For the rest of her shift, Ruby couldn’t stop thinking about what Jasmine had said—that Rashid’s grumpiness was just who he was and wasn’t because of any trauma. It was one thing to be a bit introverted and a bit… cantankerous, but Rashid had also been judgmental. She’d accepted his apologies because he seemed genuinely regretful, and they had a fun time eating their way through the Winter Market last night. But was this going to be a cycle for him? Treat her like crap, feel bad about it, then apologize? Would he everreallychange? Once a twat, always a twat.
But it didn’t matter if he was a twat. Her friendship with Rashid Hakim was a means to an end only and had an end date. Hell, after the end of this month, she was pretty sure she would never see him again.
Shayne finally texted Ruby about the craft show the next day. It was basically a vintage market and craft sale being held in amansion owned by the city in the East End. She checked their Instagram and saw that the vendors were either artisans selling their own homemade items or vintage stores carrying a curated selection of gifts. Also, there would be an afternoon tea served in the formal dining room and lots of photo opportunities. It was perfect. With the focus on either handmade or resale goods only, Rashid couldn’t call the event too commercial, but at the same time, it was very holiday themed. She bought two tickets online for next Thursday (children were free) and texted Rashid the confirmation page.
He wrote back right away.
Rashid:I was supposed to be covering the cost of our outings.
Ruby:It was $20, and it’s going to charity. This looks like fun, don’t you think? No commercialism! A vintage Christmas vibe! It will be the perfect place to get bespoke Christmas gifts.
Rashid:It does look fun. But aren’t you going to buy all your gifts from Reid’s? To use your discount?
Ruby:Oh, I wasn’t talking about me. I meant for you. The twins will be with us, but maybe you can find stuff for your sisters? Do dermatologists approve of artisanal skin care?
Rashid:What about you? Your friends don’t exchange gifts?
Ruby frowned. She didn’t know if they would be giving her anything. Last year they all exchanged gifts at the Caroling party, but only Marley and Shane had something for Ruby. She’d only been in town a few weeks, so it made sense. And this year she was closer to the rest of them, but they all just gave her something for her birthday. Were they close enough for two gifts within a month?
Ruby:They’re not really my friends—they’re my cousin’s. She lets me tag along while I’m in town.
Rashid:What about friends somewhere else? Halifax or Montreal?
Ruby:I’m not really close to other people. Saves me so much money this time of year! Lol.
Rashid:Why did you do that?
Ruby:Do what?
Rashid:Add lol to your text.
Ruby:I don’t know.
Rashid:I have some patients on Thursday morning. I can pick you up at one again.
Ruby:Perfect!
When Thursday came, Rashid pulled up in front of Ruby’s building promptly at one o’clock. After saying hello to Rashid, Ruby peeked at the girls. They were in red skirts with white tights and green sweaters. Their hair was styled differently again—one had all her hair pulled into a French braid, and the other had two high pigtails. She’d just need to figure out which was which, and she’d be able to tell them apart all day.
She smiled at Rashid. “They look like a Christmas card.”
He nodded. “My sister looked up the place we’re going and wants me to take pictures of them in the mansion.”
Ruby laughed. Poor guy was being subjected to the holidays by everyone in his life.
“I have something for you,” Ruby said, handing each girl a small wrapped box. “Open them,” Ruby said. The girls took the boxes, but nervously looked at their uncle instead of opening them.
“Just a little something,” Ruby said to Rashid. “I saw them in an Indian store and thought they might like them.”
Rashid nodded to the girls, so they tore off the paper and opened the boxes.
“It’s an elephant!” Tara said. At least Ruby thought it was Tara. The girl held up the red embroidered Indian elephantChristmas ornament. Noor grinned, holding up her green elephant.
Rashid shook his head. “Ruby, you didn’t need to do that.”
Ruby waved her hand. “It was nothing. When I saw Indian Christmas ornaments, I knew they would be perfect for Tara and Noor.”
“Because we’re Indian!” Tara said.
