Abroad

Chapter 1

Sitting at the large, round table in the secluded back corner of her favorite restaurant, Avery looked around at the people with her. Her entire family was at that table, including her sister Emily, brother-in-law Toby, and their twin boys. Getting the two-year-olds dressed and ready had to be stressful, but you wouldn’t know it to watch her sister. She still handled the boys with ease, despite the long day they’d all had.

Avery’s father lifted his glass of wine again. One more toast to the graduate. Avery, your mom and I are so proud of you.

Smiling, she felt a touch of color enter her cheeks as her parents, two older sisters and their husbands saluted her again.

So, Erik, her oldest sister’s husband asked, what are you doing for the rest of the summer? Do Meg and I still need to keep an eye on you?

Avery took a sip from her water glass and then set it down. Honestly, I haven’t given it much thought. Nina is sticking around because she got a job as an assistant art curator. It doesn’t start for a couple of months, though.

Her father reached into the inner pocket of his navy-blue blazer and pulled out an envelope. I think this might give you some direction. He placed it on the table and slid it toward her.

All eyes were on Avery as she picked up the white envelope. Before slipping her fingernail beneath the seal, she nervously tucked a long strand of blond hair behind her ear and glanced around the table one more time. From the expectant smiles she saw, she had an idea of what was inside before she opened it.

Europe? she asked her father after pulling out the contents.

He smiled warmly. Two whole months. You start in London and end in Barcelona. Everything is paid for. We didn’t think kicking around New Hampshire would be much fun, so take Nina along now that you’re both finished with school.

Rising from her seat, she rounded the table and tightly hugged each of her parents. After a few more toasts, some wild speculation of all the trouble she could get into abroad, and yet another round of hugs, Avery said goodbye to her family. As she drove through the city, back to her apartment near school in Newton, she tried to get her head back down on Earth. Although she’d always dreamed of seeing Europe, she hadn’t ever really considered it realistic. Her life had felt so sheltered up to this point. With any luck, her roommate, Nina, could teach her how to live a little.

When Avery wasn’t carrying a full load of classes, she spent her summers helping out at her family’s large furniture store near Manchester, New Hampshire. Despite the comfortable life her family had always led, her parents had instilled a sense of responsibility and a strong work ethic in their three daughters. She had a lot to live up to, being the youngest. Her oldest sister, Meg, was an OB/GYN at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, and the only reason her middle sister, Emily, had left her job as a business administrator was to raise her twin boys. Her husband was a calculus instructor at the community college near their hometown, and Avery hoped to live close to them after college so she could see her nephews grow.

There was an open parking space a few doors down from their building, and Avery quickly snatched it up. After locking up the car, she hoisted her belongings in her arms and hurried down the sidewalk.

As soon as she was in the door of their second-floor apartment, Avery dropped her cap and gown and purse and ditched her sensible pumps. Nina! she called.

When she received no answer, she went in search of her quirky roommate.

Nina? Avery called again as she approached the closed bedroom door. Still, no answer when she knocked, so she poked her head inside.

The room was in its usual disarray. Clothing was strewn across the bed, as though she’d dressed in a hurry, and the top dresser drawer was still open, a few sexy, barely-there bras hanging loose. The one thing she didn’t see was her roommate. She’d had the dinner shift at the bistro around the corner but intended to leave early to properly celebrate their graduation. A glance at her watch told her Nina was running about half an hour late. It was closing in on eleven.

The front door opened and closed, and Avery spun around, anxious to greet her. She stopped short in the living room entrance when she got a good look at Nina.

What? her roommate snapped. You don’t like pink?

Avery knew her eyes must be round with surprise and tried not to let her mouth gape open. Nina’s hair had been a dark chocolate brown that morning. Now, however, it was jet black, the ends tipped in bright, screaming pink.

It’s neat, she finally managed as Nina ditched her messenger bag on the couch and kicked off her comfortable work shoes.

Neat, Nina repeated with a shake of her head. I was going for a lot of things, but ‘neat’ wasn’t one of them.

