Ash ended the call and then got to his feet.
“What the fuck, man?” Gabe demanded. “What’s going on?”
“My parents are paying me a visit,” Ash said dryly. “I’m going down to inform them they aren’t welcome.”
“Shit,” Gabe swore. “I’ll come with you.”
“Not necessary,” Ash said in a calm voice. “Just hang out up here. I’ll be back in a few.”
Gabe got up, ignoring Ash’s response. “Didn’t say it was necessary. But I’m going with you.”
Ash shrugged. Most people wouldn’t want their dirty laundry and family drama aired in front of others. But Gabe wasn’t just anyone. He was Ash’s real family. Just as Jace was. And Gabe knew everything there was to know about mommy dearest. Except her showing her ass at lunch. It wasn’t that Ash hadn’t wanted to tell him or Jace, but it had slipped his mind. He’d been too focused on other things.
“She showed her ass the other day,” Ash said as they got into the elevator. “I was having lunch with Josie and Brittany at the Bentley and she strutted in making a scene. I had her escorted out and gave instructions that she wasn’t to be allowed on any of our hotel properties.”
“Jesus. Does she ever quit?”
Ash shook his head. “Evidently not. She insulted Britt and Josie. Then she wanted to talk. As if I’d give her the time of day even if she hadn’t spewed her vitriol all over Britt and Josie.”
Gabe shook his head as the elevator descended. “It’s a sad fact but maybe you ought to look into a restraining order. Have their asses arrested the next time they come poking around. Maybe that would be a wake-up call and let them know just how serious you are about them staying the hell away from you and Brittany.”
“I’ll make my point face-to-face,” Ash said, his face going hard over the impending confrontation.
Having it out with his parents in the lobby of his building wasn’t his first choice, but no way in hell was he allowing them into his home. That was his sanctuary. And Josie’s. He wasn’t about to have it invaded by people he loathed. And he damn sure wasn’t having this confrontation on their turf. He wouldn’t give them the satisfaction of going to them. Ever.
When they got off the elevator, Ash saw his mother and father waiting in the lobby. Neither looked happy and when they turned and saw him, there was no welcome in their eyes. No recognition that he was their son. But then there’d never been. He didn’t understand it. Couldn’t fathom being so cold toward your own children. The hell he’d ever treat his own kids this way.
He strode up to them and halted several feet away, his face drawn into a glacier of ice. He stared at them both coldly until his father actually flinched and looked away, guilt edging into his eyes.
“Why are you here?” Ash demanded bluntly.
His mother’s gaze flicked over him and then to Gabe, annoyance sparking in her eyes.
“Really, Ash, this is a private matter. Couldn’t we speak privately? Perhaps in your apartment?”
“Gabe is family,” Ash said in a flat tone. “Anything you have to say can be said in front of him.”
She sniffed delicately and then schooled her features. He could swear she was actually trying to appear . . . nice. Beseeching even. His nape prickled because she resembled a bloodthirsty vampire closing in on the kill.
“I wanted to apologize for my unfortunate behavior earlier in the week.”
Color rose in her cheeks and it looked as though the words nearly choked her. They probably had. Issuing an apology was not something she ever did.
“Apology accepted. Now if that’s all?”
Anger flashed in her eyes briefly before she pushed it away, once again composing herself to look more congenial.
“Your grandfather would like to have us all for dinner. Brittany too. He—and I—would like it very much if you would come. Your brothers and their wives and children will be there too, of course.”
Ash’s eyes narrowed. “No chance in hell.”