She paid the bill and tried not to think about how Celeste had stood right here in this office, holding her hand while they waited to hear if Sparkle would be okay. She carried Sparkle out to the car and set the cage carefully in the back seat, making sure it was secure.
Sparkle chirped at her, eliciting a temporary kind of delight in Ruby.
At least she had the bird and something good had come from this disaster of a trip.
She got back on the highway and pointed the car toward Cheyenne Valley. One more night in this godforsaken rental car, then she could return it, say goodbye to Braden and Jackson and Mary, and fly to Arizona where she could fall apart properly.
The phone rang through the car's Bluetooth and her mother's name flashed on the screen.
Ruby almost didn't answer because she didn't want to worry her mother just yet. But she knew if she kept it up, Renee would assume the worst and probably call in the National Guard or something equally dramatic.
“Hi, Mom.”
“Oh baby.” Just two words, but Ruby heard the concern and immediate recognition that something was wrong. “What happened?”
“How did you—”
“I'm your mother. I always know.” Renee's voice was gentle. “Talk to me.”
And Ruby did. The whole story came pouring out about meeting Celeste again, the road trip that had felt like fate and falling in love despite knowing better. Celeste's fear, her own heartbreak. The way it had ended with Celeste suddenly leaving.
“I'm so stupid,” Ruby finished, her voice rough. “I knew it couldn't work. I knew from the beginning she couldn't give me what I needed. But I fell anyway.”
“You're not stupid. You're human.” Renee sighed, and Ruby could picture her sitting at the kitchen table, probably with a cup of tea going cold in front of her. “Love doesn't follow logic, my sweet. If it did, I never would have married your father. He was completely wrong for me on paper, given our different backgrounds and different temperaments. But he made me laugh and made me want to be brave. Sound familiar?”
“Oh, Mom.”
“I'm not saying you should go back to her. If she can't meet you halfway, then she's not worth your time. But I am saying you shouldn't beat yourself up for falling in love. That's not a weakness. That's being alive.”
Ruby wiped her eyes with the back of her hand, grateful no one could see her crying on the highway. “I just want to come home. Sleep for a week. Maybe forever.”
“Come home, then. I'll make up your room. We'll watch terrible movies, eat ice cream and you can cry as much as you need to.” Renee paused. “And then, when you're ready, you can start planning your next adventure. Europe, maybe? You've been talking about it for years.”
“I don't know if I want to travel anymore.”
“Now I know you're really hurt. My daughter who's been wandering since she could walk doesn't want to travel? You'll feel different once you've had time to heal. Switzerland would be a good place to start. Or maybe Amsterdam. You've always wanted to see the museums there.”
“Paris is supposed to be beautiful,” Ruby said automatically, then winced. Paris. The city of love. The citywhere couples walked hand-in-hand along the Seine and kissed under the Eiffel Tower.
“Pass on Paris for now,” Renee said, as if reading her mind. “Switzerland first with its mountains, chocolate and beautiful architecture. Nothing romantic about that.”
“Everything's romantic when you're heartbroken.”
“Fair point. But at least Switzerland has fondue. That's got to count for something.”
Ruby laughed. It came out shaky and uncertain, but it was real. “How do you always know what to say?”
“Years of practice. And I love you.” Renee's voice softened. “Drive safe, baby. Text me when you stop for the night. And remember that this pain is temporary. It might not feel like it now, but it is.”
“I will. Love you, Mom.”
The call ended, and Ruby was alone again with her thoughts and Sparkle's occasional chirps from the back seat. But somehow, the silence felt less oppressive now. Her mother's words had given her something to hold onto.
This pain is temporary.
Ruby wanted to believe that. But right now, with miles of highway still ahead and a broken heart she didn't know how to fix, temporary felt like forever.
She'd told her mother she'd take care of herself, the way you reassure parents that you're fine and you don't need them to worry.
