TWISTED FATES BOOK 1: THE FIRST TWIST by Jacklyn Rogers (read after TXT) 📕

Despite being thrown for a proverbial loop, I was still grateful to have my BFF sitting here in front of me. It had been so long since I had an actual friend to spend time with. I was beginning to feel quite lonely.

Granted, the girls I hung out with in her absence were technically my friends, but Dasha was my BFF. She had been with me through so much and after the loss of Jay. She and I were there to help get each other through the unbearable pain due to our loss.

Observing my BFF's new appearance, I decided to just straight-up question her about the sudden dramatic change.

"So, girl spill. What the heck is up with you changing your look boo-boo?" I asked, arching my eyebrow. "Don't get me wrong bitch; you look – Gor-gina. But I'm just surprised that you didn't tell me anything about it. Especially since we like talk almost every day. Is this why you wouldn't Skype with me?"

"I just decided that it was time for a change." She responded almost dismissively as she tossed her crimson locks over her shoulder. "I guess I was just bored with the same old, same old, and wanted to do something fun. Ya know? I decided I was tired of how I looked and needed an upgrade."

Something seemed somewhat evasive with her answer.  I knew Dasha, and she wasn't the type to just do something this extreme without reason. "I totally don't buy that." I retorted after taking a sip of water. "Spill the Tea, Dasha. I know you're hiding something."

Dasha frowned at me for a brief moment before looking away. She seemed almost irritated that I was prodding her for more information, but she quickly glossed over her annoyance and groaned.

"I just wanted a change Sam, nothing more."

 "I don't understand why you have to make such a BIG deal about this. Can't you just be happy for me? For once, I feel genuinely fucking good about myself. Why can't you just accept it and move on?"

Well, shit – defensive much?

"Dasha," I said, trying to sound as calm as possible as I reached over to cautiously take her hand in mine, "I'm not trying to make a big deal of this. You're fucking Amazing - whatever you look like. I just feel like there's more going on than what you're telling me. That's all. I mean, no one  changes their appearance this dramatically just for the hell of it. Usually, there's something or someone that sparks the fuse."

Dasha sighed as she closed her eyes while pinching the top of her nose between her furrowed brows. "Fine, Sam. There is something else. OK? I'm seeing someone, and I don't feel like discussing this any further. Why is it every time I make a decision that doesn't involve you, you always have to turn it around to make it about you? Not everything is about you, Sammie – you did the same fucking thing with Jay too, but he was just too polite to say anything. This is my business, so quit with the fucking Spanish Inquisition already!"

What – What?

I was about to respond to her outburst when our conversation was cut short. Shawn, our server, was uncomfortably clearing his throat and placing my beverage on the table in front of me.

Indeed, this was a discussion that Dasha and I would be continuing later.

Who was this mystery man she was seeing, and why was she getting so damn defensive about me questioning her? I don't know how, but I just knew there was more to her story than just wanting a change. And not just any change, mind you, but one that bared an uncanny resemblance to my exact appearance three years ago.

Super suspish.

"Hi, Ladies." Shawn smiled without skipping a beat, revealing his pearly whites and charming dimples, as he regarded the tense situation between Dasha and myself. "Have you lovely ladies had time to look over the menu? Did you have any questions?"

Just as I was getting ready to let him know that we would need a few more minutes, since I didn't think Dasha had a chance to look at the menu, I was interrupted by her as she informed him that she wanted to order. She had decided on the Original Crack Power Salad and a glass of prosecco.

Well then, clearly, I was the only one not ready here.

I looked up at Shawn apologetically; he smiled and nodded, allowing me a quick moment to decide on what I was ordering.

"I think I'll just have the Ham and Pear Crisp Sandwich with a half salad with Peanut Vinaigrette as my side with an iced tea no lemon. Thanks." I meekly smiled.

Shawn nodded at me, acknowledging my order, removed the menus from our table, and walked away, presumably to place our order.

After a brief few minutes of rather generic idle chit chat, our food and drinks arrived.

Thank God.

Dasha and I sat and ate in uncomfortable silence. Once we were done eating, I had already planned on continuing our discussion, but I needed to take a quick restroom break before that.

Ah, bladders, am I right?

"Running to the ladies' room." I cleared my throat and announced. "Be right back ... and when I do, we seriously need to continue with our conversation from earlier, Dasha." I didn't give her time to answer as I pushed my seat back and got up from our table. However, I did catch the eye roll and sneer that had adorned her lips and was reasonably sure I heard her mutter a snide response.

"As IF. We'll see about that.”

Real nice Dasha … not.

I just shrugged my shoulders and continued to make my way to the restroom. I was not going to let my frustration with Dasha's behavior get the best of me. Better to just go to the bathroom and