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“I’m so happy to see you! What are you doing here?”
Vance looked down at the floor, a small frown across his face. “Oh, Caro, I’m here for the retreat. Again.” He said with a sob. Caro hugged him tighter, lowering her voice. “Hey, you know how this program goes. You can do it as many times as you need. I’m not a sponsor anymore but I’ll make sure I put in a good word for you.”
Vance smiled, hugging the woman back.
“Come sit with us!” Caro squealed looking at Lottie. “You and your friend.” Before either could answer, Caro grabbed Vance and Lottie by their hands and pulled them towards a large table in the middle of the room.
“I hope you all don’t mind. I added a few more to the group.”
A chorus of approval went around the table.
Vance sat, pulling out the chair to his left. Lottie plopped down in the chair, slightly bewildered by the last few minutes. She folded her arms across her chest and leaned back in her chair, hoping Nova wouldn’t see her. Luckily for Lottie, server was already there to take their orders. It seemed Nova was ordering for the table.Probably putting it on Daddy’s credit card.Lottie sighed. She didn’t know why she was being such an asshole.
“Vance, anything for you and your friend?” Nova was smiling as she looked from Vance to Lottie. In a split second her eyes went wide, the smile slipping from her face.
“Hi Nova.” Lottie winked.
Chapter Six
An hour into eating with Nova and her friends, Lottie realized she was having an enjoyable time. Vance and Caro were hilarious. They kept the table laughing with stories and jokes. In all the fun and laughter, Lottie noticed Nova wasn’t having as much as everyone else. When the server came back around to fill their drinks, Lottie excused herself to use the restroom. As she walked out of the stall, Nova stepped into the bathroom, locking the door behind her.
“What the actual fuck are you doing here?”
“Nice mouth. Bet you don’t talk to Cain like that,” Lottie smirked.
“You’re not Cain,” Nova shot back.
“I agree with that. I’m much better.”
Nova let out a harsh laugh. “I’m serious, Lottie. What are you doing here?”
“I live in the area. My friends work here, remember. What is it that you’re doing here? I thought you just enrolled in college.”
Narrowing her eyes, Lottie spoke through gritted teeth. “You know exactly why I’m here. I suspect you also know that I’m doing all of my classes on-line for the month.”
“You’re incredibly hot when you’re mad.”
Nova bit her lip trying to hold back a smile. “Shut up.”
“I’m here to try…” Lottie took a few cautious steps toward her. “To think about getting sober.”
The shock couldn’t have been plainer on Nova’s face. Her eyebrows but she didn’t respond.
“It was Selena’s idea. All of them really. They signed me up and got me set up with on-line classes as well.” She continued to babble as Nova softened.
“So, here I am. Ready to do this thing.” She gestured wildly around them.
Watching Nova intently, Lottie held her breath waiting for a reply.
“You’re cute when you’re anxious,” Nova said quietly showing a small smile.
Feeling like her chest could burst with happiness, Lottie stepped forward slipping her arms around Nova.
“Hey, come on.” Nova put her hands against Lottie shoulders but didn’t push her away. “This isn’t what I meant.”
“It isn’t?” She leaned her head against Nova’s.
“Lottie? Nova?” Someone was yelling and pulling on the door to the bathroom.
