Bette was getting ready in a frenzy, in and out of the closet, trying different pants suits and dresses on. I would laugh at her, but she was so stressed, she’d probably burst. I sat on the chair in her room and waited for her. I chose a black, sleeveless dress and wore my matching black pumps.

"Baby, you’ve got less than an hour before we meet your parents."

"I know, I just want everything to be perfect," she said combing her hair out. She settled on black slacks, her black pumps and a loose fitting black top.

She got finished dressing quickly and we got into her SUV and drove off. She was nervously tapping her fingers on the wheel and sighing. I wasn’t half as nervous as she was. This was a rare sight, Bette Porter, nervous and kind of scared. It kind of freaked me out, but it was obvious I had to be the strong one today.

"Bette, it’s ok, don’t be so nervous."

"Sweetie, it’s impossible not to be, my father is a hard ass. I just need to tell you a few things, one, do not interupt him when he’s talking, wait until he’s finished. Two, manners, sirs and ma’ams are a must. Three, don’t answer your phone at the table. And four, this is a big one don’t by any means talk down to him or talk in an agressive tone."

"Babe."

"I’m serious Tee, do any of those things and he’ll tear you apart."

"Ok babe, I’ll speak when he acknowledges me."

We got to the restaurant and handed the valet our keys and he gave us our ticket. She held my hand tightly and walked inside. She asked for her father’s table and the hostess walked us in right away. We walked up to a table and a handsome black man stood and Bette hugged him, next to him stood a very beautiful and elegant white woman; Bette hugged and kissed her.

"Mother, father, this is Christina Kennard, or Tina as she likes to be called. Tina, these are my parents Melvin Porter and Dr. Maxine Porter."

"Pleasure to meet you," I said holding my hand out and her father took it and grumbled a hello while her mother hugged me and smiled a hello.