thanks, Max,” Joshua replies flatly. “You have my permission to knock that cocktail waiter out.”
“Roger that.” He hangs up.
I drain my glass.
Joshua smirks as his eyes hold mine.
“Okay.” Adrian holds up his hands. “I’ve got a plan.”
Joshua rolls his eyes. “Here we go.” He sighs.
“We pretend that we’re walking through to the casino and we accidently bump into the girls. Joshua and I distract Ashley while you tell the other two to sober her up.”
I narrow my eyes as I think.
“That’s actually a good idea,” Joshua replies. “She needs to eat something.”
“Yes,” Adrian urges. “Get the girls to take her to dinner and stop drinking for a little while, then it’s all good.” He holds up his hands. “Simple. Crisis averted.”
“Fine!” I snap. “Finish these drinks and we’ll go.”
Fifteen minutes later, we walk into the cocktail bar the girls are in. We hear them before we see them. The three of them are sitting at the bar, laughing loudly, each with an exotic-looking pink cocktail in front of them.
Joshua and Adrian walk over to them and I slowly follow.
This was a bad idea. I should have just proposed at home in private. Why did I think this was a good idea? Yeah. I’m just going to do it another time.
The boys kiss the girls on the cheek as a greeting, and I stand back as I think.
Just at home with the two of us, no pressure.
I feel two hands slink around my waist and look down to see my beautiful girl smiling up at me. Her joy is infectious. “Hello.” I smile.
She smiles goofily up at me. “Hello, my love.”
My eyes hold hers, and in that instant moment my every fear dissipates.
I know this is right.
I love, Ashley. I will always love Ashley.
“Are you having a good time?” I kiss her softly on the lips.
“I am now that you’re here.”
I snake my hand around to her behind. “You’re a terrible liar. I heard you laughing from the lobby.”
She wraps her arms around my neck and nuzzles into my chest, and I widen my eyes at Natasha.
Natasha giggles and bites her bottom lip, sensing she’s in trouble.
“Oh, Ash. Come and show me this drink you’re having.” Adrian distracts her as he holds up the cocktail menu.
I quickly walk over to Natasha and Jenna. “A word in private, you two,” I whisper.
“Yes?” Natasha exclaims, too loud.
“Ssh!” I snap.
“I’m going to the bathroom,” Jenna calls.
“Oh, me, too,” Tash whispers guiltily.
Joshua chuckles and I roll my eyes. They’re about as subtle as a Mack truck.
We walk around the corner, behind the potted plants, and I grab Natasha to stabilize her on her high heels. “What the hell are you doing?” I whisper. “Ashley’s drunk.”
Natasha’s eyes widen in an over exaggerated way. “She is? We only had four drinks, though.”
I glare at her. “And so are you!”
She totters on her heels as she tries to concentrate. “This is true. I think I could be. Oops.” She points at me.
I roll my eyes and glance at my watch. “We still have three and a half hours. You need to sober her up.”
“Yes,” Jenna whispers. “We do.” She starts to bounce up and down on the spot. “Oh, I’m so excited, I might die.”
“Well, the two of you will definitely die if you don’t sober her up immediately,” I snap.
Natasha bubbles up a giggle and points to Jenna. “It’s all her fault. The cute bartender was flirting with her and making our drinks super-strong.”
Jenna laughs. “I need his number.”
“Oh my God. You so do,” Natasha whispers way too loudly.
“Shut up!” I snap. “Fucking focus. You have one fucking job. Get Ashley to 10AK nightclub at 10:30 p.m. sober!”
“Yes, sir.” Natasha giggles as she links arms with Jenna.
“Take her out for dinner and order water to drink. No more alcohol whatsoever,” I demand.
“Yes,” Jenna replies. “Good idea.” She kisses my cheek. “I’m on the job, Cameron. Don’t worry. I’ve got this.”
Hmm. Jenna seems less drunk than the other two.
Natasha scrunches up her face and puts her hand on her hip. “Well, how the fuck are we supposed to say no more drinks to Ashley?”
“I don’t know. Figure it out!” I growl in a whisper.
I walk back around the corner to see Ashley laughing with Joshua. He glances up and smirks at me with a mischievous look in his eye. He knows this is a royal fuck up and he thinks it’s hilarious.
“We ready to go?” I ask. “I think the girls are going out for dinner now.”
“Yes,” Natasha