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by S J Crabb
Chapter 29
We stay at the Ridge for most of the day. Hunger soon takes over and Ash takes us to Violet’s to eat.
As we walk inside she looks over and rushing towards me hugs me saying, “Oh thank goodness. I was worried that I wouldn’t see you again.” Pulling back she looks at Ash with a stern expression. “I don’t know how you did it but whatever you said to them obviously worked. Don’t think you can fool me though and I will be watching you and if you put a foot wrong with this girl then you will have me to answer to. I don’t care who your father or uncle is, understand?”
To my surprise Ash laughs and then reaching over hugs Violet to him. “Don’t worry Violet, there’s nobody that scares me more than you, I promise that I will behave myself.”
Looking completely flustered and now extremely red Violet punches him on the arm. “Yes well flattery won’t work with me either. Come on you two; let’s get you something to eat before you waste away.”
Ash pulls me into a booth next to him and we sit squashed together as we choose what to eat. We hold hands under the table and I enjoy the feeling of him close to me.
It’s not long before we are joined by Gabe and Piper. Looking anxiously at me Gabe says, “Is everything ok Grace?” Smiling I look at his worried face. “Couldn’t be better Gabe.” He visibly relaxes and then looks at Ash who is lounging beside me looking as if he hasn’t a care in the world.
Gabe says, “I’m watching you Ash. Don’t think I’m scared of you because I’m not. Do anything to hurt my cousin and I’ll be after you.” Piper’s eyes widen and she pales but Ash just laughs and putting his arm around me he looks at him saying, “Relax Gabe, we want the same thing. Nothing or nobody is going to hurt Grace and that includes me, ok?”
Nodding Gabe settles back and pulls Piper against him. As they decide what to order we are also joined by Cally and Jacob. Cally slides in next to Gabe and Jacob next to Ash who says, “Well isn’t this nice, all friends together.”
The others laugh but I can tell that Gabe and Piper are uncomfortable. I am sure that they will soon see that they aren’t all that bad so I don’t worry about it too much.
Jacob looks at us. “So what’s the plan this evening Ash?” Stretching out Ash says lazily. “Well it’s been one hell of a day so all I intend on doing is spending time with my girl and chilling out. That doesn’t include any of you so you’re off the hook.”
Jacob laughs and looks at Cally with a wicked expression. “Looks like I’ll have you all to myself then baby.” Cally blushes and Ash laughs at her expression. “Looks like you’re in for one hell of a night little lady.”
Cally blushes again and I nudge Ash. “Stop it Ash, you’re embarrassing her.” I say pretending to be annoyed. Everyone laughs and we are interrupted by the food arriving.
By the time we have finished we have all relaxed around each other and have a good time getting to know one another. One by one everyone drifts away and Ash says, “Come on Angel, I’ll get you off home. Maybe your Aunt will be kind enough to let me stay for a while and then I’ll let you get some sleep. Like I said before, it’s been a hellava day.”
When we get home Aunt Sarah is pleased to see us and fusses around making us drinks. We sit in the kitchen watching her and I am glad to see that she appears to have relaxed a little around Ash.
Looking thoughtful she says, “Listen you two, I am glad that things have worked out, but you must remember that it will only last if Grace’s secret is kept. Hopefully you will just enjoy being normal for a while and have fun, God knows you both need it and I could do without the worry.”
Ash laughs. “Don’t worry Mrs Rivers, Grace is safe with me. You will all soon realise that I am not as bad as you think.” Smiling my Aunt says, “Call me Sarah dear, and I hope so for all our sakes. Anyway, I have to love you and leave you because I promised Annie that I would help her with something. Be good you two and I’ll see you later.”
As she leaves Ash pulls me towards him and grins wickedly. “I wonder what she meant by being good. Not something I usually associate with me, that’s for sure.” Laughing I raise my eyes up. “I don’t believe you Ash. I think you are not as bad as you have people believe.” Touching my lips with his he says, “Hush, somebody may hear you. I have a reputation to protect remember.” Then he kisses me and everything else is forgotten.