“What are you doing in the Red Cat… I don’t know your name.” Although, I swear she looks familiar.
“Ruby Banks.” She holds out a slim, ivory hand with perfectly manicured nails.
Gently, I take it, covering it with both of mine. She studies our connection, and her cheeks turn a pretty shade of pink.
How can I not know everyone living in Oakville? It’s a testament to how little I get out these days, I guess. If it weren’t for Eleanor’s nagging, I wouldn’t even bother with church.
“Nice to meet you, Ruby Banks.” Right as I say the words, it clicks. “Wehavemet before.”
Her shoulder rises, and she slips her hand out of mine. “I don’t think so.”
“We did. I remember it now. It was after church one morning.” I look toward the bar, and I recognize her blonde friend, a.k.a., my former therapist. “You were with Drew… Isn’t that Andrea Harris?”
She does a funny little fast-laugh. “That wasn’t me.”
“But… it was.” I study her face. She won’t meet my eyes, so I try to lighten my tone. Maybe I’m being too forceful? “I was the guy with the squirmy four-year-old.”
Another wince. I know admitting I’m a single dad probably kills any chance of getting a date with her.
Wait… Is that what I want?
It doesn’t matter.
Loud commotion breaks out on the other side of the bar, interrupting our conversation.
It’s hard to see what’s happening as the bodies crush together. The guys form a tight circle, and voices are raised. It sounds like a fight is breaking out. I hear the crash of what sounds like a body being shoved against the opposite wall.
An unexpected surge of protectiveness grips me. Standing, I put my arm between Ruby and the chaos. “We should leave before it gets dangerous in here. Do you need a ride?”
Her head whips back and forth. “No, I have my car… I’ve got to find Drew.” She pushes past my arm.
“Wait… Ruby!” I do my best not to panic as I watch her disappear in a mass of oversized guys shoving back and forth.
I try to follow her without starting a fight of my own. Interesting how guys are so quick to let girls pass in a crowd. Not so much for other guys.
When I finally make it to her, she’s hugging Drew, who’s holding hands with another guy I know. Grayson Cole owns the garage in town. I thought he’d left.
I can’t tell what’s happening, but it all seems to be resolved. Gray puts his arm around Drew, and they head for the door. Ruby watches them go with her hands clasped at her chest, and I recognize something in her face.
It’s a feeling… A longing so familiar, an emotion I remember once having. One I want again. Could Drew be right? Am I ready?
Once again our eyes meet, and again, it’s electric, She walks straight to me, a small act, but it feels significant.
“What happened?”
The crowd slowly disperses while Mose the bartender holds what looks like a Louisville slugger.
Her hand slips into the crook of my arm, and she exhales a little sigh. “Do you believe in true love, Remington?”
“You can call me Remi. And I think so…”
I don’t say I’ve stopped believing inonetrue love. At least, I hope we’re allowed more than one. Otherwise, I’m fucked.
We go to my old spot at the bar, and she releases me, taking the stool beside mine. Blinking away the dreamy expression, she tilts her head to the side. “What do you do for a living to afford a McMansion in Eagleton Manor?”
I signal for drinks. “It’s not a McMansion, and I’ve done a lot of things. What’s your poison?”
“Tequila Sunrise, and don’t dodge the question.”
