“Don’t we all,” Ru agreed. “Strict, but also the first to wrap you up in a fuzzy blanket and hold you while you cry. Adam wouldn’t be who he is without them. And he’s amazing.”
“You’re in love,” Tommy teased.
“I am,” Ru agreed. “Nothing wrong with that. Sometimes people just click.” His gaze flicked to Paige who was intent on her food.
Tommy tilted his head and gave a slight shake. They weren’t diving into that yet. He wasn’t ready.
“Anyway. Miss Paige has to work today,” Ru said.
She sighed. “I know. I know. We have a big sale tomorrow too. Lots of sorting and tagging to do today. But I don’t have to be there until ten.”
“You have me all day,” Ru said smiling at Tommy. “Heard you’ve been singing like some Disney princess. We’ll have to put that to the test.”
“Let it go! Let it go!” Tommy sang, and Ru joined in, adding to the song. By the time they were done all the NAs, nurses, and kitchen staff stood on the edges of the dining hall, clapping with Paige.
Tommy blushed, feeling warm and happy over singing again, people enjoying it, even if he was still a little rusty. “Sorry everyone. Had to break into random song…” Everyone praised them as they returned to their work with smiles on their faces.
“See, you are a Disney princess,” Ru teased.
“He needs an animal sidekick,” Paige agreed. She kissed him on the cheek. “I gotta head home to get ready for work. You okay with Ru today?”
“Yes,” Tommy said. “Thanks. For everything yesterday, and staying last night. I slept better knowing you were there.” He squeezed her hand. Her smile was radiant as she took her tray back to the kitchen, and then hugged Ru goodbye.
“Take care of him today.”
“Of course,” Ru promised. “I won’t make him work too hard.” They watched her leave and Ru gave Tommy a leering smile. “You know you want that.”
“Oh my God, now who’s five?” Tommy groaned.
“She’s cute.”
“She’s real,” Tommy said. “Not one of those girls looking to use me for fame or money. I never saw it that way before. The game of doing things that gave them attention. A party or a place where the pictures showed up somewhere.” How many of those events had led to more drinking? “That makes me sound like shit, not caring for any of them. But there was no click. More a co-existence?” Tommy shrugged; he had a long way to go. “Would it be weird? She’s into guys.”
“She is,” Ru agreed. “Was struggling herself a bit. I know Bas was really worried about leaving her alone. I live in the apartment over Bas’s garage right now. But in reality, I’m almost always at Adam’s. The Corbins have a room for me.”
“And you’re sneaking back to it before they wake up every morning?” Tommy prodded.
Ru flushed.
“Mhmm.”
“Anyway. Let’s finish eating and then I want to hear you sing more. That last bit was the shit. Like where did that even come from? I’ve sang with you forever and that was like Broadway show stopper. WTF man? You’ve been holding out on me foryears.”
Tommy flushed and dug into his food, trying to hide his embarrassment. “Practice. It’s a thing.”
“Well, I guess you and me are going to be practicing like crazy.”
And that gave Tommy something else to look forward to.
