Southern Comfort (9781622863747) by Skyy

as they passed them. Katrina found herself regretting her decision as they arrived at the west bank. She stared at the massive London Eye Ferris wheel, the one thing she told herself she would never ride.
    â€œOh come on, you can’t come to London and not ride the Eye.” Willow chuckled as she took Katrina by her hand, pulling her along.
    â€œSee where I am from we tend to steer clear of places where we can fall to our death.” Katrina’s voice cracked.
    â€œTrust me, you will love it.”
    The two grabbed tickets and got into the usually small line. Before they knew it they were in the capsule being closed in. Katrina held on to the rail, closing her eyes as tight as she could. Willow couldn’t help but laugh, especially since there were children in their capsule who were super excited to make it to the top. Katrina squeezed Willow’s hand as they started moving.
    After a few minutes Willow tapped Katrina on her shoulder. “Can you do me a favor and just open your eyes for one moment?”
    Katrina paused, but finally opened her eyes. The sight was breathtaking. The sun had set and the lights of London were illuminating the sky.
    â€œOh my God,” Katrina said as she stared at the city that had treated her so poorly up until that day.
    Willow continued to point out sites to Katrina as they went around. Finally they stopped at the top. Katrina looked over at Willow who was smiling while staring out the glass. Katrina didn’t know what it was, but there was something special about this woman. She grabbed Willow’s hand as their fingers interlocked.
    The two headed back toward the street. The lights from the Ferris wheel shined off of the Thames River. The night was young and there were so many things to do just in that area alone. They headed down the dock to one of the river cruise boats. Willow pointed out sites as they cruised down the Thames River. After the ride Willow and Katrina walked hand in hand on South Bank until making it back to where the black cab originally dropped them off. It was the best either had felt in a long time.
    â€œWell, Willow, thank you so much for this. You really have changed my opinion of this city.”
    Willow blushed. “I wish you had more time. There is so much more to show you. But you are going to love Paris. Don’t forget to check out those places I told you about.” Willow tried to think of something to keep Katrina with her, but she came up with nothing.
    â€œWell maybe you could give me your number and I can call you when I get there, just to make sure I am remembering all the places. Do you have Facebook?”
    Katrina held her phone out. They each exchanged phone numbers and Facebook usernames.
    Two black cabs pulled up at the same time.
    â€œI guess this is it. Thank you again, Ms. Willow,” Katrina said as she held her arms out.
    Katrina and Willow hugged. It felt like a magnet was holding them together. Finally they forced themselves to pull away.
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    Willow felt like she was floating. She opened the door to her flat to find Piper and Corrie sitting on her sofa drinking wine and watching television. She was so happy she didn’t care that Piper was in the arms of Corrie, the ex she stated she wasn’t going back to.
    â€œAnd where have you been, miss?” Piper asked.
    â€œJust having the best time of my life.”
    Piper and Corrie both noticed the grin on Willow’s face.
    â€œYou slut, you met someone!” Piper jumped off the couch and ran up to her friend. “Tell me everything.”
    Willow could still see Katrina vividly in her mind. She could smell her cologne on her skin. “I met this girl named Katrina. Oh my God, she was gorgeous, intelligent, and sexy as hell.”
    Piper screeched.
    Willow felt her iPhone buzzing in her pocket. She pulled it out to see the Facebook friend request notification. She quickly pressed accept and pulled up Katrina’s profile