Open Case File [COMPLETED]

Something Unexpected

Lifting the robe off the hook, Carter pulled it on, grateful that it covered up the history of her life. After folding up her clothes and putting them away in a locker, she left the changing room and entered the foyer to the spa.

A fountain in the middle of the room trickled peacefully as if telling all around it to be calm. But Carter didn't feel calm because across the room stood her companions for the day. Though they all varied in shape, skin tone, and hair color, they had two things in common, they were beautiful and intimidating.

James' two-year-long girlfriend, Ali was the CEO of a tech company she had started. Clint's wife, Eva was a top therapist who had two papers published in the science journal and ran her own practice. Brock's fiancé and the reason they were all there that day, Ashley ran her own luxury hotel.

Carter was out of her element. Before she could think of making a run for it, Ashley spotted her and waved her over. Tightening the sash on the robe, Carter joined the group. Ashley beamed at them all.

"Okay, I know this isn't normal," she said. "But I really wanted to spend time with you all before the wedding. Eva and Carter and I will practically be sisters and we all know Ali is not far behind."

Ali laughed, the sound musical. "If it was up to James it would never happen but don't worry, I didn't build my own company to then wait around for my lovable idiot to take his sweet time to make it official."

Eva grinned. "When I first met James I knew he was going to have to find a strong woman or he would never be happy. Seems he did."

Ali bowed her head in gracious acknowledgment. "Thank you. Now! Let's get this day of relaxing on its way!"

"You read my mind," Ashley said, hooking her arm with Ali's.

Side by side they were polar opposites, pale and dark skin, blonde hair and black, light and dark eyes, but their smiles were the same, friendly and open. Together they led the group towards the saunas.

As they walked, the girls kept up a constant stream of chatter finding all manner of topics to exchange. Carter spoke little. It was as if she were back in high school surrounded by the girls who had grown up with mothers and taught them all they needed to know.

Except here she couldn't make a rude comment to hide the fact that she was completely overwhelmed by them.

As if sensing this, Eva smiled at Carter. But this was worse. This woman knew her occupation and being analyzed by her brother-in-law's wife was not something she could handle. So instead of being questioned, she led the questioning.

"I read your paper on the development of children's brains and how imagination plays into their ability to handle bigger issues later in life. It was fascinating."

Eva beamed under the praise, her dark complexation glowing. "Thank you. I'm pleased you read it. I know that some of the topics I talked over were a bit complex."

"I wouldn't have thought so, you explained everything perfectly. What made you decide to follow that line of thought?"

At home in the subject, Eva talked without barely taking a breath, which meant Carter was safe. Her life and her insecurities were out of the line of fire. By the time they reached the saunas, Eva had poured out half of her life's work onto Carter, who didn't mind. Though it did prove that this woman was intimidating.

When Ashley opened the door to one of the saunas a cloud of steam rolled out, washing them in heat. They hung their robes on hooks outside and slipped into the hot room. To Carter's relief, the stream was thick enough that it was hard to see. Her scars wouldn't be noticed. Carter settled onto the soft wooden bench in the corner, Ashley and Ali taking one side while Eva took the other.