Following her into the kitchen, Avery waited until Nina had grabbed a bottle of Smirnoff Ice from the fridge and twisted off the cap. She took a long, deep pull and then frowned at Avery.

Why are you hovering?

Did you and Andrew have another argument? she asked, hoping Nina might confide in her. Beyond his identity, Avery only knew that he was a visiting professor of Theology from Cambridge University in England.

Nina pushed passed her instead of opening up. I don’t want to talk about him. Are we going out tonight, or what?

If you’re up for it, Avery replied as she followed along behind her.

From the depths of her closet, Nina muttered, Why wouldn’t I be up for it?

Moving a few articles of clothing, Avery sat on the end of the bed, tucking her legs up beneath her. You look upset. I thought you’d be excited about graduating today. Your dad even managed the trip. That must have made you happy.

Nina tugged her black polo shirt off, tossing it in the general vicinity of the hamper by the wall, and yanked something sparkly from a hanger. Yeah, she snapped again as she turned and pulled on a pink sequined top. I just love seeing the old man and hearing about how sad it is my mom couldn’t be here. That always warms my heart. Are you going to change?

Looking down, Avery remembered that she was still wearing the black sheath dress from dinner with her family. The strand of pearls her grandmother had given her wasn’t really appropriate for whatever club Nina intended to drag her to tonight either.

Can I at least wear jeans? Avery asked as she scooted off the bed.

You can wear a frickin’ paper bag for all I care, Nina called after her.

Just outside the door, Avery stopped and turned around. Okay, whoa. What’s your deal? What did Andrew do this time? And don’t even try telling me it’s nothing. You only ever get this upset when he’s being a jerk.

I’m not upset, I’m just pissy, Nina corrected. She pulled off her socks and went digging through a drawer of her dresser, muttering something about her favorite socks.

Rolling her eyes, Avery decided to just let her friend be for the moment. Once she calmed down, she would tell Nina about the trip. Hopefully, Nina could leave her professor behind for good as well.

Sifting through her own closet, Avery inspected her meager social clothes. Since meeting Nina on her very first day of college, she had slowly accumulated a small, socially appropriate whore-drobe, as her roommate referred to it. And although she assured Avery she had the body to pull off the look, Avery felt like a fish out of water in the sexy attire. Her overall awkwardness was probably the mitigating factor of her single status too.

Screw it, she muttered to herself as she grabbed a green tank dress from a hanger. She ditched her conservative dress and slipped into the new tight one, shifting her bra around so that she had the best cleavage she could muster.

How is it possible to look boring in skin-tight? she called to Nina.

Change! she yelled back.

Attempt number two was only marginally better. Finally, she left her room for her friend’s seal of approval in outfit number three. Nina took one look at her skinny jeans, calf-high brown boots, and blue peasant top before pointing her back to her room.

No, she said decisively.

Defeated, Avery returned to her closet and placed her outfit back on hangers. What the heck was she supposed to wear to a club? Nina almost always helped her dress when they went out, but her mood was so foul that she didn’t dare ask this time.

Just as she was about to give up, however, a scrap of black caught her eye from the far corner. She grabbed the loose material and held it over her chest in front of the mirror. The way the shirt draped in front wouldn’t allow her to wear a bra, but if she was careful, she might not pop out of it. And when she pulled the skinny jeans on again with it, she decided it didn’t look half bad.

That is until her right boob decided to make an appearance.

Nina, do you have any more of that tape? she asked as she held a hand to the shirt.

She was just hiking a denim skirt up over her curvy hips when Avery walked in. It’s on my dresser. Go for it, she said without looking up.

With two pieces of double-face tape securing her shirt to her skin, Avery held out her arms and did a twirl. Well?

Glancing up as she laced a pair of combat boots, Nina looked her over with a critical eye. Not bad, she finally decided. Grab my long silver necklace, though. It’ll dress up the front of your shirt. Oh, and your gold platform stilettos.

Pair silver and gold? Is that legal?

She could actually hear the roll of Nina’s eyes in her tone when she called after her. Metallics are neutral. We’ve had this conversation, like, four times already, I swear!

