Jim and Abby returned to the sound of Abby’s laughter ending the conversation.
“Jim was just telling me that Lizzie has herself a date tomorrow.”
“Oh dear.” Bobby joined in with his wife’s laughter.
“It’s not funny,” protested Jim. “Especially now your wife has confirmed that the horny kid in question was wearing a hard on whilst looking at Tasha’s tits.”
“Well, I remember Tasha in that little bikini and as an attorney I could get the kid off on all charges having seen the evidence.” Bobby gestured towards Tasha’s chest.
“Screw you, Bobby,” said Jim, still bothered by the young man ogling his girlfriend but amused by his brother’s banter.
Bria appeared and smiled at them all. “Come on people, let’s get some food,” she said warmly, almost shooing her brothers towards food.
Tasha was sitting with Alexa and talking about horses and riding when the little girl said, “You should call me Lexi, all of my riding friends do because there is already an Alexa and an Alexis.”
“Okay, Lexi,” said Tasha. “Did your mum tell you Uncle Jim had said you should come over and ride out with me?”
“Yeah, but I wasn’t sure if you would want to because I’m only a kid.”
“I would love to. I don’t think it matters how old you are. I was about your age when I started riding properly so I know how exciting it is, although I haven’t ridden for a while,” she confessed.
“Why not?” asked Lexi.
“Because my dad and I had a fight and he said I wasn’t allowed to ride anymore and then I was busy working and stuff, but now I can,” she explained as simply as she could.
“Did your daddy say you’re allowed to ride again?” She sounded worried for Tasha.
Tasha shook her head. “My dad and I don’t talk or see each other anymore. He isn’t always a very nice man.”
“Some of my friends say that about their daddies when their parents divorce, but Daddy says that’s just because they didn’t get a good enough attorney.”
Tasha laughed. “He may have a point, but my parents aren’t divorced, just not very nice.”
“Will I meet them at your wedding? I could introduce them to Daddy, he’s a very good attorney,” said Lexi innocently.
“My parents won’t be coming to the wedding, but thanks anyway. I was thinking though, if you’d like to, you could be a bridesmaid.”
“Really? A flower girl?” Lexi sounded genuinely surprised.
“Yes. If you want to, but you don’t have to—”
“I’ve never been one before. Thank you, Tasha. Can I tell Mommy and Daddy?” The little girl’s excitement was overflowing and undeniable.
“Sure.”
Tasha watched Lexi sprint off to find her parents then skimmed the rest of the area. She couldn’t see Jim or Bobby and wondered where they were, but she did spot Lexi talking to Abby who was standing with Bria and Sophie. She became aware of someone beside her and realised Bria’s husband was there with a bottle of wine to top up her glass.
“Thank you.”
“You’ve made yourself a few friends within the Maybury clan.” He smiled as he sat opposite Tasha.
“Do you include your wife in that number?” she asked mischievously.
Martin, laughed now. “Maybe, especially after Jim called her on Sunday morning to tell her to back off, but her intentions were well meant. She cares for her family,” he explained.
So Mr Control Freak had stuck his oar in, as she’d suspected.
“Where in London are you from?” he asked.
