Secretary: Oh yes – Ms.
Porter – Just one moment please.

Bette: No problem.

Bette glanced at her watch
and knew time was of the essence. She would have to work some magic with Amanda
if she was going to make her 5 o’clock meeting with the CAC board members.

Secretary: (Speaking into
the intercom) Ms. O’Brien – Bette Porter is here to see you.

Amanda: (In the
secretary’s headset) Please show her in.

Secretary: (To Bette)
Right this way Ms. Porter.

Bette was escorted into
Amanda’s office. It was palatial compared to Bette’s and quite masculine in
design and dcor. Amanda had it decorated in rich brown tones and a green hue
the shade of money. Bette mused at how fitting the color was considering
Amanda’s chosen career. Amanda was busy at work behind a sizable gothic looking
desk. The only modern item on it was her PC’s LCD monitor. Bette was amazed at
how little Amanda had changed over the years. Except for her clothes and
hairstyle, She was virtually the same as when Bette met her over 10 years
prior.

Amanda stood up to greet
Bette. A smile crossed Bette’s expression as soon as she made eye contact with
Amanda.

Amanda: (Into her headset)
Listen – I have to go. A very important client just walked through my door
Yes We’ll continue this later Thanks again Wonderful Tell the wife hello
for me Ok You too

*CLICK*

BETTE!!! It’s so good to
see you.

Amanda closed the distance
between them, grasped Bette’s hand, and pulled Bette into a hug.

Amanda: (Pulling Back) How
have you been?

Bette: I’m hanging in
there Amanda.

Amanda: I’m so, so sorry
to hear about you and Tina. I thought for sure you’d be together forever.

Bette’s expression
saddened at the last comment. Bette as well had had the same sentiments.

Amanda: Come – Have a
seat.

Amanda ushered Bette over
to a leather sofa that was on the other side of her office. They both took a
seat on opposite ends of the couch.

Amanda pressed the
intercom button on the coffee table to signal her secretary.

*BUZZ*

Secretary: (Over the
intercom) Yes, Ms. O’Brien?

Amanda: (To her secretary)
Please hold all of my calls. (To Bette) Bette – can I get you anything?