“I want to make a toast.”  Karen said standing with a raised glass.  Everyone turned to the generally reserved senior and raised their glasses as well.

“To Bette Porter, the heart and soul of this team.  I’m going to miss you girl.  It was a pleasure playing with you for the last 4 years.”

“I bet is was,” whispered Alice to Shane.

“Shut it, Al.”  Shane whispered back. She looked up at Bette who made Alice promise she would not embarrass her or the team, if she was allowed to attend the dinner.  Bette just shook her head and turned her attention back to Karen.

“Where was I?”  Karen mused.

“You were talking about how fun a play mate Bette was for the last 4 years.”

“Al!” Shane said giving her best stern look.

Bette turned again to look at the rambunctious writer.  She gave her a slightly agitated slightly amused look that only Alice can elicit.

“What?!  I meant team mate.”  Alice said softly, this time Tina looked at her like, ‘what the fuck?’. Suddenly Alice found her napkin very interesting as she looked down sheepishly.

“Go ahead Karen,”  DeeDee said chuckling at the crazy blond.

“Well I don’t want to sound all mushy but you know I love you like a fat kid loves cake.”  The table erupted in laughter.

“Seriously, you’ve been a great team mate and even better friend, and I’ll miss not sharing the court with you next year.”

A few ‘aaw’s’ and ‘that’s so sweet’s’ could be heard around the table.

Bette got up and hugged her friend. 

“Thanks Kar.  I will miss you too.”  Bette says sincerely, getting a little choked up.  She will miss them all, especially the blond seated next to her.

“Well I want to toast all of you.  I realize that while I my get a lot of the accolades, it is only because you guys make me look good.  It’s easy to set a state championship record for assists when your team mates make their shots.”  Bette flashed her megawatt smile while making eye contact with most of her soon to be former team mates.

“Touche babe!”  Tina  said raising her glass at her talented girlfriend.

The rest of the dinner was spent reminiscing about the last few years.  For the seniors, they will be transitioning to the next phase of their lives soon.  Tonight was about savoring their win and treasuring their bond.