Chapter 2

After demanding that Avery change her so-not-club-appropriate attire, Nina sagged heavily on the end of her bed and stared at the closed door. Leaning forward, she cupped her face in her hands and began to sob as quietly as possible. All night she’d been holding the tears at bay while serving lattes and coffees with a fake smile.

Her day started badly when she’d gone to see Andrew while he was organizing before the start of the summer session. Squeezing the meet-up in before all of the commencement craziness began wasn’t the best idea, but she’d really wanted to see him. When she walked into his lecture hall, however, she knew right away something was different. He didn’t greet her with a warm smile or a deliciously slow kiss. She didn’t really want to think about all the hurtful words he’d said, because each time she did, a fresh wave of tears started all over again. Instead, she took a long, deep breath, slowly pushing it out.

On top of all that, her father had actually shown up for graduation. She hadn’t seen him since she’d left for Boston College four years prior. He hadn’t even bothered taking her from their home in Piedmont to the airport.

Nina scrubbed the tears from her face, smearing mascara from ear to ear. She looked around her room and sighed. Walking over to the nightstand, she pulled open the top drawer, moving her five-speed second best friend out of the way, and removed a faded journal. Tucked safely inside was an old picture of her and her mother, taken weeks before Leesa had died. Nina no longer looked like the girl in the picture, and with good reason. That girl represented everything she hated from that old life. She set the journal and the photo back in her drawer, face down, and forced her mind away from the topic.

Moving to her closet, she threw clothes over her shoulder and onto her bed. Turning away, she cleaned her face and settled on exaggerating her green eyes with black eyeliner and bright pink shadow. Then she fluffed up her new ‘do with some gel.

Once her hair was finished, she changed from her comfy sports bra into her not-so-comfy hot pink lace push-up bra. A black, partly see-through shirt went over it, highlighting the bra. She pulled on her pink fishnets, careful not to rip this pair like she had the last. Then, as she was shimmying her ample self into a denim skirt, Avery entered in search of the double-sided tape. She pointed her in the direction of the roll and continued dressing.

A small pang of jealousy stabbed through her when she saw how cute her best friend looked. Ignoring the mild jealousy, she slid her feet into her four-inch stiletto combat boots and laced them with nimble fingers. After she gave Avery the whore-drobe seal of approval, Nina inspected her own appearance in the full-length mirror. The little voice in the back of her head told her she looked ridiculous in the loud outfit with her painfully loud hair. Like always, however, she pushed the voice away, reminding herself that she was not Missouri Nina anymore. This was Boston Nina, and she kicked some serious ass.

You look hot, she said to Avery. Avery immediately turned red, and Nina laughed. You’re so cute when you blush. Now let’s get the hell up outta this place. She then landed a smack on Avery’s butt and bolted from her bedroom, slamming the door behind her. Before leaving the apartment, she swung by the fridge and pulled out another bottle.

You’re not seriously going to drink that in the car, are you? Avery asked.

Nina popped the top against the counter and sucked the bottle down. Avery’s eyes widened, and it was all Nina could do to hold in a laugh, and not spew the cold drink all over the place. The poor girl looked like a deer caught in the headlights.

She slammed the bottle on the counter with a belch and smiled. Excuse me. Avery rolled her eyes and headed to the door, Nina following. What? I’m not taking it in the car. Besides, we’re walking. She scooped her bright pink feather earrings off the counter along with her keys and wallet.

They walked arm-in-arm down the short hallway to the stairs, Nina catching Avery’s not-so-subtle glances the entire time. What?

Are you okay? she asked.

I’m fine, she said, flashing the fake smile she’d used all night at work.

Silence stretched out between them as they descended the stairs. I really do like your hair, Avery finally said.

Nina absently ran her fingers through the new style. It’s going to take a little getting used to, huh?

Yes, but you know you can rock it.

Nina held up the ‘rock on’ symbol with her fingers. Hell yeah, I can.

When did you do it?

They’d reached the front stoop and ran into their upstairs neighbors, Kimber and Kevin. They were just returning from walking their overly friendly yellow lab, Mo. They took one look at the girls and whistled in unison.

