“What do you mean? I would do no such thing!” Bette snapped. She had no right to say such a thing to her. Who did she think she was?

“Hey.., we haven’t talked in a long time and I just want to spend sometime with my friend. Wouldn’t you like to give this beautiful lady some company tonight?” Knowing Bette, Jacky quickly tried a different approach.

Bette chuckled at Jacky’s persistence.

“Who said you are beautiful?”

“Aww come on don’t be such a hardass Porter and you know damn well that I deserved that crown!” Jacky shot back.

There was a short pause before both of them burst out laughing.

“It’s good to hear from you Jacky. It’s been a long time.”

“You too, my friend. So is same place, 7 pm okay?”

Bette shook her head and chuckled knowing there was no way she was going to win this.

“Yes Jacky, I will be there.”

“Fantastic! Okay I will talk with you soon then. Bye. Oh and Bette one more thing…”

“Yes?” Bette replied as she tapped her foot.

“Don’t be late Porter! Otherwise the next dinner’s on you!”

Before Bette could reply there was a click and the line went silent.

She shook her head at her crazy friend and continued towards her car.

~~~~

As Jacky sat, enjoying her drink, at the corner table inside the Carnegie Deli, their old hangout, she took a look around. This place had surely come a long way since their days which seemed like ages ago now looking back. Those were definitely some of the happiest and vibrant days of their younger lives, hanging out here together with all their friends enjoying each others’ company for long hours without any worries about the outside world. It had been a truly wonderful experience that she would treasure for all her life.

Jacky especially remembered, one wonderful young woman among them. She was truly a force of nature. Such passion, such vigor, Jacky had never witnessed first hand in her life before. Bette Porter, the charismatic and charming young woman who would take everyone and everything in her destined path by storm, not stopping for anyone or anything, not once looking back. There didn’t seem anything that Bette couldn’t have. Once Bette had set her mind to something, nothing could come between what she wanted and desired.