah, her dinner companion.  Bette stood at the curb, unable to stop smiling, as she waited for Susannah to join her.

Susannah had also spotted Bette as she had pulled in, and, chagrined, had muttered “Shit.” With a quick glance, she realized that Bette had noticed her and was grinning at her mom-mobile.   Susannah opened the car door and exited gingerly, unused to the dress and heels she was wearing for the first time in ages.  She leaned in to grab her purse from the passenger seat.  Susannah labored to not look in Bette’s direction as she handed her keys to the valet and headed to the curb.

Susannah finally looked at Bette when they were only a few feet apart, “The other car is in the shop.  I considered pulling up at East/West,” Susannah tilting her head in the direction of that restaurant further down the street.

“And then what?”

“That’s exactly why I didn’t do it,” Susannah laughed.

“Well, you are the most stunning woman to ever step out of a minivan.” Bette smiled and leaned in to kiss Susannah’s cheek.

“That almost makes up for your shit-eating grin.”

Bette shook her head in mock disappointment, “Is that potty mouth one of the minivan accessories?”

“Get all of the snide remarks out of the way before we go inside.  You are not ruining my first-ever meal at a four star restaurant.”

“I’m done, and you do look stunning.  Midnight blue is your color,” Bette smiled appreciatively at her good friend, admiring both  the simple sheath dress with wide shoulder straps that had moved beautifully as Susannah had walked up to her and the dark blonde upswept hair, especially  the extra curls the night’s humidity was creating.

Susannah bloomed under the praise.  She scrutinized Bette’s evening attire, a beautifully cut black pants suit with a single button jacket and no blouse.  “You look wonderful, too.  A new look?”