"Holy shit Tasha, even I want to do you!"
My eyes widened as I saw my reflection.. Abigail Lane had skiiillllssss! Even I thought I looked like a total babe! She had dressed me in a muted pink almost beige maxi skirt with a slit on one side to the top of my thigh. This was paired with a white lacy tight t-shirt crop top and gladiator sandals. She had straightened my hair and done full make up - what would I do without the girl?!
"Laney I think I'd do me too! You're amazing!"
"I know right! Let's go make that idiot cry into his pillow tonight!"
Laughing we walked out of Lanes building where Nate was waiting to drive us to Blades house. Leaning out his window he pushed his sunglasses down his nose to properly look at me then wolf whistled whilst Lane danced around me like a lunatic.
"Why are my parents such embarrassments?"
"Oh shut it bitch you know you love us!"
I couldn't deny her words so I got into the back of the car giggling while Lane greeted her man through the window with.. ahem.. enthusiasm..
"Guys stop sucking face already it's been like 25 minutes!"
Ok it had only been about 25 seconds but come on.. finally stopping their smooching Lane climbed into the passenger seat then we set off and I decided to grill Nate for information.
"So what's the deal with Katrina? Do you have any advice?"
Nate grimaced and Lane turned around in her seat to face me her gossip face on.
"He totally hates her!"
She said it with such glee that I wanted to hug her.. if only everyone had a bestie like her! Nate took his hand from the gear stick and linked fingers with Lane then lifted their joined hands to his face where he kissed the back of her hand. He came across stoic but he clearly adored her, then again I defy anyone not to adore her!
"I do hate her, the whole family do, Flo especially did. The twins are scared of her - I think there's more to this.. that Blades up to something.. but I don't know. I'm sorry."
I smiled at Nate, catching his eye in the rear view mirror.
"Blades your cousin you're in an awkward position but you still take care of my feelings.. I love ya daddy."
"Don't call me that!"
"When it stops bothering you I'll stop calling you it."
I smiled angelically and Lane snickered as we pulled into Blade's long driveway. Blade was already outside, leaning against one of the stone pillars surrounding his front door a cigarette dangling from one of his fingers. I'd never seen him smoke before and I'd never smelt or tasted them so I assumed it wasn't a regular habit.
As I exited the car, Blades eyes widened and I felt a frisson run through me at the obvious appreciation on his face. I was secretly scared the whole way here that he wouldn't even notice the makeover so I was relieved! Then again.. the last time he saw me I'd had my hair hacked off by a loon so anything would have looked better..
"Tash, you look beautiful. Your hair looks wonderful like that."
I stiffened at the reminder that he believed I had cut my own hair and then Lane was there next to me, covering me.
"Well she's not dressed like this for looking through boxes it's for her date later! Whoops I wasn't meant to say anything was I?"
That little shit! She said we would make him hurt not make up a pretend boyfriend - that hadn't ended well when I'd tried with Finlay!
Blade didn't reply just took a long drag on his cigarette before grinding it out under his heel. Turning he led the way into the house and I glared at Lane. Looking at me innocently she blew me a kiss then skipped after Nate. Huffing out a breath knowing everything she did was for me I followed after them all slowly.
* * *
Blade had had all the evidence gathered at the house put in his lockable home office and we were each surrounded by 4 boxes wearing latex gloves to ensure no prints were transferred.
I lifted a photo out of one of the boxes, it was crumpled and dirty - not one of the ones Nates men had taken of the property - then gasped as I saw who was on the photo. Everyone looked up at me but I felt sick and dizzy, a cold sweat covering my body. I couldn't hear anything only a ringing in my ears and my vision had gone blank. My chest was tight and I felt like I was going to die. It was terrifying.
I felt a slap to my cheek and was then overwhelmed when my senses came rushing back, the light too bright, sounds too loud, then Lane was there pushing my head between my knees.
* * *
It turned out I'd had a panic attack and when Lane saw the photo she had a similar reaction sending Nate into a tizzy - so endearingly worried about her - he grabbed me, his eyes frantic as Lane sobbed into his shoulder
"Who's in the picture? Why're you two reacting like this?!"
I shook my head, remaining mute, stroking Lanes hair soothingly. I felt Blade come up behind me and look at the photo over my shoulder. One hand came up and squeezed my shoulder.
"It's her brother."