Beneath the Scars (Masters of the Shadowlands #13)(129)

Josie took a step back.

Laughing, Holt walked over. He ran his hands up and down her arms and gave her a swift kiss. “Relax, pet. Nolan has to ask my permission to beat on you.”

“Really? You mean I can sass off to anyone and be safe?”

Even as she heard Nolan snort, Holt chuckled. “No. It means I get the pleasure of spanking your cute little ass.”

And, later that night, he’d done exactly that. The brute.

Josie grinned at the women around the table. “I suffered for it, but at least, I got to meet Sophia—and Anne’s baby. Wyatt looks as if he’ll grow to be as big as Ben.”

“And he has Anne’s hair. He’ll be tall, dark, and muscular.” Sally tapped her chest. “Be still my heart.”

Zuri giggled. “Ben’d wanted to name the baby George—for George Patton—but Anne talked him out of it, thank heavens. Wyatt George Haugen doesn’t sound too bad.”

“Did the Mistress talk him out of it or threaten his manhood?” Kari asked.

“Huh.” Zuri looked intrigued. “I should have asked for more details.”

“To Wyatt George Haugen.” Sally raised her glass and stopped. “Wait. You guys don’t have alcohol. How wrong is that?” She lifted her hand as Frederica, the head barmaid, approached.

“What can I get you ladies?” Frederica’s eyes widened. “Josie? Josie, tell me you’re coming back to us!” Setting her tray on the table, she hugged Josie hard.

Josie hugged her back. How had she not realized how much she missed the gang here? “Frederica, it’s good to see you.”

“You are returning, aren’t you? Oh my heavenly stars, it’s been horrible since you left. That girl can’t pour a decent drink to save her life, and I’m the one who has to listen to the complaints.”

Under the table, Zuri kicked Josie. “Told you.”

Ouch. Josie started to answer, then stopped as the manager stopped at the table.

“Josie, great timing.” His smile was big…and as fake as his look of regret had been when he fired her. “We’ll soon have an open bartender position and would love to have you back. Our clientele has been asking where you went.”

Grumbles came from the tables around them, along with a “demanding her return, more like” from one of the men.

She’d been missed. The knowledge was gratifying. “I—”

“Return here?” Andrea interrupted. “Dios, no. No way will you steal our bartender away.”

A chorus of agreement came from the Shadowkittens.

Jessica lifted her chin and stared at the manager. “I’m afraid that Josie belongs to us now—and we know how to appreciate her.”

Warmth swept through Josie.

The manager’s shoulders slumped, but he knew better than to argue with the bar’s clientele. “Of course.” He gave her another false smile. “Good to see you.”

As he walked away, Frederica heaved an unhappy sigh. “Damn. Still, I’m glad you landed on your feet, even if you’re sorely missed here. Now, what can I get you?”

“Thank you, Frederica.” Josie looked at the others. “What are y’all drinking?”

“Pitchers of Vieux Carre,” Sally said blithely.

“Seriously?” Boy, the Shadowkittens didn’t mess around. The New Orleans cocktail was seriously potent. “Ooookay, then.” Josie looked at Frederica. “Can you start me a tab and…”

“No, Josie,” Linda said. The other women were shaking their heads.

Jessica snorted. “We’ve tried to pay, but our Do—men always deal with the bill.”

“That’d be nice, but Holt is working tonight, so I—”

“Doesn’t matter,” Zuri said. “None of them will let you pay.”

“Bossy buggers,” Josie muttered, making the group laugh.

“You have a man?” Frederica beamed as Josie nodded. “I can’t wait to meet him. You deserve someone wonderful.”

“She really does,” Rainie said. “And he is.”

“Will y’all be having the Vieux Carre then?” Frederica asked. When Josie, Rainie, and Zuri nodded, she said, “I’ll bring more pitchers and glasses then.”

“Perfect, thank you.” Linda smiled at Frederica. “Could you also order us some stuffed mushrooms and a cheese platter, please?”

“Oh, also tater tots. Please,” Andrea said. “I love them.”

“A New Orleans drink—and tater tots. That’s wonderfully perverse.” Rainie looked up at Frederica. “Can you make the tots a double order, please?”

“Got it.” Frederica patted Josie’s shoulder and headed for the bar.

When the barmaid handed in the order for more pitchers of the time-consuming drink, the manager’s poor niece looked ready to cry.

Josie mentally sent her some calming thoughts, then settled back to enjoy being on the receiving end of food and drinks.

Alcohol and the Shadowkittens. Josie remembered being on the other side of the bar, watching the Shadowkittens partying, and envying them for their joyful comradeship. As the evening went on, she basked in being part of the group.

A long while later that night, she realized she was giggling. Giggling. Her? “Oh, God, I’m drunk.”