Getting ready to go to Stronghold with a group of girls was an entirely new experience and a heck of a lot of fun. Being at Stronghold last night had been a lot of fun too, but she hadn’t realized how much more fun it could be when Angel had invited her over to get ready with her, Leigh, and Lexie, using the largest of the house’s bathrooms to do their makeup and hair. Adam had retreated downstairs where Ellie could hear the faint strains of guitar music as he played, occupying himself while they did their thing. Apparently Patrick and Jared were already at Stronghold working, so they’d decided to have some pre-club girl-time and wanted to include her.

Ellie really liked being included.

Especially since they’d started hanging out with her even before she’d agreed to scene with Michael. She didn’t feel like she was just being pulled into their friendship because of him, but it was nice he was there when she hung out with them as a group. It gave her an excuse to spend more time with him, without feeling any pressure to move things faster than she was comfortable with relationship-wise - although her comfort level could change from minute to minute or even second to second.

She could feel perfectly easy in their texting conversation, look forward to spending more time with him, and then suddenly start feeling panicky over how comfortable she was feeling. Worry would creep through her relaxed calm, anxiety sliding between her emotions like an insidious vine, taking over the garden of her mind.

Sometimes she could ignore it, sometimes she couldn’t.

“Maybe I should borrow some of your stuff,” Leigh said, coming into the bathroom holding up an outfit which looked entirely made out of leather straps in front of her. She looked into the mirror as if trying to see how it would actually cover her. Compared to it, the short lavender miniskirt and white bustier with silver embroidery she was wearing looked almost demure. “Just for funsies.”

Angel gave her an incredulous look. “Don’t you already have a spanking coming tomorrow if you don’t make it to the gym? Do you want to add to that?”