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“We’re not,” Selena answered. “But we’ll get to that later. We’d like to hear more about you now. It’s rare that Lottie bring a ‘friend’ to meet us.
A smile spread across Nova’s face. “Interesting,” she winked at Lottie who rolled her eyes. “Well, to start from the beginning, I had childhood cancer. The doctors found it when I was three and I battled it every few years until I was twenty. By that time, I had become very close with one of my nurses. She was there for every bout I went through. Every test, every round of radiation, every time I had to have a checkup. I adored her. Then on my last round of chemo, just as my heart stopped, she gave me eternal life. That night she called her husband and had him pick both of us up. They’ve raised me as their own ever since. They are my parents for evermore. My father was able to assist with my funeral to give my human parents closure. I grew up in Maine but haven’t been back since.”
“That’s a beautifully tragic story,” Lottie cooed.
Selena reached out, squeezing Nova’s arm. “We’re glad you’re here with us.”
Nova smiled her thanks. “So, you all tell me about yourselves.”
It was Lottie’s turn to point. “Willa is a Leprechaun. Alex is a vamp, Mae too and me. Selena and Eve are sixth generation witches and happen to be cousins, and Janie is in training at CU to be a guardian angel.”
Nova’s eyes were wide as she took all of the information in. “You all are so interesting. Again, I’m pleased to meet all of you.”
The rest of dinner went well. The others continued to ask Nova questions and told stories about things they had experienced together. There were several ‘inside jokes’ but she didn’t mind. They gave her advice on how to get through school and told her the best places to spend the weekends. Spending most of her time living in south Texas, Nova hadn’t done a lot of hiking, but it sounded like one of the best things to do around the college. Before she knew it, everyone had finished eating and the server had brought their bills.
“Excuse me?” Nova called to their server. “I didn’t get my bill.”
“Don’t worry, “Lottie grinned. “My invitation, my treat.”
“Oh, no. I can’t let you do that.”
Lottie handed the bill back to their server. “It’s already done.” She winked and Nova rolled her eyes. “You’re pretty cocky, aren’t you?”
Lottie sent a lopsided smile her way. “I’d say confident.”
“Let’s go!” Selena stood up, making waving motions to get her friends moving.
“What now?” Nova asked the group.
“Now…we party!” Lottie winked, letting a smile spread across her face.
Chapter Two
Nova could hear the thump of the music before she could see where it was coming from. She was feeling slightly overwhelmed. After pulling her phone out and putting it back in her pocket three times, she finally decided to call her father. Did he know where he had sent her? Did her mother? If they had, why didn’t they warn her?
“Hey, Nova.” She looked up to see Lottie and her friends standing in line in front of a nondescript building. “We’re here.”
“What’s here?” Nova made a face.
“It’s a club. A pop-up club. Usually comes through here a few times a year. Incredibly low key but always tons of fun!”
A slow smile spread across Nova’s face. “Fine. I’ll check it out but I’m going to have to check in with my parents soon.”
“Of course. Come on, it’s almost our turn.” Lottie reached out to take Nova’s hand, but Selena chose that moment to walk up behind them and throw her arm around Nova’s shoulder.
“Let’s go!” she screeched as the line moved forward and the rest of their group pushed in behind them.
The music was louder than anything Nova had experienced. She could feel her face flush. She’d never been in a club. At home in Texas, the most going out she did was hanging out at the mall or going to the movies. She felt like a 12-year-old trying to hang out with her older sister.
“Drinks?” Willa yelled over the bass.
Nova narrowed her eyes.
“What’s wrong?” Lottie leaned down to speak directly into her ear.
“Why do y’all drink?”
“Same reason we eat, I guess. While we’re not in hiding, it makes the ‘normies’ more comfortable. Our non-vamp friends have to eat, often. It’s become habit at this point.” Lottie shrugged.
