Page 41 of Shadow's Surrender
Chapter Nine
“Why are weeating here?” Scarlett asked when Daisy turned into the parking lot of Big Rocky’s Barbecue.
“I’ve been told they have the best ribs in town, and they make a real mean martini.” Daisy switched off the ignition and checked out her makeup in the rearview mirror.
“Okay. Aren’t Ashley and Shelby coming?” Scarlett slid out of the car. She wore a short yellow flounce skirt that showed off her long legs, an ivory off-the-shoulder top that molded around her upper body nicely, and strappy sandals that showcased her morning pedicure.
“They’re coming with Kiara. Let’s go,” Daisy avoided Scarlett’s eyes and forged ahead. She kept pulling down her micro miniskirt as she walked.
“Maybe you should’ve splurged for a bit more fabric.” Scarlett joked as she sidled up next to her friend.
As they neared the entrance, she saw two rows of motorcycles lined up, the sun reflecting off the shiny chrome.
“Look at these,” Scarlett said, pausing to admire a metallic yellow bike with skulls painted on it. “This one is so cool.” She was running her hand across the black leather seat when a man wearing a leather vest and blue jeans came over.
“Don’t touch the bikes,” he said gruffly.
Scarlett shook her head slightly and gave a small laugh. “Are you serious?”
“Are you the bike-keeper?” Daisy added. The two women giggled.
The man stared at them stone-faced. “Keep. The. Fuck. Away. From. The. Bikes.” He narrowed his eyes.
“Chill, okay?” Scarlett said as she tugged Daisy away.
The man turned around and she noticed the back of his vest readProspecton the bottom. “What does that mean?” she asked Daisy, pointing at the guy’s back.
Daisy shrugged. “Who knows? These men who ride motorcycles think they’re so bad,” she whispered. She looped her arm through Scarlett’s and walked away.
When they entered the restaurant, the aroma of tangy hickory swirled around them, and Daisy strode up to the hostess desk and gave her name. Within minutes, the two women were following the slim brunette to a table by a window.
“This is so beautiful,” Scarlett said, looking out the window.
The restaurant was nestled among the evergreens on Aspen Lake, and rays of sunlight shimmered and danced across the blue water.
“Looking at the lake reminds me that we have to plan our pool party,” Daisy said.
“Wait until the gala is over—I’m too swamped right now with that,” Scarlett replied.
“I forgot about that, but I do have it marked on my calendar. I asked Connor to go with me.” Daisy smiled. “He’s real cute, don’t you think?”
Scarlett nodded. “He is, and he seems like a nice guy. Are things moving from the friends stage?”
Daisy rolled her eyes and picked up a biscuit and broke it in half. “Who knows? Dating is so much more complicated now than it used to be in our parents’ day.”
“Isn’t that the truth.” Scarlett gazed out at the water again.
“Hi, beautiful,” Warren said.
She snapped her eyes to him just as he pulled out a chair and sank down next to her.What the hell ishedoing here?Her gaze cut over to Ashley, Shelby, and Kiara, who wore guilty expressions on their faces as they approached the table.
“I didn’t know you were joining us,” Scarlett said, scooting her chair closer to the wall.
“The girls called me and I thought, why not? I haven’t seen my girl in a while. I’m glad to be here.” He clutched her hand and squeezed it before leaning in for a kiss.
She turned away so that his lips landed on her cheek, then she glared at Kiara as she slipped into one of the chairs.
“Brent and Jeremy are coming too, right, Warren?” Kiara said, as ifthatwould appease Scarlett.
