Page 44 of Rocked By the Alpha
“And don’t tell the others, otherwise I might have Nat tagging along and giving the poor woman a lecture about her mate.”
“My lips are sealed.”
“See you later?”
“You most certainly will. Ciao Bella.”
* * *
The restaurant Ryan picks out for lunch is one Ruby’s never been to before, and as she pulls up outside, baseball cap and shades on, she hopes he has gone for something discreet and not somewhere she’ll get photographed. He’s as bad as Natasha when it comes to milking every bit of publicity. The gossip magazines would love a story of her and Layla meeting up. She can just imagine the rumours that would start.
But once she steps through into the restaurant and follows the Matradee to the table, she realises this is the ideal spot. The courtyard outside is divided into many private spots, hidden from other diners by giant potted plants and stylish screens.
The other Omega is already sitting at the table, scanning a menu, and Ruby recognises her from all the press coverage. In the flesh she looks much younger — probably four or five years younger than she is. She’s dressed in a yellow sundress, her hair pulled up into a messy bun and freckles scattered across the bridge of her nose.
“Hi,” Ruby says, tugging off her cap and shaking out her hair.
Layla looks up from her menu, a broad smile spreading across her face. She stands up and leans in to peck Ruby on the cheek.
“Hi,” Layla says. “Thanks so much for coming. This is so kind of you.” Her words are crisp with a British accent. Of course — that’s where she met Ash Canon. “I know it’s a bit weird given the circumstances, but I figured this feud was with the boys, not me.”
“It’s no problem.” Ruby pulls out a seat, throwing her purse and her hat onto the table. “Although I’m not sure how much help I’m going to be.”
Layla smiles at her. “I think it’s just good to meet other Omegas, you know. I don’t think we have to help each other.” She pauses, straightening the water glass in front of her. “I have to say, I am a huge fan of your music. It’s just — you guys — are just amazing.”
“Oh … thanks. We try.” Ruby spreads her fingers on top of the table. “But I mean, you’re married to rock royalty.”
Layla shakes her head. “Not married yet. In a few months.”
“Congratulations,” Ruby says with a hint of hesitation. She knows a bit of the story — or at least the version the press printed.
Layla laughed. “Yeah, we did things a bit backwards, but it’s worked out for the best.” She picks up her glass of water and takes a sip. “How about you? Got anyone special?”
Ruby peers over her shoulder as if searching for a member of the waiting staff. Does this Omega know more than she should? “No, no one special.”
She catches the eye of a waitress and beckons her over. “We should order. I’m famished.”
“Hmmm, me too. The food here looks amazing.”
As the waitress approaches, the woman’s eyes go wide and by the time she reaches them, her body is almost quivering with excitement.
“Ruby Bloom,” she says, “I’m such a big fan. You looked amazing last weekend.” She rummages around in the front pocket of her apron, fishing out her phone. “Would you mind if I got a selfie?”
Ruby swallows and forces a smile. “Sure. But if you’re going to post it somewhere, please don’t until we’ve gone. We were hoping for a bit of discretion here.”
The waitress blushes and holds up her hand in apology. “Sorry, yes, of course. I won’t post it anywhere.” Hesitating, she crouches down next to Ruby and angles the phone in front of them. After she’s snapped her shot, she stands up quickly, peering around — probably for her boss — and tugs out her notepad and pencil. “Thank you so much.” She doesn’t seem to have noticed Layla which is just as well. She’d probably be after an Ash Canon autograph. “What can I get you?”
“It all looks great,” Layla says, her face hidden behind a menu. “What can you recommend?”
“The fish is my favourite.”
“OK, I’ll go for that,” Layla says.
“Me too.” Ruby passes the waitress her menu. “And another bottle of sparkling water please.”
The waitress scribbles on her pad, then, with one last awe-struck glance, walks away.
“I’m still getting used to that,” Layla says, when the waitress is out of earshot.
