Free Second Nature by Krista Ames Page A

a huge fight outside her apartment one night, he’d mysteriously left school without an explanation or a goodbye. She found out much later he had left to join the Navy shortly before sophomore year.
    Dana had asked Amy if Dave knew of Nicholas Prescott, but she didn’t really expect him to. How many men across the United States joined the Navy every year? The last Dana had heard, when she occasionally bumped into Nick’s sister in town, he was somewhere overseas. Dana sadly resigned to never see him again, except in her dreams—her very vivid, steamy dreams. Better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all. Isn’t that what they said? Too bad she didn’t believe that garbage.
    She nearly jumped sky-high when a hand rested on her shoulder. Her eyes sprang wide open to see a flight attendant hovering beside her.
    “Ms. Stevenson, please adjust your tray table.” The attendant pointed at the table, while a second attendant at the front recited her speech. “Please fasten your seat belts and place your tray tables in their upright positions as we are on approach to Seattle International.”
    “Thank God,” Dana whispered. Unfortunately, the landing was almost as disturbing as the flying. She gripped the arms of the chair as the wheels hit the tarmac, skidded to a halt, and then rolled to the gate.
    With her carry-on and purse in hand, and a load of stress eased from her shoulders, Dana walked the long hallway into a bustle of travelers anxious to get to their own destinations. All she could think about was finding the baggage claim, seeing Amy, and never flying again—all in that order. She’d worry about getting home at the end of her stay later…much, much later.
    Collecting her duffel and garment bags from the luggage conveyor belt, she hoisted her laptop carry-on and purse over her shoulder. She turned to search for Amy and walked right into her. Tears watered from Dana’s eyes and Amy squealed in excitement as they embraced in a long, overdue hug.
    ****
    Amy drove from the airport pick-up area and into freeway traffic. She informed Dana they would be going to an engagement party tonight, thrown by one of Dave’s best friends.
    “Amy, why didn’t you tell me? I didn’t bring anything to wear to a dinner party.”
    Amy glanced away from the road for a split second to give Dana her famous, evil enough to skin a cat grin. “Well then, we’ll just have to go shopping, won’t we?”
    Dana laughed. As if they needed an excuse to shop.
    It was still early, so instead of heading to Amy and Dave’s place, they went straight to the mall and shopped for two hours. Exhaustion tore at Dana’s body, but she followed Amy into one last store, where Dana finally found the perfect dress. It was silky black with spaghetti straps, and hit mid-thigh. She had always wanted a barely-there, sexy number, but never had a reason or an occasion to wear one.
    “Girl, you look fabulous in that dress. It should be illegal.” Amy waved her hand, clicking her fingers.
    “You don’t have to tell me twice. I’m getting it and I need black stilettos, too.” Dana stepped back in the dressing room. “Will there be any cute guys there tonight?” she asked through the closed door. “It’s been a long time, you know.”
    Amy snickered. “Exactly how long? No, wait. I don’t wanna know.”
    Dana opened the door with her perfect dress draped over her arm. She smiled. “Good, because I wasn’t gonna tell you anyway.”
    They hit the shoe department next, and then with her purchases in hand they headed to Amy’s house.
    Dave and Amy owned a cute three bedroom townhouse—no doubt for future planning on Amy’s part and her eagerness to have at least two kids and a dog. Amy claimed Dave was more than willing to comply. For now though, the second bedroom was a guest room, and the third had been converted into an office and a storage room, full of overflow from Amy’s boutique.
    “This is a wonderful place, Amy. I just