"That's not really normal though," Kiera said. "You show up on your in-laws' doorstep with your friend in tow? I mean, this is supposed to be you starting your lives together, not hauling around your poor spinster of a friend who's about to be abandoned."
"You're guilt tripping me already?" Evelyn grinned and tossed a paperback at Kiera.
"Abused spinster of a friend!"
"As Romas pointed out, you have no real life and nothing really to tie you down," Evelyn said. "You can play video games and paint or draw from anywhere. They might appreciate artists more where he's from."
"I know very well what Rum-ass thinks of my life!" she retorted. "I take it this is his way of hooking me up with a man to keep me in line?"
"He's got seven brothers," Evelyn said. "I've seen pictures. Damn sexy bunch."
"You seriously want me to go?"
"Of course, K. You like adventures, right?"
"Yes, but I'm happy here with my video games and painting," Kiera reminded her.
"Well, you can do those things there. I'll be there. And Romas. He'll protect you from the bad people and spiders."
"I don't know," Kiera said after a pause. "It seems weird, and I'd totally feel like the loser I pretend not to be if you have to take me with you. Can I just stay here and guard your house and cat for you?"
"I know it's far, Kiera," Evelyn said, frowning in disappointment. "Please just think about it some more? We'll leave after the wedding, so you have a couple of days. At the very least, you'll still come for a week?"
Kiera doubted she would change her mind but decided to humor her happy friend.
"Yes, I'll go for a week. The rest is a lot to think about. I just got my first commission ever, and I think my displays at Kevin's gallery are picking up interest. He said someone else is interested in commissioning a piece. I feel like I'm in a good place with all that," Kiera said. "Where is Romas from exactly?"
"You've never heard of it."
"One of those little Eastern European pocket-sized countries?"
"Pretty much," Evelyn said vaguely.
"Wow. Are you really ready to use outhouses and haul your own water?"
"It's actually a wealthy, highly advanced society," Evelyn said with a chuckle. "We'll have servants to haul our water for us."