All eyes were on her as soon as the crowd spotted her walking into the Planet. A particular blonde, functioning on a boost of courage the sight of the brunette had brought on, followed said woman to the counter.

“May I buy you a drink?”

“I’m flattered, but no thanks.” There was no emotion in the reply, the speaker simply collected her drink and headed for her friends.

Two pairs of eyes watched the exchange with fascination, not surprised by the gentle but firm rejection the brunette had dished out.

“Damn, she’s cold.”

“Were you expecting Bette to pull the stops?” Shane offered quietly.

“No, it’s just been a long time since…” Alice’s voice trailed off as she spied the woman in question near their table. “It’s about time!”

“Sorry I’m late. What did I miss?” Bette asked as she settled into her chair.

“You mean besides a gorgeous Friday morning and breakfast with your dearest friends? Absolutely nothing.”

“Alice, some of us had to work late, you know.”

Ignoring the daggers shooting from Shane, Alice pushed further. “All work and no play makes Bette Porter the Great not great. Or maybe it was a little bit of both…”

“If you call going over budget reports for the department as play, then yes,” Bette replied indifferently.

“Whatever. Just don’t forget your ass is mine tonight,” Alice reminded Bette as she took a sip of her coffee.

“Wouldn’t miss it for the world,” the brunette mumbled loud enough for Shane to overhear.

Hearing her companion chuckle, Alice focused her attention to the other brunette. “And you! You better not be late.”

“I know, I know. Patina at 7.”

“Yes, and Jenny and Tina will be there, too,” Alice said slowly as she watched for Bette’s reaction.

“What, you don’t have to clear that with me. It is your day, after all,” the brunette smiled to take the sting away from the subject at hand. “Alice, you don’t have to worry about me.”

“What does Alice not have to worry about?” Kit asked the group. “Hey Bette.”

“I was just telling Alice not to worry about Tina being at dinner later,” Bette replied as she got up to hug her sister.

“Why should it be my baby sis? Why can’t it be Tina? Lord knows she hasn’t been the civil one.” Kit’s words came out in a rush.