Ruby eased her body into her chair and fixed her eyes on me with a neutral expression. She didn’t speak as she watched me lift my spoon to my mouth. Her eyes lingered on my hands.
“I’m a single woman who doesn’t talk to many adults. Although your presence at my dinner table is unexpected, I appreciate your joining me for dinner. You’re nice company.” Ruby smiled and continued eating small spoonsful of chili as I finished my bowl.
Her words pleased me.
“Thank you. You’re not so bad either.”
We checked each other out and ate without saying a word. I felt special that she shared a part of her private world with me.
The differences between Ruby’s home and school persona intrigued me. At school, she was exuberant, flowery, and expressive. Her bright, stylish clothes exuded fun andprofessionalism. She always wore her hair pulled back, making me wonder if she ever let it down for others to see.
“I like it when women who are naturally beautiful don’t hide behind makeup and other things that are artificial.”
I’d never been a man who didn’t speak my mind, and I wasn’t going to miss an opportunity to compliment someone who brought joy to my angel.
“You’re laying it on thick with the charm. Thank you, Mr. Snowden.” Ruby blushed and touched her cheek.
“My government name is Amari.”
She nodded.
“That it is. What does it mean?” Ruby took a sip of water and smiled.
I placed my napkin beside my nearly empty bowl.
“In Yoruba, it means strength or builder.”
Ruby raised her half-full water glass and saluted me.
“What a perfect name for a rock-solid man.”
“Thank you.” I mirrored her action with my glass and toasted with her before openly taking in everything about her.
Ruby was so pretty she glowed. Her lips were the perfect centerpiece for her face. The sheen of her glassy walnut-colored skin reminded me of a Twix chocolate bar. Ruby looked no more than twenty-five. Her blemish-free skin was moisturized exquisitely, as if she had just taken a bath and oiled herself up to shine like a brown-skinned porcelain doll. Ruby’s beauty was classic, with the soft angles of her face making me take a second and third look at her every time she spoke. Everything about her was understated, yet regal. I hadn’t seen beauty like that in years.
We sipped our waters and placed our glasses back on the table.
“Before I get started with my inspection, I want to let you know that your reputation precedes you.”
Ruby’s face softened, showcasing high cheekbones that made me want to capture her look on film. She cocked her head to the side and took another sip of water.
“Who’s in these streets talking about my boring self?”
Her humility drew me to her more.
“The Warrens are my neighbors. Their youngest kid, Timmie, was in your class last year. They were on their way to the Christmas parade when I got home from the hardware store.”
Recognition covered Ruby’s face as she grinned. When I grinned back at her, she covered her mouth to hide her smile.
“He’s such a sweetheart and a charming little boy. His parents are great supporters of the school. Please tell them hello the next time you see them.”
I spooned some chili into my mouth and spoke after I swallowed the last spicy bite.
“I will. They’re big into the Christmas spirit. If you ever ride down Rocky Road Lane, you can’t miss their sixty-foot lawn Santa.”
Ruby chuckled.
“I know. They really are over-the-top about the holidays. No wonder Timmie was so excited about our Christmas class decorations last year. He has an artist’s eye.”