Damn, bitches. If we played for your team, you’d never stand a chance, Kimber remarked.

He’s right, you know. You two are looking especially lovely tonight. What’s the occasion?

We finally graduated, and we’re going out to party, all good and proper. Wanna come with? Nina asked the pair.

Love to, but we gotta leave early in the morning to see his mom, Kimber said, ticking his head towards Kevin.

Oh well. Maybe next time, right?

You know it, Kevin replied with a wink.

The girls hugged them both and then gave Mo some affection before saying goodbye.

Tell her hi for me, Nina called.

Sure thing, Kevin said as he followed Kimber inside.

The night was warm as they walked the four blocks to the Blue Stone nightclub. They were silent for a while before Nina finally answered Avery’s lingering question. I did it before work.

Does it have anything to do with Andrew?

Nina shrugged. She wanted to tell Avery everything, but if that happened, her make-up would run all over the place and she’d be reduced to a sobbing puddle in the middle of the sidewalk. Yeah, but I don’t want to talk about it right now. I just want to have a little bit of fun tonight.

Will you tell me later?

Nina threw her arm around Avery’s waist. You know I will. I just can’t yet.

I understand.

* * *

The line at the Blue Stone was crazy long, but Nina and Avery walked straight to the front, bypassing the velvet rope.

Hiya, Blade. You look hot tonight, Nina crooned to the enormous man wielding a clipboard by the door.

You’re looking pretty damn fine yourself, he said with a lick of his full lips.

She did a little twirl as he looked her appreciatively up and down. Nina had to admit, Blade certainly was delicious. His skin was a smooth shade of caramel, his eyes the color of liquid amber, and he had bulges in all the right places.

She looked down and then back up, arching a carefully shaped eyebrow in his direction. You gonna let us in? She stepped closer and placed her hand on his massive arm. The hard muscle rippled beneath her fingertips.

Her head was already feeling a little light with alcohol—two at work and two at home had added up quickly.

Blade’s mouth tipped up in a wickedly sexy smile. Depends. You gonna save me a dance?

When you get off?

Depends on how good you are, he teased with a wink.

Believe me, you won’t have any problem in that department.

I want that dance later, he said as he unhooked the rope and allowed them to pass through the front door to a chorus of objections from those left waiting in line.

What the heck was that all about? Avery asked when they were inside.

Nina looked back at her friend’s rosy complexion and realized she’d just embarrassed the hell out of her. I’m sorry, Ave. You know Blade and I are just friends. We’re only playing.

"Yeah, but I’ve never seen you two act like that."

Come dance with me, Nina said instead of explaining something she really couldn’t. Taking Avery by the hand, she pulled her through the crushing crowd of bodies.

Once they were on the dance floor, Nina allowed the steady thumping beat of the bass to carry her to a different place. She shook her hips and lifted her hands high above her head. When she looked up, Avery was awkwardly swaying back and forth. Nina reached out and grabbed her hands to help her find the beat.

After watching her try her hardest to have fun, Nina finally took pity on her. She felt like a heel for dragging her friend to a place she knew she didn’t like. Leaning in close to Avery’s ear, she yelled above the throbbing music.

Let’s go get a drink! She laughed when Avery quickly nodded her head.

Together they made their way through the throng of gyrating people and, shockingly, found available seats at the bar. After ordering, they scanned the crowd.

When are April and Devin supposed to be meeting us?

April had to work, but she should be here any time. I think Devin is already here somewhere, Avery yelled in reply.

The bartender handed them their drinks, and as they surveyed the dancers on the floor, Nina glanced at her watch, frowning.

I don’t get it. They were supposed to meet us here, Avery said when she caught the move.

The bitches stood us up. They probably hooked up with some guys. We can go if you’re ready, Nina said, slipping from the stool. She staggered, and a pair of strong hands steadied her. She turned and stared up into Blade’s twinkling eyes.

Buy you ladies a drink? he said smoothly.

Avery shook her head. I’m good, thanks.

What about you, gorgeous? The seductive tone in his voice alone was enough to send Nina’s already fuzzy mind spinning.

Maybe just one, but we’re about to leave, she said casting Avery a look over her shoulder.

