We ordered our usual: Eggs, bacon, toast and a large cup of coffee.

“What time do you have to get to work?” I asked Bette.

“In about an hour and a half,” she replied, “What are you plans for today?”

“I think I’m going to head home to take a nap…”

“Don’t you have a meeting?”

“Oh, I mean, after the meeting.”

“I see,” she replied, one eyebrow raised, “By the way, it’s my Mom’s birthday this weekend, she asked if you’re coming for lunch.”

“Definitely, I wouldn’t miss it for the world. What time was that again?”

“Saturday, at noon, please don’t be late again.”

I laughed, “I won’t be late! I promise.”

Bette gave me a pointed look.

“I’ll try not to be late. For the record, I’m not always late!”

“Right, you were late for my sister’s wedding…”

“That was because my car broke down…” I tried to explain.

“…then my nephew’s baptism, Thanksgiving dinner…”

“Ok ok,” I relented, rolling my eyes, “I get the point.”

After we finished breakfast, I walked Bette to the bus stop. She walked in front of me for a brief moment, and as I watched her move, I couldn’t help but admire how very poised she was.

Bette was about my height, five foot seven, with curly dark hair and very light brown skin. In my eyes, she was beautiful; the closest to perfection.

“I’ll see you on Saturday?” she said as she moved close to me to kiss me goodbye.

“Ok, call me if you need anything.”

She smiled at me and boarded the bus. Then she was gone.

◊◊◊

Between you and me, I use to think that I had this little crush on Bette. Or maybe I still do.

She’s an incredibly accomplished person; smart, funny, witty and beautiful. The complete package. She had a fantastic sense of style and always carried herself with this silent confidence.

We have known each other since College and grown closer over the years. I’ve never been very good at keeping close friends by my side, but with Bette, it was different. She seemed to understand something about me that no one else did before. I treasured having her in my life.