Born Of Nothing

9

I’d only recently met a number of the members on my visits to see Becca, and they were all much more normal than I’d initially pictured them to be. The building was an older structure that had been renovated and kept in good condition, but still retained some of the integrity of the original design. I’d been taught to stay far, far away from the place, and found that even after several visits, I was still on edge when I was there. Rebecca let us inside and locked the lobby doors behind us. “We really do have the building to ourselves, don’t we?” I asked with surprise. “Yes, and I have no intention of welcoming any uninvited visitors without the guys here. I’m decently capable of defending us, but that’s not how I want to spend my night.” “I suppose fighting for your life probably isn’t a typical girls’ night,” I teased as the elevator lifted us toward the third floor. “Actually,” Becca mused thoughtfully, “that’s not all that uncommon for Ash and me lately. But tonight, we’re aiming for the traditional spa treatments and girl talk—more like what you’re used to.” “I know what a girl’s night is in theory, but I’ve never actually been to one.” Becca’s mouth fell open as she turned to me in shock. “You can’t be serious.” “I am. My mom’s always been so over-protective that I haven’t had much opportunity. I’ve never had many close friends, and by many, I mean any. I certainly wasn’t allowed to do sleepovers or go to parties like other kids my age. She always tried to make up for it. We’d play games and other stuff, so I didn’t feel quite as left out, but it wasn’t the same.” “No kidding! Some of my best memories are times with Ash in college and with my friends back home in Texas.” “Once, in my early teens. I snuck out to go to a party that a girl from school was throwing. Her parents were super cool, and a ton of people were going to be there. After the party, when I snuck back into the house, my mom was sitting in the dark waiting for me. I’ll never forget the fear I felt when I saw her sitting on the sofa, still as a statue.” “What happened?” Becca asked, grabbing my arm with wide eyes. The memory still stung, literally. “I got lashings, couldn’t sit for a week. After that, nothing ever seemed worth the risk.” “She lashed you? I don’t even know what exactly that is, but it sounds terrible.” “Be glad you don’t know.” We walked to their apartment door down the well-lit hallway in a heavy silence. None of the doors were numbered, which was somewhat odd. Since they all knew each other, I supposed there wasn’t any confusion or need to label the apartments. Becca hadn’t even taken out her keys when the door flew open and a grinning Ashley ushered us inside. “Come on in, ladies! Let’s get this party started—I’ve got wine on the counter and Netflix cued up.” Rebecca dropped her work tote by the door and returned Ashley’s warm enthusiasm. “Perfect! Although, I thought about putting in a deep conditioner before we started a movie.” “Oh!” shrieked Ashley. “That’s a fabulous idea, I’ll do the same and put on a face mask as well.” “As if either of you need that stuff, you’re absolutely gorgeous the both of you,” I teased them. Ashley was a blond knock-out with sexy curves and smooth peaches and cream skin. Almost the total opposite, Becca was all wavy dark hair, exotic eyes, and olive skin with an athletic build. One of them alone drew every eye in a room, together, they were devastating. “Whatever,” chided Ashley, “you’re one to speak with those beautiful red curls and adorable freckles.” “That’s exactly what every woman wants to hear—that’s she’s adorable.” I arched a brow at her, and we all burst into a fit of giggles. My comment had been a jest but was also partially true. I wasn’t unattractive, but I certainly wasn’t gorgeous like the two of them. I was thin, but not toned or curvy, and my body was covered in freckles from head to toe. If I was being honest, my most striking feature was my eyes—I had been blessed with vibrant green eyes. Not blue-green or grey, my eyes were a rich emerald color that often drew comments from the people I met. Becca was the first to reign in her laughter as she pulled me down to sit with her on the couch. “Don’t tell me you’re unaware of how stunning you are. I bet you’ve had the boys lined up since you were little.” “That shows just how wrong you are. Not only were they not lined up, I’ve had exactly two boyfriends, if you could call them that. I’ve hardly even fooled around—I’m twenty and still a virgin!” Both girls froze for a second before Ashley lowered herself onto the cocktail table between us, mouth agape with shock. “I can’t believe that, it doesn’t make any sense.” Ashley’s tone was incredulous, and I started to squirm under their scrutiny. “It’s not that hard to believe, especially considering the circumstances of my family—I wasn’t exactly allowed to socialize with just anyone, and the druid boys were all … eww.” I sounded a bit defensive, but no one likes to be the odd man out. “I get it,” conceded Rebecca before turning to look at Ashley. “If you thought your mom was overprotective, Cat’s mom has yours beat hands down.” Ashley’s eyebrows rose in understanding. “Dear Lord, you poor thing. Well, now you have us, and we’ll make sure you start living that life of yours to the fullest.” I smiled warmly at them both. “You don’t know how glad I am to have met you two. You’ve already been such a blessing in my life.” “Oh my God, you can’t say stuff like that!” whined Ashley as she dabbed at her eyes. “There is no crying on girls’ night! I’m going to get in the shower, you two wrap up the touchy-feely crap before I get out,” she ordered before hurrying off to her room while Becca and I laughed at her blatant avoidance of all things emotional. When I looked back at Becca, I was surprised to find her sobered, eyes fixed on me intently. Her eyes cut to the hallway where we could hear Ashley clattering about in the bathroom. When she turned back to meet my gaze, she scooted closer and leaned in conspiratorially. “Cat, I’ve debated about asking you something. As much as I don’t want to draw you in, I don’t think I have any other choice.” She chewed on her bottom lip as she mulled over her next words, which were a complete mystery to me. “I have an errand I need to run out of town in a week or so. It might be an overnight trip, and I’d like for you to come with me—specifically, I need you to drive. I’ll explain on our way, if you’re willing to join me.