Page 23 of Unaware
“You see?” Ashton said to Catherine.
“Ash, you wanted to drown the shit out of it,” Catherine responded with a growl.
“Okay, stop! Let’s hear more about Aria.” Gretchen placed her hand on my arm. “Logan said you’re here on vacation? Where did you come from? I mean, you’re clearly Australian, right?”
“Yeah. I’m originally from rural Australia, but I’m living in Brooklyn right now in an apartment with two great roommates.”
“You’re a long way from home!” Catherine noted.
“That’s a good thing, trust me. I wanted to spread my wings, see the world and all that. Besides, I have family in New York.”
“Well, New York is an awesome place to spread your wings,” Ashton said. “Gretch, Biffle, and I are all originally from up there. It’s the best city in the world.”
“Not that Ash is biased or anything,” Lee teased.
We all laughed.
Ashton nudged me. “So, what’s the deal with you and Logan?”
“I don’t know,” I said with a blush. “We met the other night when he helped me out, and it turns out we get along. I’m not sure of what else at this point in time.”
“Well, whatever happens or doesn’t happen, I know I’d love for us to stay friends. You’re welcome down here any time,” Lee said.
“Absolutely!” Gretchen gushed.
“I agree,” Ashton said.
“If you ever want to visit L.A., you have a place to stay with us,” Catherine added.
Wow! I was blown away by the welcoming natures of these women, even to a complete stranger like me. How did they trust so readily? They oozed kindness and inclusiveness in the same way my roommates did. I think I was falling in love with the positivity of these Americans I’d come into contact with. If only I’d grown up with this in my life, maybe I wouldn’t be so closed-off and self-conscious. I wasn’t saying there weren’t jerks here, too, but Americans generally exuded positivity in a way that the people in my hometown didn’t.
“Excellent.” Catherine clapped her hands together and indicated the food in front of us. “We’ve got the tossed and potato salads all made, we have the bread rolls buttered. The guys are on the grill with the steak, corn, and seafood. We are good to start drinking and nibbling!”
Catherine sounded like she might be the boss of the girls.
“Cool, let’s start drinking!” Ashton said as she held up a bottle of roséwine.
Gretchen handed me a wine glass and we all held them up for Ashton to pour some of the wine into.
“Don’t forget the baba ganoush dip and pita bread crisps I made!” Lee held out the platter with the built-in centre bowl.
We all eagerly dipped into the snack, then Lee carried it over to the men. The food and the wine were delicious, and I was feeling totally relaxed. Ashton went to a stroller and rocked it slightly. I hadn’t even realised she had a baby until that moment.
I crept over and took a peek and was met with the sight of the cutest little baby boy.
“This is Gabriel.” The pride in Ashton’s voice was strongly evident.
“He’s so adorable.”
“Thanks. I totally agree. He wouldn’t even be here without Gretchen.”
I cocked my head slightly to one side.
“She was our surrogate. She gave me my lifelong dream.”
Gosh, these women really were a tight-knit group, and they wanted to be friends withme?I’d never experienced friendship like that before. How the heck did I expect to fit in?
“Do you have any kids, or do you want kids someday?” Ashton asked.