Page 53 of Secret Redemption

“That sucks,” Angel said and swung an arm around Celeste’s neck, “How about when this cool’s down we have a girl’s night out? Get smashed on Tequila, dance all night, maybe get laid,” she finished with a lascivious grin.

“That sounds great!” Celeste said. “Except the getting laid bit, I’ll leave that to you,”

“Yep, me too,” Lucy said. “Well, at least until I get home to Jace.”

“Me three,” Ava echoed. “I have what I need in that department at home.

“Fine, we dance, we get drunk, we have fun,” Angel laughed.

After the dresses had been fitted with Lucy, Roz, and Angel demanding pockets for a knife and throwing stars be sewn into theirs, all the women left, except for Celeste who was waiting for K to collect her.

“So, how are you?” Ava asked pointedly.

“I’m okay. I can’t stop thinking about him though Ava. I know nobody believes he’s innocent, but I spent time with him. I know he isn’t what they think.”

Ava felt awful for her friend and angry with Zack, who should have told her the truth. She didn’t want to betray him though or put Zin in danger. Celeste was a civilian, and the risk of her knowing the truth was high.

“I’m sorry sweetheart,” Ava said and hugged Celeste, who instantly stilled and then relaxed and squeezed her tight.

“Thank you,” she whispered, as she leaned away and wiped the tears from her eyes.

“He is a good friend and a good man. I hate to think people blamed him.”

Ava nodded, and the two visited for a little while longer before Kanan arrived to take her back to the office.

Ava glanced at the dresses one more time. Everything was set for Saturday, but now the fun was over, it was time to plan the mission properly. They had a lot to find out about the players in this very dangerous game they had all been forced to play.