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“Hey babe,” Cain said as he sat down on the end of her chair, pulling her legs over his wet lap. He leaned forward to kiss her, and Nova laughed, pushing him away.
“Stop! These are some patients and counselors!”
“Yeah, yeah.” Cain said turning to look at the group in the hot tub. “I think it’s going to be a good session don’t you?”
Nova smiled, nodding.
***
Vance laid on his stomach diagonally across his bed. His feet were kicking in the air like Lottie had seen young girls do at sleepovers in movies. She watched him intently as he told a story about climbing trees when he was younger but before he’d found out he was fae. Lottie was trying to pay attention to the story but all she could think about was Nova. Cain had decided it was time for the party to end. Lottie had tried to challenge him, but Nova had stood next to him, adding in that tomorrow was a big day for everyone there. Her tone seemed to deplete the fun time energy from everyone around the pool. Lottie rolled her eyes as she stepped out of the hot tub but caught Nova watching her.
A sudden sharp knock at the door startled both Lottie and Vance. He fluttered over to the door and squinted through the peephole then rushed to pull the door open.
“Selena, was it?” Vance leaned forward hugging the woman at the door.
“Hi Vance, nice to officially meet you. You’ve caused quite the stir around here, I’ve heard.” Selena sat on the edge of the bed that Lottie was lying on. Vance’s face dropped as he quietly closed the door and sat on his bed across from Selena. Lottie nudge Selena’s back with her foot.
“Hey Vance, no judgment from either of us.”
“Of course not!” Selena started but Vance stood.
“You two need to catch up. I’m going to grab something to eat. Real food. Would either of you like anything?”
“Please don’t feel like you need to leave. We’re not talking about anything important.”
Heading out Vance just smiled pulling the door closed behind him.
“Selena! That was a jerk move!” Lottie stood up.
“You know that’s not how I meant it! I meant he was exciting and interesting.”
“I know, I know.” Lottie pulled her hand through her dark hair. “I should have text you, but I was so wrapped up in Nova and that stupid boyfriend of hers.” She turned to face Selena. “Vance was on nectar, he was high.”
“Oh no! I am awful!”
“All of this is too much. I don’t think I can do it; I can’t just stay here and pretend I want to get sober while there are people who are here to actually go through this program and get sober for the right reasons and not just some stupid crush on a girl who has a fucking boyfriend!” Lottie was pacing the room as Selena watched with wide eyes. She pulled out her phone shooting off a quick text. Then she patted the bed.
“Come sit down for a minute. When’s the last time you’ve eaten?”
Lottie shot her friend a dirty look. “You know that’s offensive, right? It’s like asking an upset woman if it’s her time of the month.”
Before Selena could pop off a comeback there was a knock at the door. “I’ll get it.” She smiled sweetly at her friend.
“Hello friends, so glad you could join us.” Lottie rolled her eyes as she watched Willa, Alex, Eve, Janie, and Mae walk into the room. Crimson Moon Hideaway was one of the most lavish and unique places Lottie had ever been to and she realized the level of magic that must flow through the grounds to provide the illusion unfolding before her. The room grew. There were suddenly extra chairs outside on the balcony that was more than double what it had been just minutes before.
“Let’s all get grab a drink or a snack and head outside.” Janie was trying to ease the tension that swirled around them.
“Sure,” Willa and Mae chimed in. Eve followed behind, a knowing look on her face. Alex walked out of the bathroom following the group even though she didn’t quite know what was going on. Once the group was settled in the overstuffed patio chairs, Willa looked over at Lottie.
“Well, let’s hear it.”
“Yeah, what is it this time, Lots?” Mae followed up.
“First of all, I don’t care for your tone. Either of you,” she pointed at Mae.
“Ladies…” Janie said, the warning evident in her voice.
“Look, Lots, the reason I called everyone here is because this is like the third time you’re trying to back out and the program hasn’t even started yet.” Selena explained.