Blade hailed the bartender and ordered two shots of tequila. Taking the glass, Nina threw back the contents and grinned as she plucked a lemon from the dish to suck on.

Thanks for the shot, but we gotta go, she said.

Aw, I can’t even have one dance? Blade slid forward and placed his hand on her hip, moving against her. She blinked, trying to clear away the sudden fog of desire that was settling in around her. Placing her hands on his chest—a very well-muscled chest that tightened beneath her fingers—she gently pushed away from him.

I can’t. She turned and looked at Avery. You ready?

Not until you go dance with Blade.

But I don’t want to leave you up here by yourself. I don’t roll like that.

I wouldn’t have told you to do it if I didn’t mean it, Avery replied with a genuinely sweet smile.

Nina knew that wasn’t entirely true. She stepped closer. Are you sure?

Nina, look at that man. Nina glanced over her shoulder to where Blade leaned casually, hip propped against a stool. His gaze roamed hungrily over her. You’ve had a pretty crummy day from what I can tell. Go dance with him.

But—

But nothing. You didn’t get all dressed up to waste it on me. Now go, Avery said spinning her around and pushing her toward him.

Just one dance and we’re outta here, Nina called over her shoulder.

Uh-huh. Avery rolled her eyes and grinned.

Blade took her by the hand and led her out onto the dance floor. Once they found a spot near the middle, he turned to face her and lifted her hands up and around his neck.

So, what’s your real name? she asked as they began to move.

Blade.

I have a hard time believing a mother in her right mind would name her child Blade.

After a long moment, he huffed. Micah.

She didn’t get a chance to respond before he roughly clasped her hips and pulled her against him in a grinding manner. She could feel his growing arousal through the front of his jeans, and it only served to fuel her own mounting lust. At that point, the conversation pretty much ended.

His hands roamed over her back and down to her bottom. Grasping her tightly, he pulled her down onto his rock hard thigh and began to move her back and forth with maddening slowness. She rotated her hips and ground against him. The rough denim of his jeans pressed into the thin material of her fishnets and sent small tremors of desire racing through her body. Then, spinning, she backed her rear end against him and surged to the rhythm of the music. His mouth was near her ear when she heard his sharp intake of breath.

Come home with me, he rasped. His hands skimmed down her sides, over her hips and then back up, lifting the hem of her skirt ever so slightly. Skillfully, his large hands slid up the outsides of her bare thighs. His touch was warm, giving her chills.

Andrew’s face suddenly flashed in her mind’s eye causing her to jerk to a stop. What in the hell was she doing? She moved away from his probing hands and turned. I’m sorry, Blade. I just can’t. Without waiting for his reply, she made her way over to where Avery was waiting at the bar.

She sniffed back the moisture gathering in her eyes before joining her. She didn’t want her friend any more concerned for her than she already was. When her vision cleared, Nina immediately frowned at the sight of two guys standing far closer than she knew Avery would be comfortable with.

She pushed in between them and stood beside her friend, glaring at the two acne-scarred wannabe Casanovas. Scram, grease monkeys.

Excuse me? the one with entirely too much product in his hair scoffed.

Nina leveled her glare directly at him. I didn’t stutter, did I? I said beat it. Obviously, she’s not interested. She cast a glance in Avery’s direction, and judging by the anxious look on her face, her assumption was correct.

You nosy little bitch, the short one snapped. He stepped forward menacingly, but Nina squared her shoulders. Her fist curled at her side. She was spoiling for a fight and this little punk might just fit the bill. She glared at him defiantly, silently challenging him. The man didn’t get too close before a heavy hand landed on his shoulder and pulled him back.

Problems here, Nina? Blade asked, applying just enough pressure to his shoulder to make the man wince in pain.

The two little pigs here decided they wanted to get a little too close, but we were just leaving.

Was that the way of it? Blade asked. When the man didn’t respond, he squeezed harder.

We were just talking to the hot one there. This fat freak stepped in and started the entire problem.

Now, is that any way to talk to a lady? Blade hissed, tightening his hold on the man.

