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“Not Phoebe.” Ashley turned to Desirae. “Make it two slices—one for Phoebe and one for me.” She glanced back at Nic and Sylas, who had remained standing, waiting on her. “And could I have fruit instead of mashed potatoes?”
“That’s a good trade-off, Ash. I’m going to order a piece of pie, too.” Anna was obviously trying to lighten the moment. “How about you and I go for a run this evening to work off those extra calories?”
“You’re on. See you this evening.”
“Ash, don’t forget that you might be busy tonight”—Desirae winked—“with those two yummy-looking men, if you’re lucky.”
She grinned. “Lady luck has never been fond of me, Des.”
“Perhaps she will be now. I’ll bring you a glass of tea while you wait with your guys.”
She didn’t bother to correct Desirae that Nic and Sylas weren’t her guys. There was no reason to. So instead she took a deep breath and walked over to them.
“What are you two doing in Destiny?”
“We have an appointment with Phoebe after lunch.” Nic pulled out a chair for her.
“But more importantly, we came to apologize to you,” Sylas added.
“We were both such assholes, Ashley.” Nic sighed. “We have no excuse for our behavior.”
She sat, and they took their seats, one on each side of her. “I know what I told you must have been a real shock.”
“Regardless, sweetheart,” Sylas said. “We were extremely rude to you.”
“I agree.” Nic leaned forward. “You opened up to us and we shot you down. I hope you can forgive us.”
“I do forgive you.” If she wasn’t careful with her heart, she knew she would be right back where she left them in Chicago—open and vulnerable. I can’t make the same mistake again. Hoping to change the subject, she said, “I keep Phoebe’s appointment book. I had no idea you were coming to town to meet with her.” She’d thought it unusual that Phoebe had blocked two hours out of her schedule today. A first. Those two hours were obviously for her meeting with Nic and Sylas. What could be so important that Phoebe had intentionally kept her in the dark? “Is there something going on with Braxton again?”
Braxton Meat Packing had sued Steele Ranch the year before, claiming the ranch had sold them hundreds of diseased cattle and given them numerous falsified records. Phoebe had gotten the company to drop the case because of some records they’d found. That’s when she had first met Nic and Sylas, since both worked for Braxton.
“No,” Sylas answered.
Confused, she asked, “Then why are you here?”
“Here’s your tea, Ash.” Desirae placed the glass in front of her. “Your order will be up shortly. Have you gentlemen decided on what you would like?”
“Any suggestions, Ashley?” Nic asked in his warm tone that she had always loved hearing.
“I recommend the Blue Plate special. Today it’s meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, salad, and two rolls.”
“Sounds good to me.” Nic handed his menu to Desirae. “Italian dressing for the salad, please.”
Desirae smiled. “And to drink?”
“Water is fine.”
“Same for me. Blue Plate special, Italian dressing, and water,” Sylas said.
“Separate checks or together?”
“Separate,” they said together.
Ashley thought that word meant much more than how they wanted to pay. Nic, Sylas, Ashley. Together? Never. Separate? Most definitely.
“Coming right up.” Desirae filled their water glasses and left the table.
Sylas’s stare made her nervous. “What were we talking about, Ashley?”
