Recap….

Bette gets ready to leave, she pulls her phone out of her bag, hesitating for just a moment before handing it to Tina.

Bette: (smirking) I’m not great at leaving things to chance. Put your number in
Tina chuckles, taking the phone and typing her number in before handing it back.

Tina: I figured you’d want to control the follow-up. There you go.

Bette: You’re not wrong. And you’d better answer when I call.

Tina: (grinning) Guess you’ll have to find out.

They share another lingering look before Bette walks out of the coffee shop, a small smile playing on her lips, while Tina watches her go, clearly intrigued.

Tina stays behind, sipping her coffee, a faint smile on her face as she watches Bette through the window.

Chapter 2

Bette’s Dorm Room

Bette returns to her room, her space meticulously organized textbooks stacked neatly, a calendar full of deadlines pinned to the wall. She tosses her bag onto the bed and pulls out her notebook, staring at it for a moment before sighing. She’s clearly distracted.

Just then, her door bursts open, and Alice, her bubbly and outspoken best friend, walks in without knocking, as usual.

Alice: Bette Porter, why do you look like someone just stole your courtroom spotlight? And why aren’t you dressed to go out? We’re hitting the club tonight.

Bette: (rolling her eyes) Alice, I have about a million things to do, and

Alice: (cutting her off) Nope. Not tonight. You work too much, and your brain is going to explode. So, get up, put on something fabulous, and let’s go. Shane’s already waiting.

Bette hesitates but eventually sighs, giving in. Alice grabs a sleek black dress from Bette’s closet and throws it at her.

Alice: There. Perfect. Now hurry up, Dana’s meeting us there.

The club is packed and pulsing with energy. Neon lights flash across the dance floor, and a deep bass beat fills the room. Bette, Alice, and Shane walk in together, immediately catching the attention of a few people as they move toward the bar. Dana, their shy and awkward friend, waves them over from the dance floor.

Dana: (yelling over the music) Finally I’ve been here forever

Alice: (teasing) Dana, it’s been ten minutes. Relax.