“-And I cracked up because that’s totally what I planned to suggest!”

Bette threw her head back as she downed the rest of her drink, the ice in her glass clinking against her teeth. As much time as she spent around the Fraudulent Four (her own personal nickname for them) back in New York, Bette could never get used to them or their antics. The terrible foursome were everything Bette despised about women or just people in general.

They were shallow, egotistical and as vain as they come. They were obsessed with fame and partying almost as much as they were of themselves, their celebrity status being one of the most important things in their life.

She still couldn’t believe Emma could fit in with such a crowd, her realistic personality so obviously clashing with the superficial ones of her so called friends. Then again, Emma acted very differently when she wasn’t around the group than when she was. It led the brunette to wonder if she even really knew the real Emma. Only one thing was certain, had she met the redhead when she was surrounded by those women, things would have turned out very differently.

“Betteeee!”

One of their whiney voices cut into Bette’s thoughts, stopping her heart. Her eyes opened wide, her glass still pressed against her lips and her gaze fixated on the ceiling. She lifted her head and saw that all eyes were on her. They had finally noticed her presence and now she would have to join the conversation.

God help her.

“Hiii” One of the brunettes squealed as she waved enthusiastically before approaching the brunette with outstretched arms.

Bette immediately held out a hand and stopped the brunette in her tracks, watching as she looked down at it with confusion.

“You still on shaking hands? Come on girl, you know we hug around here”

Bette forced a tight-lipped smile, her hand still extended. “Sorry to disappoint, Maggie. I’m just not the hugging type”

The brunette simply stared at Bette, trying to gauge whether or not she was kidding. Bette had been known around Emma’s friends not to have a sense of humor but the woman still gave Bette the benefit of a doubt.

Behind her, two other members of Emma’s circle weren’t as generous. One leaned close to the other to speak in her ear.