Vini walked into the building escorted by two New Species women, they were stunning. Vini had never actually seen women so physically fit before, where she grew up everyone was a bit podgy round the edges and definitely not as glamorous. Sure she had seen glamorous women in the Sates since she had moved but none compared to the natural beauty of these two.
They had seemed very off with her when they came to Storms cabin to pick her up. She knew it was obviously because of her performance yesterday. Which she guess to everyone around her, must have seemed like she was deranged. Storm had growled deep at them when they had come to collect her; their eyes had widened in surprise when they were near her. She guessed they smelt Storm on her; Storm had explained their senses were very sensitive and heightened compared to humans.
Earlier that morning she had joined Storm in a long shower and they had made love again. Her heart felt lighter and she couldn't help but smile. She couldn't deny her feelings for Storm. It was an instant attraction, she knew Storm even though she had not known him for long. It almost felt like love at first sight or kiss Vini thought as she chuckled to herself.
She had climbed into the waiting Jeep with the two women and waved at Storm as she had driven off. He promised to come to the gallery later as he had work that needed to be done. She was nervous wondering what he would think of her work. It was a bit eclectic but she painted how she felt which was a bit all over the shop.
A feeling of anticipation had settled into her; she wasn't looking forward to facing Slash but she wasn't one to not apologise if she was in the wrong. Hopefully she would see him when Storm came to the gallery god I'm a coward.
"We must wait here human while the room is finished" Vini flinched at the name, human.
One of the gorgeous women pointed to a seating area, it had comfortable looking sofas and a water machine. Lavinia walked over the seating area and took a small plastic cup, filling it with water and glugging it down.
She needed a cup of tea and a cig. She daren't ask though, she didn't want these Amazonian goddesses to hate her more. She sat down and smiled at them.
They returned her gaze with half hearted smiles. She needed to get this out in the open, she wanted these women to like her, she wasn't a bad person and she wasn't usually so scatty.
"It's Vini; I'm sorry about yesterday. I'm guessing that's why everyone doesn't like me" she said in a small voice. "I had a bit of a hissy fit, I didn't mean it, I get very upset about my sons blanket" she finished.
One looked at her and cocked her head to the side. "If you have a son, where is he now?"
"He died" said Vini, she wanted to be honest and open with them. "The blanket Slash touched was my son Sam's; it hadn't been out of the bag since he died. It was hard for me to see it being treated like that".
She felt tears in her eyes but not the paralysing lump that usually formed when she talked about Sam. She absently wiped her face with the back of her sleeve and coughed.
"I'm Midnight" said one with a sad look "and I'm Creek" said the other.
"I'm sorry with what happened to your son's memento" Creek said with compassion in her voice.
They then surprised her by getting up and sitting either side of her. "Can we give you a hug?" Creek asked.
Vini was shocked but nodded as both women hugged her from different sides. She put an arm around each of them and hugged them back. It must have looked a strange sight but she was very grateful that they forgave her.
She wanted to be their friends, she had friends of course but they seemed more like acquaintances nowadays. She most certainly hadn't been a good friend since dropping off the face of the earth.
They were interrupted by a cough; a large male with beautiful cat like eyes and black hair was watching them with a smile.
The women stood up and Vini followed suit, brushing down the front of her clothes.
"Hi Justice, this is Vini, she is very nice, do not mention what happened last night" said Midnight in stern tone.
Justice seemed to be taken aback by the female's brazen statement but he just nodded and smiled even wider.
Vini looked at the tall male and felt a bit intimidated, she had seen Justice North on the TV and she had spoken to his secretary when organising the art exhibition but she was still a bit star struck by him in person.
"Welcome to Reservation Miss Cross" said Justice in a friendly voice. "I have been looking forward to meeting you; your work is very good and I personally love it".
Vini was flattered and walked towards the leader "It's lovely to meet you too" she said as she extended her hand.
Justice took her hand and shook it gently. She saw his nostrils flare and he smiled "I see you have been acquainted with Storm, I hear he…" he said before he stopped himself receiving a scowl from Midnight and Creek.
He stood back from Vini "The exhibit will be a hit this evening, we have many important people coming and a lot of New Species will be coming to enjoy the evening" he said with a smile.
"Well I'm very excited and humbled you would pick me for this event" said Vini feeling more confident.
"The pleasure is mine. I will be purchasing some pieces tonight as a gift for my mate" he said with a mock bow.
"Well I'm afraid I have to go to work now, nice to meet you and we shall meet again this evening" he said. He then left and Vini settled back onto the sofa with Creek and Midnight.
"That went better than I expected, thank you Midnight" Vini said appreciating that the women had stood up for her.
"You too Creek, I was so sure everyone would not like me and think I'm a looney"
"I will not lie hum…..Vini, I was very wary when I heard what had happened and I did not understand" Creek paused before continuing "You have now explained and if I was in the position you were put in, I would act the same".
Thank god thought Vini, she smiled "So will you be coming tonight?"
"A lot of the New Species will be coming, everyone wants to see what Justice has been raving about" said Creek rolling her eyes.
Creeks pocket started to vibrate and she reached in and grabbed a small phone. "The room is ready and your car has been collected and is waiting outside the building also".
"Thanks guys, Ill need to pop to the car and grab some bits. I'm planning on doing some touch ups etc and ill need my equipment" Vini said excitedly.
She moved with the women through the halls and into a large white room, the art that had been transported to Reservation several weeks ago was stacked against one wall and there were two New Species males sitting at a table in the middle of the room. They turned her way as she and the women entered.
Vini's sudden confidence and excitement fell at seeing Slash. Fuck me, isn't this fucking great thought Vini, he looked at her and gave a smile, he got up from the table and gestured to the other male to follow him.
"Hello again Miss Cross" he said with a friendly smile, Vini felt awful; he had a blue and purple bruise marring the top of his nose and his eyes. He had white strips of bandage across the bridge of his nose and she could make out a cut.
Storm really whacked him Vini thought. She cringed and felt awful; she had been the cause of this. She felt lucky that Slash wasn't pissed with her too.
"I'm so bloody sorry love, I feel awful. Look at your poor face" she said whilst walking over to place a gentle hand on his shoulder.
"Don't worry about it; I'm sorry about what happened. I was too busy searching I should of listened to you. The fault is mine" Slash said looking apologetic.
"Please don't apologise, I'm sorry, if there is anything I can do…." She let the offer linger.
"I don't think your mate would appreciate you offering anything to me" Slash chuckled. They all started laughing at that. Vini was a bit perplexed but didn't say anything, she just laughed a bit awkwardly.
"Hi, I'm flirt. Welcome. Your work is great we have been having a look whilst setting up the room".
"Thank you and nice to meet you too" said Vini.
Flirt motioned them all over to the table where a canister of coffee, cream and sugar was waiting for them.
"Oh yes, thank fuck I've been gagging for a coffee" moaned Vini whilst she made herself a nice milky coffee with two sugars.
"So what are you guys doing here then" said Vini since all the apprehension at seeing Slash again had vanished.
"We have been asked to help you with the setting up of the paintings, we have the tools to get them all up but we did not know where you would want them. Justice wanted you to have full control" Said flirt whilst sipping his coffee.
Right, best get to work then thought Vini.
