“He stopped me to show all the ornaments y’all made in class. They were really creative. I especially liked that little reindeer. That’s one of the reasons I wanted Aspen in your class. You’re an excellent teacher.”
Ruby beamed as if I’d given her the best compliment in the world.
“Thank you for trusting me with Aspen, and thank Pinterest for much of my creativity. They have so many lovely ideas for arts and crafts.” Ruby’s voice got high-pitched and giddy, like a kid.
I absorbed her goodness as I took a big bite of buttery cornbread. This version of Ruby was who I hoped I’d see when I stepped foot on her doorstep.
I turned and looked into the family room to our right and saw no Christmas décor that reflected her enthusiasm for decorating.
“I’m surprised you don’t have your Christmas stuff up yet. Do you need help?”
Ruby stirred the remaining chili in her bowl and shook her head.
“I go all out for my students, but I keep it low-key at home. I’m a minimalist like that.”
But why? She obviously enjoyed the holiday and had a flair for decorating.
When Ruby concentrated on her bowl as if it were a complex jigsaw puzzle, I considered that my hint to get to work.
“Well, if there’s nothing else, I’ll clean my bowl and get started on your repairs. Why don’t I check out your basement first?”
Instead of giving me confirmation that she was fine with my decision, she dropped her spoon beside her bowl and sat as still as a statue. She’d zoned out again.
“I’m not that much of a humbug.”
The random comment made me stare at her as if she’d spoken to me in a foreign language. Had I hurt her feelings with my questions?
“Excuse me? Oh, no, I didn’t mean to imply . . .” I began to apologize.
She raised her hand to silence me.
“No. I feel the need to explain myself. You’ve been more than generous with your conversation and even your discount for services, so I want to be cordial. I fear that I’m not doing a great job. I’m so sorry about that.” Ruby allowed her eyes to linger on mine as she gave me a forced smile.
I reached across the table for her hand and squeezed it.
“In this economy, we’re all allowed to be humbugs.”
Ruby pulled the top of her robe together with one hand and cracked a smile.
“Thank you for understanding. Before you go to the basement, tell me about your holiday plans.” Ruby raised her eyes in what appeared to be genuine interest.
I was pleased with Ruby’s request, which gave me more time with her.
“Aspen’s with my ex-wife this holiday, so I’m going to host my parents, siblings, nieces, and nephews for my annual Christmas Eve dinner. I smoke a brisket, and everybody brings sides. A few of my single friends come over. If you’re in town and not busy, I want you to come to.”
Although my invitation was casual, I held my breath, hoping that Ruby would say something that would have me looking forward to her presence in my home.
“I don’t usually go out on Christmas Eve, so I don’t know.” She clutched her napkin with her eyes wide.
“What about your folks? Mr. Augustine was the king of Christmas, from what I remember.”
Ruby’s dad brought seasonal joy to all the kids in the city when he dressed up as Santa every year in the Christmas parade.
“My family does it big in North Carolina, but I prefer to stay close to home.”
When Ruby bit her lip and furrowed her brow, I bit mine too. Never had lip biting been so attractive to me.
As R&B holiday tunes played softly in the background, I let Ruby stew in whatever was going on in her head. I rose and scraped the remnants of my food in the steel trash can by the island in the kitchen, rinsed the dishes, and placed them in the Whirlpool dishwasher.
