Burn(100)

            “Okay, maybe she won’t,” Ash said ruefully. “But you’ll figure out how to handle her and after a while it won’t bother you as much.”

            “I envy you,” Brittany said. “I know I’ve said it before, but I’d give anything to have your confidence.”

            The wistful tone in her voice made Josie wince with sympathy. But she sat quietly, not wanting to interrupt their conversation.

            The waiter came and took their orders, and Ash leaned back, reaching for Josie. She slid into his side, their chairs mashed up against each other. His arm settled around her shoulders as he continued his conversation with Brittany.

            “So how long have you two been dating?” Brittany asked.

            Josie went still, her mouth suddenly unable to work. What could she say? They didn’t date. One could hardly call what they’d done dating. They’d bypassed that stage all together. And somehow, the word dating seemed so tame. Not at all indicative of the intensity of their relationship.

            “Josie and I have been together a while now,” Ash said easily.

            “Oh, that’s good. You look so good together. Tell me more about you, Josie. What do you do?”

            Apparently Ash hadn’t spoken of Josie to Brittany. Josie licked her lips, suddenly feeling self-conscious in front of his sister. No matter that Ash had clearly outlined the difficulties Brittany had experienced, the woman still came from money. From a world Josie didn’t fit into. She’d had a wealthy husband, rich parents. Hell, her brother Ash had more money than God.

            “I’m an artist,” Josie said in a husky voice. “I also design jewelry. But mostly I paint.”

            Brittany’s eyes widened and Josie wasn’t sure if it was surprise, judgment or what. Her nape prickled and she immediately felt defensive.

            “I’d love to see your work sometime,” Brittany said.

            “I’m sure that can be arranged at some point,” Ash said. “Right now she’s busy working on something for me and she has a client who buys up all her work so she’s pretty focused on that at the moment.”

            “You sound so successful!” Brittany gushed.

            Josie ducked her head. “Well, yes, I suppose you could say that. It’s a rather new development, though, so I still have a hard time thinking of myself that way. Someone came into the gallery where I exhibit and bought up all my stuff and demanded more. I have no idea what they’re doing with it. I haven’t heard anything about them doing a private exhibit. Perhaps it’s for a private collection that will never be shown.”

            “But still, you must be thrilled. I’d love to be that independent,” Brittany said wistfully.

            “I am thrilled,” Josie said. “It means a lot for me to be able to stand on my own two feet and support myself.”

            Brittany nodded, understanding bright in her eyes.

            Ash had gone still beside her, his lips drawn into a firm line. Had she said or done something that displeased him? Surely he couldn’t fault her for liking being able to support herself. It in no way interfered with her relationship with him. But it gave her the confidence to remain with him, submissive, because she knew she didn’t have to. Didn’t have to rely on him to support her. And that was important. It gave her much more power to choose to be with him rather than having no other option.

            Their food came, breaking the current topic of conversation. For several moments, they ate, silence descending on the table.

            Brittany looked up, her mouth open as she was evidently going to say something. But then her eyes flashed and her mouth snapped shut.