Her shrieks of indignation filled the air. Josie flinched because every eye in the restaurant was on them. She’d even seen a few camera flashes. She had no doubt today’s incident would be all over the tabloids. Ash was one of the wealthiest men in the city. He came from money, from people with connections in society. His grandfather was a well-known figure in politics. No doubt the papers would be tripping over themselves to report the estrangement between Ash and his mother.
What if Michael saw it? Would he try to cause trouble for Ash once he realized who Ash was?
More camera flashes, this time much closer. Josie flinched away, covering her face with a hand. Ash pulled her farther behind him and then flicked his hand toward the people taking pictures. In a moment’s time, more security rushed forward, effectively shutting down the impromptu photo session.
Josie sagged into her chair. Brittany looked shell-shocked. She was pale and looked mortified as she sagged against the back of her chair. Josie’s heart went out to her.
“I’m having a girls’ night out Wednesday night,” Josie said casually. “You should go with us. It’ll be fun.”
Brittany blinked in surprise as she stared back over at Josie.
Beside Josie, Ash had retaken his seat and he curled his fingers around hers, squeezing as she issued the invitation. She chanced a peek up at Ash and saw warm approval—and appreciation—glowing in his eyes. She smiled encouragingly up at him, as if to say, It’ll be all right.
“I don’t know,” Brittany began.
“You should go, Britt. Josie is going with Mia and Bethany and their girls. You’ve already met Bethany. They’re solid. You’d like them. No better women anywhere,” Ash said.
Brittany’s cheeks turned pink but delight simmered in her eyes.
“I’d like that, Josie. Thanks. Tell me when and where.”
Josie glanced up at Ash because she didn’t know the when and where. Only that she was going Wednesday night and that she and Ash were shopping for a dress and shoes after lunch with Brittany.
“I’ll send a car for you,” Ash promised. “I’ll warn you, though. They take girls’ night out pretty seriously. You’ll need a sexy dress and some to-die-for heels. It’s the dress code, or so I’ve been informed.”
Brittany laughed. “Well, I have plenty of those. Thank God I’ll have a use for them. I took a look the other day and thought to myself that I’d never have a need of them again.”
Ash smiled at his sister. “Be ready at seven. It’s Jace’s turn to ride herd so he’ll be around in a car. I’ll let him know to pick you up and to drop you back off when you’re done.”
Her eyes glittered with excitement. In that moment, Josie was glad she’d issued the impulsive invitation.
“Thank you for inviting me, Josie. It sounds like fun!”
Josie smiled warmly at Ash’s sister and then reached across the table to squeeze her hand. “Us girls have to stick together, right?”
Brittany grinned back. “Yep. And with guys like Ash around, it’s even more important not to let them get one over on us.”
“Hey,” Ash defended.
Josie elbowed him in the gut and he pretended to double over in pain.
“Let’s finish eating. Not going to let that bitch ruin the meal for us,” Ash proclaimed. “You have to get back to work, Britt, and Josie and I have some shopping to do.”
Brittany’s eyes rounded. “Shopping? You?”