No, it’s not, but then again I don’t see a lady in front of me either. His beady eyes narrowed in on Nina.

Blade was about to take further action when she glanced up at him. Thanks, babe, but we’re leaving anyhow. She didn’t give Blade a chance to react before taking Avery by the hand and pulling her toward the exit.

With the loud thumping music of the club fading behind them, the girls walked down the sidewalk in silence. The jerk’s words ricocheted around in her head.

Knowing her too well, Avery spoke up in an attempt to pull her out of her silence. So, it looked like you were having a good time with Blade.

The memory of his hands roaming all over her body made her heart flutter, but she chalked it up to the booze. He wanted me to come home with him.

Nina, why the hell wouldn’t you? He’s hot!

She shrugged and wrapped her arms around her middle. The sound of her heels clicking on the sidewalk echoed in the quiet night. He’s nice and everything, but I don’t want to hop in the sack with some guy the same day me and Andrew split.

Avery nodded. So you did break up, huh?

She tugged on her bottom lip. Yeah.

What happened?

Nina shrugged again. Told me he was tired of hiding and that I wasn’t what he was looking for in a woman.

Are you kidding me?

Nope, but hey, it’s all good. We’re freaking graduated. We’ve got the whole summer before we have to be all responsible and shit.

Avery laughed. Speaking of the summer, I’ve got something to tell you.

Oh?

Yeah, let’s go somewhere a little less . . . loud.

Nina laughed and threaded her arm through Avery’s. No matter how crappy her day, she knew she could always depend on her best friend to brighten it up.

Chapter 3

There was a great little fifties-style diner a few blocks from their apartment, and that’s where Avery decided to go. Since the place was open twenty-four hours, they’d spent many a night crying into their chocolate malts over relationships or tanking up on coffee and carbs during exams. Although Avery’s metabolism had handled it well, she’d noticed when Nina began to slowly fill out freshman year.

Her curves were something Avery was jealous of though. Next to Nina’s voluptuous body, Avery felt skinny and awkward. Her hips were narrow, her butt non-existent, and her limbs too long. About the only thing that made her feel the least bit feminine was her chest. Even that wasn’t exactly impressive in comparison.

Nina was the total package. Blade’s interest in her aside, she was smoking hot with round hips and an apple-shaped backside. She also had some seriously full cleavage that she knew how to arrange to perfection. Avery needed about four inches of padding to even come close to the same caliber. Maybe six.

So what’s this big news you got? Nina asked, pulling Avery out of her covetous thoughts.

Grabbing a menu as they slipped into a booth, she shook her head. We order first. I don’t know about you, but I’m starving.

You girls ready?

Avery smiled up at Fran, their favorite late-night waitress. She wore her usual poodle skirt and neck scarf, and it looked as good now as it must have when she was young.

Bacon cheese burger, side of onion rings, and a diet Coke.

She heard Nina’s snort from behind her menu. "Because a diet Coke will completely reverse the effects of the burger and rings. Keep eating like that, and you’ll look like me."

What about you, hun? Fran asked with pencil poised.

Tuna melt and chips. Black coffee.

Waiting until Fran had left to place their order, Nina tossed a packet of sugar at Avery, nailing her between the boobs, and both girls giggled. Score! Now, what’s the big news?

A slow smile spread across Avery’s face. She wished Nina wasn’t quite so tipsy, but she couldn’t wait to see her friend’s expression when she told her about the trip.

My parents gave me a pretty great graduation gift. It’s big enough for me to share with you.

Like a new car or something? Nina asked, clearly confused.

Avery shook her head, her smile widening. Europe.

Europe?

Europe, Avery confirmed with a slow nod.

Nina’s face was stuck between a confused frown and shocked surprise. "Europe, Europe? Like the land across the sea, Europe? Like the source of every piece of artwork I studied for the past four years, Europe?"

Europe, Avery nodded again. We leave next week for two whole months. All expenses paid. Just bring cash to blow on souvenirs.

Nina clinked her water glass against Avery’s. To cheap booze and loose men! Then she let loose a squeal that most people would have attributed to her inebriation.

