“Thank you. I love the way you’re wearing your hair tonight as well. Bantu knots, right?”
“Yes, and if I told you who did them, you wouldn’t believe me. They were so perfect I had to show them off.” Aviva replied with a conspiratorial gleam in her eyes.
“Really,” Lux perked up. “Who did–”
“I don’t know about anyone else, but I’m not about to sit here discussing hair for the rest of this meal,” Jason broke in.
“Spoil sport,” Aviva whispered.
From the look his brother gave his wife, Josh was pretty certain she was going to be in a lot of trouble when he got her home. When Aviva leaned over and kissed him on the cheek, he saw she wasn’t concerned in the slightest.
He loved that, the way they fit. That was exactly what he wanted for him and Lux. When they were first married, their relationship was just as loving and outwardly affectionate as Jason’s and Aviva’s, and he wanted that back.
The Sommelier arrived with their wine and after tasting and giving his approval, Josh looked around the room and his night took a nose dive. Almost overcome by the urge to grab Lux out of her seat and run, he instead took a deep breath and braced himself for the oncoming fallout.
“I spy with my little eye, Joshua, I’m still waiting for your call, Kingdom.” Said a tall woman standing by their table.
As soon as she spoke, he looked at Lux, who was sitting as though someone had slapped her. Before he could react to the woman’s rudeness, Aviva was on the warpath.
“Well, he didn’t call you so piss off! Are you stupid as well as rude? If a man doesn’t call you, it’s because he didn’t want to. Girl, didn’t your mother teach you anything?!”
Jason’s bark of laughter didn’t reflect in his eyes as he too looked at the woman. “My wife is correct. Lady, he just wasn’t that into you. Now, you have exactly one minute to get lost or I’ll have you removed and banned from this restaurant.”
“Who the hell do you people think you are?” The woman demanded in outrage. “You can’t threaten me with removal. You don’t own this place!”
“You’re right, of course, we don’t own this establishment, but I bet we could in say… one hour?” Jason broke off and looked over at his brother.
Josh nodded and he continued speaking. “Yep, it would take us about an hour to get the deal done. However, in the meantime the fact that we are valued patrons would be enough to get you tossed outside on your ass.” By the time he was finished speaking the ma?tre d’ was standing by her side.
“Lady, you’ve outstayed your one minute warning. As a result, this gentleman will see you off the premises.” Jason informed her.
“Madam, this way please,” the ma?tre d’ smiled. Extending his arm he gave no indication of what was taking place.
If the situation weren't so embarrassing for Lux, Josh would have laughed. Instead, he tried to catch her eyes but she ignored him. When Jason reached over and squeezed her hand, her eyes swung up.
“Don’t worry, we’ve got your back! But honestly, what just happened wasn’t his fault.”
Lux took a deep breath and Josh thought she was about to disagree.
“Okay, I’ll give him that one, and thank you both for what you just did.”
“Great!” Aviva beamed looking at her menu. “So, what are we going to eat? Alternatively, we could just order something and throw it at Joshua’s head.”
“Come on Vee,” Josh said still feeling uncomfortable. “You heard your husband, that wasn’t my fault.”
“It is your fault because you’re a tart!” Aviva said in a low voice.
Josh remained quiet as he couldn’t fault her summation. He’d been alone for years and like any red blooded man he’d had lovers. However, he never made promises to women he couldn’t keep, that included calling them.
Everybody buried their heads in their menus. Then he felt another presence by his side. Expecting to see the waiter ready to take their dinner order, Josh looked up and saw yet another woman from his past, and knew he’d just struck out.
“Well, well if it isn’t the elusive, Joshua Kingdom!”
“Sorry man, you’re on your own, I’ve got nothing,” Jason remarked before leaning back in his chair.
“I don’t know who you are but as far as I’m concerned you’re welcome to him,” Lux told the woman as she pushed back her chair and flung her napkin on the table. With a great show of dignity, she retrieved her purse and walked away.
Josh wanted to rush after her, but he didn’t know what to say to make the situation right. They’d only been in the restaurant for twenty minutes and already two of his past conquests had already had the gall to approach them.
“Aviva, go and get her. Do not let her leave!”
From the dirty look she threw at him Josh thought she was going to refuse. Aviva must have seen something of his desperation because she hurried after Lux. Seeing her intercept Lux before she left the building, he turned his attention to the latest visitor to their table.