The Kane Brothers

Chapter 1: Evie

"I'm hurrying," I grumble to my ringing cell phone as I dash into my townhouse, kicking the door shut behind me. Turning around, I flip the locks and reach into my purse, searching for my cell. Of course, my fingers connect with the phone just as the ringing ceases.

"Shit." I already know I'm going to be late. I should probably cancel. I don't even feel like going out tonight.

The shrill ringing cuts the air again and I sigh. Dropping my purse on the console in the hallway, I head into my living room, collapsing onto the couch.

"Jenny," I answer, curling my feet up below me and resting my head back on the cushions. My eyes shut. "I'm not sure about tonight. I'm really not up for it and I've—"

"Save it. I don't care. You're coming. Miranda and I haven't seen you in forever, and I really need a night out. You owe me."

I smile in response to her tenacity, but refuse to give in that easily. "I don't know. It's been a really long—"

"Day, week, month for all of us, which is why we need to grab a drink. I know you're probably pouting on your couch at the moment, trying to think of an excuse to ditch us again, but I'm not having it. Get your butt up, hop in the shower, pull on a pair of jeans and a sexy halter, and maybe, just maybe, if you cut the resting bitch face and smile a little, you'll even get laid tonight."

I manage to choke out a chuckle while a shudder runs down my spine, my eyes snapping open. "With a guy I meet at Raf's? Come on. We're lucky we don't contract STDs just from entering the place."

Jenny laughs, a girlish giggle she's had since high school. "Or needing a Tetanus shot from the hazardous bar."

I join in her laughter now, forcing myself to stand up. "Fine. I'll meet you girls there in an hour."

"We'll be sitting at the bar."

"Duh."

"There will be a Cosmo with your name on it so don't be late."

"No. Lenny makes the worst Cosmos ever. Just order a whisky sour or a gin and tonic, or something he can't mess up."

"A shot then. He should be able to handle that."

"See you there." Ending the call, I walk into my bathroom and toss my cell on the vanity.

Pinning up my hair since I know I won't have enough time to dry it, I take a quick shower and towel off in front of the mirror. Taking a moment to study myself, I note how my shoulders curve inward, as if they're trying to kiss. I can count my ribs, my boobs are nonexistent, and my arms hang awkwardly at my sides. Dark smudges from too many sleepless nights glare from underneath my eyes, exaggerated by the paleness of my skin. I look sallow, dejected, and exhausted.

I look like me.