Whiskey Lullaby

Chapter 7-Izzy

Chapter 7

Izzy

We pull up at Brewster’s and Ashton helps me out of the car. We walk into the bar with his hand on the small of my back. He opens the door for me and leads me inside and to a table in the back. A woman walks up and says “Evening boss. What can I get you?” He looks at me and asks, “You trust me?” I nod and he looks back at the waitress and says “Katie, I’ll have a glass of Jameson, and she will have the red wine. We will both have the steak, mine medium well.” He looks at me and asks, “How do you take yours, baby?” I look at him shocked before gaining control over myself. “Um…medium well.” I say softly and he looks back at Katie and says “Both medium well. Garlic potatoes and house salad for both. Ranch for both.” He tells her and she writes it down and says, “I’ll be back with your drinks.” Before bouncing off to the kitchen.

He looks back at me and I ask, “What are we doing?” He looks at me for a second and then takes my hand on top of the table and says “Do you remember the last time we were here? The night we met?” I nod and he says “I saw you earlier in the day. At the cemetery.” He tells me and I stiffen. “Ashton…” I start and he says “I was there putting flowers on my late wife’s grave. She’s been gone five years, but it was her birthday. I saw you there, sobbing. I watched you the entire time you were there and then I saw you here that same night. I was watching when that guy came up, harassing you. All I could think about was protecting you. Hell, it’s still the first thing on my mind.” He tells me. “That why you keep ordering me lunch? I bring lunch.” I tell him. “I know you do but you’re working 12-hour shifts and you need real food and not crackers that you’ve been bringing.” He tells me and I look down at our hands. “I’ve been putting money back. Trying not to spend too much.” I tell him. “What are you saving for?” he asks. “Doesn’t matter.” I say and he tilts my chin up and says, “It matters to me.” I am fighting off the tears and say, “I’m trying to pay off my son’s funeral.” He kisses my hand and says, “I can help with that.” I shake my head and say, “It’s not your responsibility.” Katie shows up with our drinks and food and Ashton and I separate. “Eat. We can talk about my offer later.” He tells me and I nod my understanding.

After eating, he pays the bill and leads me out to the car. Nick drives us to my house, and he walks me to the door. “You don’t have to work long hours sweetheart. I want to help you.” He tells me. “I can’t let you do that. Thank you for dinner. I’ll see you at work tomorrow I guess.” I say and he kisses my cheek before making sure I get inside after handing me my keys that one of his guys gave Nick to give to me. I lock the door, and he leaves. I shower and go to put my phone on the charger and see a text from Ashton.

Goodnight sweetheart. I will pick you

up about 6:15 in the morning for work.

You don’t have to do that.

I can drive.

I will be there. How do you

take your coffee?

See you in the morning I guess.

I take it black

See you in the morning honey.

Sleep well.

I don’t answer back but I do read the messages again. I put the phone back on the charger and drift off to sleep.

Waking up the next morning, I get ready for work and at 6:15 on the dot, there’s a knock on my door. I grab my bag and purse and open the door. As soon as I open the door, I see Ashton standing there, holding a coffee in one hand and a bag of pastries in the other. He leads me to his car and Nick opens the door. “Good morning Miss James.” He says. “Good morning.” I say softly before getting into the car. “I didn’t know what kind of pastries you liked so I got a couple of things.” He tells me. “Thank you. I’ll eat them when I get to work.” I tell him. “Please make sure you do. I’m ordering lunch for us so you can eat in my office with me if you want.” He tells me and I look at him. “What?” I ask. He takes my hand and says “Look, for some reason I feel drawn to you. I told you about losing my wife five years ago. I’m ready to move on. I don’t want to just hook up so please don’t think that’s what this is, but I would love it if you would let me do these things for you.” I look at him for a minute and say “Okay.” Before he kisses my hand and laces his fingers with mine.

We get to work, and we head up the elevator and as soon as we leave the elevator he says “My office is right there if you need me. Food will be here at noon so just come on in. My assistant Megan will know to let you in.” he tells me. “Okay.” I say. Kissing my cheek he says, “Have a good day baby.” I nod and say, “You too.” Before heading to my desk and opening the pastry bag. I see three things in there and they are all my favorites. I don’t know how he knew.