After a good laugh at her friend’s excitement, Avery filled her in on all the details of the trip while they waited for their food. Before Nina could dive into her tuna melt, Avery tried one more time to get her to open up.

Maybe you can use the trip to truly move on from Andrew. I hate how upset he makes you, especially with all the back and forth. You know I love you and would never make you feel bad on purpose, but you deserve so much more. You deserve to be with someone you can actually be seen in public with. I know you love him, but—

I don’t love him, Nina snapped. He was really good in bed. That’s it.

Avery offered a look that clearly said she didn’t believe the lie.

Okay, and I liked the way he challenged my mind. Lord knows guys who can do that don’t exist in Piedmont. The only thing they can challenge is each other to a burping contest.

Nina. . . .

She forced a smile for Avery. Not here, okay? I don’t want to be the cliché crying drunk chick. Just give me a little while and then ask me again.

Avery reached across the table and took her hand, giving it a squeeze as she fought her own swell of emotion. Of all the friends she’d had in her life, Nina was heads above the rest. There was nothing she couldn’t say to Nina, nothing she felt stupid asking. Nina let her be the goofball she truly was without offering judgment. Frankly, Avery didn’t know what she would do if Nina wasn’t in her life. She was very easily a third sister, and Avery loved her as though she genuinely was family. There wasn’t a single person on Earth that she would rather share this trip with.

Instead of bringing up the subject of Nina’s now defunct relationship before they left, Avery decided to just leave her be. When she was ready to talk about it, she knew Nina would come to her.

* * *

Over the course of the next week, they made preparations for their trip. Kimber and Kevin agreed to water their plants while they were gone and even gave the girls an impromptu ‘Bon Voyage’ party two days before they were scheduled to fly to London for the first leg of their adventure.

Nina had convinced Avery to stop calling it a mere trip. It wasn’t a vacation either. To Nina’s way of thinking, they were setting off to find their true selves. They could reinvent themselves in every country if they wanted to. No one could place labels or expectations on them that didn’t fit or that they couldn’t reach. It was the freest they were ever going to be in their lives.

Toward to end of their surprise party, Avery found herself sitting on the front stoop of their building, trying desperately not to throw up. Kimber always managed to get her to drink way more than she wanted. Sometimes she wondered if she had a little bit of a crush on him, and that contributed to her ready agreement.

What say you, girlfriend? Nina slurred as she all but fell out onto the stoop. With the gracefulness of a wrecking ball, she plopped down beside Avery and slung an arm across her shoulders. You up-chuck yet?

Just the mere mention of the act had bile rising in Avery’s throat, but she managed to hold it at bay. I so do not want to be hungover on an airplane.

Nina made a kind of snorting sound and laughed. Honey dear, you’ve got a whole day to sleep it off. And don’t I always make you pancakes after Kimber makes you drink his weight? Oh hey. That reminds me. Did I see you making out with him earlier?

From the heavy sway that barely kept her upright and deep slur in her speech, Avery figured Nina had probably cleaned out their friends’ liquor cabinet. Kevin dared us. Damn, that boy can kiss. I think he found the piece of gum I swallowed when I was seven.

Nina held a hand to her chest in dramatic fashion. "Your blessed mother let you chew gum? Oh, the humanity!"

Laughing, Avery tried to hush her friend. It was nearly three in the morning.

Did you just swear?

Now she felt a little sheepish too. With a shrug, Avery tried to play it off. I only said damn.

Nina’s eyes grew wide as her voice dropped to a whisper. You just said it again. Oh my heavens, do I need to take you to the hospital? Do you have alcohol poisoning?

Rolling her eyes, Avery gave her a shove with her shoulder. You’ve heard me swear before. Stop acting like we’re in high school.

Still sounding reverent, Nina shook her head. But I’m completely wasted right now, and you’re scaring me, Avery. You don’t swear. You don’t make out with boys either. Have you lost my mind?

First of all, Kimber is gay, so making out with him doesn’t count. And B, I can swear any damn time I feel like it. I’m a grown woman. And would you stop picking on me? I’ll ask you about Andrew again if you don’t quit it.