“Looks like Ky and her husband are here already.” Ashley said noticing her sister’s mini-van parked in the parking lot.

Ashley got out of her car and opened the door for Spencer. They walked hand in hand into the club and looked around to find Kyla.

“Ashley!” Kyla screamed out from a booth that was to the side of the club. Ashley and Spencer walked over and both girls were greeted by a very hyper brunette. Kyla hugged Ashley and then hugged Spencer.

“Ky, this is my girlfriend, Spencer. Spencer, my sister, Kyla.” Kyla hugged Spencer again and Spencer laughed at how excited the girl was to meet her. A handsome, dark-haired man stood to greet the girls with a hearty handshake.

“This is my husband, George. Isn’t he dreamy?” George shook his head and took his seat back in the booth. Spencer and Ashley both sat down and ordered their drinks. “So…Spencer…how long have you and my sister been together?”

“Umm…well we actually just started dating this past week.”

“Oh really? So new love huh? That’s exciting. She’s a tough one you know. Deep down past that thick exterior of hers she’s such a softie.” Spencer looked at Ashley and wondered what Kyla was talking about. ‘What thick exterior?’ Spencer thought to herself.

Ashley shrugged and gave Spencer a kiss on the cheek. They casually chatted some more when Kyla’s face froze.

Not knowing why her sister had just suddenly stopped her constant chatter, Ashley followed Kyla’s gaze to a woman who was sitting at the bar. The woman had her back to her but she recognized her immediately.

“What the hell is she doing here?” Ashley asked angrily.

Spencer turned to see a brunette sitting next to a man in a business suit. She was laughing at whatever the man had just said and when she turned around Spencer couldn’t help but notice how much she resembled Ashley.

“Look, Ash. How ‘bout we go somewhere else?”

“Why should WE leave? I am not changing my plans because that woman is here.” Ashley said in an angry tone. Spencer couldn’t help but think that this woman was Ashley’s mother; the mother that had abandoned Ashley so many years before; the woman that caused Ashley so much pain.