Read Resilient (2) for Free Online Page B

isn’t that the same dress you wore to the New Year’s party?” Jane asked.
    “Oh, her,” Charlie said with an eye roll. “She has some Single White Female issues.”
    “Well, they do say imitation is the best form of flattery,” Paige pointed out.
    “Or, it’s just creepy as fuck,” Charlie replied.
    “I’m going with choice B,” Katrine said. The others totally agreed.
    Maddie straightened up and elbowed Izzie. Izzie then cleared her throat. Katrine was in front of both of them so she couldn’t see what had caught their attention. She slowly turned her head. Ian was in the entryway wearing a dark blue fitted sweater with black slacks. He looked over his shoulder and extended his hand. Katrine didn’t breathe for a few moments. She waited. Waited to see the person who had grabbed onto Ian’s hand. The girl was petite and slender. Her hair was very dark and cut in an inverted bob. They walked hand in hand towards their group.
    For the love of God, wave or smile. Do something!
    Her hand flew up in a spastic wave and she heard herself say, “Hey, Ian!” Her voice was bubbly and false.
    Okay, we’re going with poodle on crack. Didn’t realize that was one of the options. Tristan would be loving this.
    As they approached, Katrine noticed the girl was striking. Her eyes were large, but almond in shape. She looked to be Asian or maybe Hawaiian. Her skin was tan even though it was January, so not fair. Katrine had to pry her eyeballs from the poor girl; if she stared any longer it would start to get weird, or bitchy.  
    Act normal, act normal, act normal, act normal…
    The chant continued in her head as the two new-comers joined the circle.
    “Hello, girls,” Ian said cheerfully. He was greeted with hugs. They all loved him. He then turned to Katrine.
    “Hey, Katrine. Wow, you look amazing.” He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. Her skin seared where his lips had been.
    “Ladies, this is Amber.” They all greeted her with genuine enthusiasm.
    Traitors…
    Katrine just smiled. She was afraid her words would come out fake and she didn’t want that. So she drained the last of her wine, hoping it would mellow her out. To say she was on edge was putting it mildly.  
    There aren’t enough grapes on the planet.  
    “Hello. It’s so nice to meet you all. Ian has told me all about you.” She turned to Katrine. “Especially you, Katrine, I feel like I already know you. I’m just glad to finally put faces to the names. Gosh, Ian, you said Katrine was pretty, but I think you were being conservative in your description,” Amber said kindly. It didn’t even sound ass-kissy, damn it.
    Oh great, she’s nice.  
    And pretty…Well that’s just…well…shit.
    “Thank you for that, Amber. It’s so nice to meet you. Ian’s a wonderful guy.” She smiled. Their gazes locked for a split second then Ian put his hand around his date’s small waist. “We’ll be back. I think we should hit the bar.” Amber smiled, no beamed up at him and nodded. They promised to be right back as soon as they greeted their hosts and scored some alcohol.
    “Looks like she’s got it bad,” Maddie said.
    “Which one?” Izzie smirked.  
    They all turned and looked at Katrine. She rolled her eyes a little and put her glass   to her lips. It was most unfortunate that the glass was empty.
    “I need more wine,” Katrine announced.
    “Well, then, go get some more,” Paige said.
    “I don’t want to go over there while they’re over there.”
    “You’re being a baby, just go. Look, he’s by himself. Go, go!” Maddie urged.
    Katrine was doing her best not to speed walk over to the bar. She slowed and threw her shoulders back, trying to look casual. With her ‘nonchalant’ in place, she stood beside Ian and waited for the bartender to notice her. Ian noticed her first. He turned and pulled her into a hug. “How ya doing, little lady?” He seemed really happy and that made her feel like the biggest asshole on the