“My grandmother grew up dirt poor in a tiny village in Italy. Her family expected her to marry and continue that same cycle. But she risked everything and came to America on her own,” Celeste continued, the words tumbling out now. “And built a life from scratch. She gave up everything so her children and grandchildren could have opportunities she never had. And I became exactly what she dreamed of. A successful and respected lawyer.” Her hands tightened on the wheel until her knuckles went white. “I can't lose that, or her, or anyone else.”
The twins' faces flashed through her mind. Theo's gap-toothed grin and Luna's thoughtfulness. The way they looked at her like she hung the moon.
What would they think if they knew? Would they still look at her the same way?
“That's not your burden to carry.” Ruby's voice was thick with emotion. “What happened to Marco, that's on them, not you. You shouldn't have to hide who you are because your family can't handle the truth.”
Celeste shook her head, finally looking at Ruby. “You don't understand. Your family—when you came out, what happened?”
Ruby was quiet for a moment. “They were fine with it. Supportive, even. My mom threw me a 'congrats on the gay' party with rainbow cupcakes.”
“Exactly.” She felt tears prick her eyes and blinked them back furiously. “You don't know what it's like to know that beingyourself could cost you everything. To watch someone you love be erased because of who they love. I can't and I won’t risk that.”
“I'm sorry that happened to your cousin. And I'm sorry you've been carrying that fear all these years. But hiding yourself, that’s costing you too. Your own life and happiness.”
Celeste didn't respond. Because even if Ruby was right, there was nothing that could be done.
They drove in silence for a while, the tension gradually easing into something less fraught but still heavy. Eventually, they stopped at a convenience store, one of those massive places that sold everything from lottery tickets to lawn furniture.
“I need caffeine,” Ruby announced, unbuckling her seatbelt. “And probably sugar. Lots of sugar.”
Celeste followed her inside, grateful for the distraction. The fluorescent lights were harsh after the afternoon sun, making everything feel surreal and slightly off-kilter.
Ruby made a beeline for the soda fountain. “What do you want? I'm buying.”
“You don't have to.”
“I'm buying,” she repeated. “Consider it payment for putting up with my chaos.”
“That would require significantly more than a fountain drink.”
Ruby released a bark of laughter. “Fair point. How about this, I'll buy you a drink now, and I'll continue to owe you indefinitely.”
“That seems like a bad deal for me.”
“Probably.” She was already filling a cup with what appeared to be seven different sodas mixed together. “But think of it as an investment in future adventures. I'm very good at adventures.”
“I've noticed.”
Celeste ordered a coffee—desperately needed after the emotional whiplash of the past hour—and they wandered the aisles while they drank. Ruby kept picking up random items and making up stories about them.
“This belonged to a cowboy named Slim Jim.,”
She held up a packet of beef jerky. I bet you didn't know that. It’s his actual name and not a marketing ploy at all.”
“That's completely false.”
“Prove it.”
Celeste found herself smiling. “I'm not dignifying that with a response.”
“That's because you can't prove it. Slim Jim is very real. I met him once.”
“Now you're just making things up.”
“Am I though?” Ruby's grin was infectious. “Are you willing to bet your legal reputation on it?”
“My legal reputation is not at stake in a discussion about beef jerky.”
