She put her menu down and stared across at Chase. “So, fancy pants. What are you ordering?”
“A steak. You should do the same.”
She glanced down at the prices for the steaks and then looked over at the chicken a la something she couldn’t pronounce and debated. She didn’t want artichoke hearts or sun-dried tomatoes within five feet of her, let alone on her plate. Another chicken dish featured capers and lemon sauce. Disgusting. But it might save him some cash.
“Don’t cheap out on me, Ash.”
A steak and loaded baked potato sounded like heaven. “All right. But no wine then. I’ll order a Coke.”
He held out his hand, and they shook on it.
The waiter came over and introduced himself, and they declined ordering a glass of wine or an appetizer. After taking their drink and dinner orders, the waiter left with the menus.
“No dessert either.” Ashley couldn’t help adding.
Chase rolled his eyes. “Any other stipulations? Should I not tip the guy?”
Ashley kicked him under the table, and his knee connected with the table in response, making the silverware clank. They both covered their mouths with their hands to keep from laughing too loud. This really was turning into a buddy dinner.
“That hurt!” he whispered.
“Baby.”
Their waiter returned with their sodas, and she did her best to steel her features as she thanked him and ripped opened her straw wrapper.
The hostess led a new couple down the aisle and seated them in the corner. The guy’s hair was as black as night and slicked back with a little wave to it. Almost like …
***
Something over Chase’s shoulder had caught Ashley’s attention, and her face turned milk white.
“What is it?”
“It’s nothing.” She picked up her napkin, pulling the swan apart until it disbanded into cream-colored square fabric.
He leaned closer. “It’s not nothing.” When he tried to look behind him, she grabbed ahold of his wrist. “Stop. You’ll draw attention to us.”
“What, did your parole officer spot you or something?”
“Nice, Chase. But no, it’s worse.” She paused. “Reid’s sitting over there with a date.”
“Where?” No one would be hiding from that weasel. Chase pushed out his chair and stood, looking around. He’d only seen Reid once before, when the guy came to meet Ashley after work one day while they were engaged. He was a good-looking guy with trendy hair and dramatic, almost feminine features. Like someone you’d expect to see in a cologne ad. Chase had hated him on sight, even before he knew about the way he’d treated Ashley.
“Please sit down,” Ashley begged.
Chase did, but not before he found Reid sitting with a woman a little too old for him. She looked familiar. Oh, no he didn’t. Reid was with the weather girl from Channel Nine who recently divorced after her husband was arrested for solicitation. It had been all over the news, though she continued to enthusiastically announce the weather forecast night after night.
“You have to tell her.”
“Tell who?” The waiter came over, and Ashley waved him away like a pesky fly. “Tell who?”
“Tell that poor weather woman who she’s with.”
“Weatherwoman?” Ashley glanced at the couple again and then back at Chase. “I don’t watch local news. I don’t know anyone under fifty who does.”
“I fall asleep to it almost every night. And yes, I know that makes me sound old. Thanks for rubbing it in.”
Ashley smiled, though she still slouched in her seat, as if Reid could somehow shoot lasers out of his eyes and hit her with them. “I’m sorry I called you old.”
Chase covered her hand with his. “What are you afraid of? That he’ll come say hi? He’s a bully and a liar. The last thing he wants is to come over here and face his past.”
“Oh yeah?” Ashley motioned for Chase to look, and sure enough, Reid had spotted them. He was walking toward their table.
