“One month.” She holds up a finger, and I tilt my head to the side.
“What about it?”
“We’ll have a one-month trial period.” Then she nods, standing in front of the bar and picking up her small bag. “We’ll meet tomorrow, and if the contract looks good, I’ll do a one-month trial period. After that, we can decide if I stay.”
“You sure you’ve never done this before?”
“I’m a professional. I cover all my bases.” Her phone is out, and she taps the pink Lyft app.
“Give me your number.”
She starts to object, then she backs down. “I was going to make a joke, but you’re right. You’ll need to be able to reach me.”
Even if she decides not to work for me, I want to be able to reach her. Everything about this night is different, special. I’m sure it won’t happen again… like it’s the second chance I can’t let slip away.
Her digits are in my phone, and I send her a quick text. “Now you have mine.”
“My ride’s here. See you tomorrow.”
I follow her to the door, holding it as she steps out into the night. “Text me when you get there.”
She pauses at the door and squints up at me. “Oakville’s pretty small. I’m sure I’ll get home just fine.”
“Still, I’d like to know you made it.”
“You know I’ve been taking care of myself for a while.”
“Please?”
She does a little eye roll before hopping into the waiting car. I get one last look at her pretty legs before the door closes, and she’s gone.
Inside the bar, five minutes later, I’ve just settled up my tab when my phone buzzes in my pocket. Sliding it out, the text shining on the screen tightens my stomach.
Made it home, boss. Happy?
I quickly tap out a reply.
So far, you’re an exemplary employee. Looking forward to tomorrow.
A few seconds pass, and I’m walking to the door as the gray bubble floats, indicating she’s typing a reply. For as long as it takes, I’m a little surprised it’s only two words.
Me too.
3
Ruby
“Wake up! Wake up! Church time!” My ears flash with pain as my mother stomps around my room, opening the blinds and talking way too loud. “You want to hoot with the owls all night, you have to fly with the eagles all morning.”
“That’s not how that saying goes.” I growl, pulling a pillow over my head. “Stop being so loud. And turn off the sun!”
I can’t wait to get my own place.
“Get up, Ruby Banks!” She takes the pillow off my head and tosses it aside. “You live in my house, you go to church. Now go and take a shower. We leave in fifteen minutes.”
Rolling onto my side, I look at the clock. It’s not even eight yet. “Church doesn’t start until ten!”
“We signed up to help with the senior breakfast this morning. It starts before Sunday school. Eight thirty.”
