I smile and head into my room.
I just hope that she’s right.
NINE
Ransom
I thoughtI was miserable the last two weeks when I didn’t know where Ruby was, but now that she’s back, it’s somehow worse.She’s within my reach now but feels further away than ever.
I’m back at the diner again today.I’ve been coming here every day in the hopes that I’ll get to talk to her.It’s been four days, and so far, she’s been just as distant.
Something has to give because I can’t take this any longer.I’m reaching the end of my rope.I’m losing my mind, and the ache in my chest is getting worse with every passing second.
Nosh is about to close, and I watch Ruby like a hawk as she helps clean up.She seems different tonight.She’s actually making eye contact with me today, and seems worried or anxious about something.I don’t like seeing her upset, but at least this change feels like progress in a way.
I wish she would just talk to me about whatever is going on.Maybe that will finally happen today.
“Good night, Ruby.See you later, Ransom,” Ford calls as he grabs his keys.
“See you.”
“Night, Ford,” Ruby says as she heads for the door.
I’m right behind her and I catch up to her outside.
“Want to go for a ride with me?”I ask her, and she tenses.
“No, I… We need to talk,” she finally says and I let out a big breath.
“It’s about damn time.”
She wrings her hands in front of her, looking around the deserted parking lot and street.She’s on edge about something, and I want to grab her and demand that she tells me what’s bothering her so that I can fix it, but I know that won’t get me anywhere with my girl.
“What is it, Ruby?Talk to me.Please,” I add, and she sucks in a deep breath.
“I need to tell you something,” she starts, and I nod, crossing my arms over my chest so I don’t reach for her.
“Okay…”
“It’s going to be a surprise to you.I mean, it was a surprise to me, too,” she rambles, and I frown.
“What is?’
“I didn’t mean for this to happen.I hope you don’t think that I was like trying to trap you or something,” she says as she starts to pace back and forth in front of me.
My mind scrambles, trying to keep up with what she’s saying, but none of it is making any sense.
“For what to happen?”I ask her, and she shudders.
“I…”
She doesn’t finish the sentence and now she has me really worried.
“Are you okay?You’re healthy, right?I… what’s going on?”
“I’m freaking out,” she admits in a whisper.
“You’re freaking me out, too,” I tell her.
