Rubi waved and smiled as people grumbled at the turn of events. No one wandered off though. They weren’t about to give up their spot in line. Cash didn’t blame them. He’d spend the night in a subzero sleeping bag on the sidewalk for a chance to meet Rubi. Cash turned her around, put his arm across her shoulders, and led her behind the booth. He settled her into a folding chair. “You holdin’ up all right?”
She nodded, kneading her fingers into her neck as she tipped her head back, a happy and tired smile on her face. “It’s been a long time since I did a personal appearance.”
Cash pulled a seat around so he could sit and chat. Dad had the booth in control. As soon as Rubi was ready, he’d take over so the old man could eat. “I can’t believe you did that.”
She slowly brought her head back level. “Well, I couldn’t let Brett think he had the upper hand.”
Cash tucked his chin and laughed. “Brett? You did this to show up Brett?”
She glared at the floor. “He’s a a ”
“Sleazeball?”
“Yeah.”
Cash reached for the tray of food. He didn’t want to spend one more minute worrying about Brett. Brett spent enough time worrying about this dumb competition Cash didn’t want. Let him stew over it; Cash had better things to do. Like tease a beautiful woman. “Look, they had pie.” He waved his hand over the tray full of pulled beef, pulled pork, hot dogs, hamburgers, and several desserts.
“Ugh!” She grabbed her middle. “I think the two slices from last night are still sitting there.”
“One and a half pieces,” he quirked a smile.
She smacked his knee. “Two pieces minus one crust.” She took a grilled chicken sandwich and fries in a red basket off the tray. “This smells so good.” She popped a fry in her mouth. “I can’t believe how hungry I am.”
They ate in silence until Sarah and Rocky, his right and left hands in the business, showed up with the rest of the merchandise. Cash directed them into the booth and asked them to set out what they could and store the rest under the tables. He came back and sat across from Rubi. “If you keep this up, I’m going to run out of product.”
She wiped the corners of her mouth with a napkin. “It’s a good problem to have.”
He shook his finger. “I knew you’d be trouble the moment I laid eyes on you.”
“Hush now.” She threw her dirty napkin at him. “I am never a problem. I’m the good kid on the playground.”
Cash shook his head. “Rubi, what can I ever do to repay you for helping me out like this—and for showing up Brett on his home turf? That was pretty awesome.”
She giggled for a moment. “I want to see his face. I’ll bet he’s fuming.” They shared a laugh. With a shrug, she said, “Just help me find Trent.”
He set aside his half-eaten cheeseburger. “And then what? You’ll disappear?”
“If that’s what you want.” Her words were flippant, but she watched him out of the corner of her eye.
“I’ve kind of gotten used to having you around.” He scratched his beard. “You could go on a date with me again.”
She tapped her chin. “I liked Cheri.”
Had she missed his invitation, or was she playing dumb? She and Cheri had hit it off. “I can’t tell if you’re serious.”
She laughed. “The hazards of flirting with an actress.”
“Are we flirting?” He grinned.
“We’re practically living together,” she quipped. “I don’t know what to tell you Cash. I’m on location in a couple days. I’m not sure I want to start something that I’m not going to be around to finish.”
“On location—” He stole a fry from her basket. She scowled. “Is that a permanent thing?”
“No. But it complicates relationships. Always has and always will.” She used a wet wipe to clean her fingers. “Sometimes I really wish it didn’t.”
He hooked a finger under her chin and brought her eyes up to meet his. “I wouldn’t ask more from you than I was willing to give.”
She bit her lip.
