As Bette walked over to the table where Alice was sitting in the Planet, Alice notice with acute interest that her usually perfectly put together friend was looking slightly disheveled and distracted.

When Bette sat down with a cup of coffee that she appeared to need desperately Alice smiled broadly and quipped, “What is this? Did it take that long to hustle last night’ lucky lady out of your bed that you didn’t have time to umm… ‘freshen up’?”

Bette glowered over the rim of her coffee cup, which she had drained in record time, and stood up to get a refill without answering. As she sat back down she gave Alice a look that could have made ***** freeze over. “No Alice, but thanks for not jumping to conclusions… Actually, had to work late last night and this morning I realized that I have no idea what to wear for an opening I am going to tonight. Is that a sufficient explanation, oh interrogator extraordinaire?”

Ok, ok no need to be so testy. So what is this supposed clothing issue, you go to these things all the time without having a panic attack about your clothing choice. Alice paused for a minute while something clicked into place in her head, So you didnt have anyone sleeping over last night, but you plan on getting some tonight and you want to make sure she wont get away? Am I right? When she saw Bettes reaction a gloating smile spread over Alices and she sat back in her chair to enjoy the feeling of having one over Bette.

Fine, alright, you caught me. Bette had been tempted to tell Alice that she was wrong, that her goal was not just to sleep with Della, but knew that an admission like that would give Alice questions and bantering ammunition to last for weeks on end.

So who is your next target, huh?

Her name is Della Mullane. And is it really necessary for you to refer to every woman I date as a target?

Alice didnt have the look of mock indignation that Bette had expected. Instead she looked a bit confused. What? Bette asked.

Nothing, that name sounds familiar though, whats this lady look like?

Bette wasnt aware of the smile that lightened up her previously surly face and the spark that went off in her eyes when Alice asked this question. Long red hair, green eyes, probably about Bette paused to think [she seemed so tiny but I was in heels, and she was shoeless] five three. You know her? For a reason she didnt understand, Bettes stomach had dropped a considerable distance when it occurred to her that Della might have dated, or even just known, one of her friends.

A smirk had come across Alices face as she had described Della. Oh yea, I know who she is. During your recent absence from Milk, Ms Workaholic, she has been filling your position as a center of attention; but she, unlike you, has seemed so far to been absolutely unattainable. Alice laughed, She has been getting quite a reputation, not like yours though. She will flirt and dance with one person all night, but always chooses to leave alone, even Shane got snubbed. The idea of Bette finding a target she might not be able to hit was making Alices urge to laugh hysterically almost uncontrollable. Looks like youve got you work cut out for you Porter.

To mask her slight panic Bette glanced down at her coffee cup, hoping that she could regain her composure quick enough to escape Alices notice, as she did so she glanced at her watch.

Oh ***** sorry Al, Im going to be late for my first meeting. Ill talk to you later.

Bye, Bette. And yes its necessary for me to call your dates targets, I cant think of a more accurate word. Said Alice as Bette gathered her things and turned to leave. Good luck with this next one! she called as Bette walked out the door.

Bettes agitation when she had described Dellas emerging reputation had not evaded Alices attention, nor had Bettes expression while describing Della. She knew that her friend would have been in trouble even if Della had had a reputation for being exceptionally accommodating, and considering what Alice knew of Dellas character, she felt that Bette was in way over her head for the first time.