Rubi blinked, half expecting her to bat her eyelashes at him. “You’d better watch out for that one,” she warned under her breath as Cash gave over the ice cream.
Everyone was gravitating to the fresh soft-serve like a wave of ice cream lovers. Rubi wrapped her arms around her middle, taking in the sense of family. Failing at every relationship meant this kind of gathering was well beyond her reach. Putting the thoughts aside was much easier than dwelling on what she couldn’t have.
But something Carolyn said had taken root in her mind. She did have a choice in all this. Looking back, she had acted with the single-minded determination that her career had to take first priority. That was the way to get ahead, to land the big roles, to make the huge paycheck and secure the residuals—to be the star.
Could she balance her demanding schedule and a boyfriend or—gulp—a husband and family? Some actors only took one or two roles a year, giving themselves several months in between.
Mark DuBois had relegated himself to Slade McCoy. One movie every eighteen months so he could spend time on his Waters Without Borders project. Why couldn’t she do something like that? Others took their family on location with them, their kids homeschooled and happy.
She spun in a circle, seeing a laughing child with an ice cream goatee, Grace’s arm around her daughter, Major shaking his head at something his brother said, and Cash dishing out ice cream like he worked at Baskin-Robbins.
If she really wanted a family, why couldn’t she have one?
Why couldn’t she have all this?
The party slowed down around ten. The kids were either asleep or wishing they were and protesting loudly about the situation. Parents were stuffed, content, and ready to tuck little piggies into bed with a happy-ever-after story.
Mama Grace wrapped Rubi in a hug so snug. “You come back. I don’t care how long you’re gone, there’s always a scoop of ice cream waitin’ with your name on it.”
Rubi hugged her back. “Thank you. I had the most—” Peaceful, fulfilling, happy. “—wonderful time.”
Grace kissed her on both cheeks and gave her a little shove towards Cash, who was waiting for her by the screen door. He pushed it open with a creek and a seductive little smile she hoped Grace hadn’t seen.
“You comin’ to my place?” he asked as his hand trailed down her back, coming to rest in a whole nest of lightning bugs and sparklers. “Trent could show up at any minute.”
Rubi bit her lip. She leaned up against her car door, hoping her three best friends inside were classy enough not to eavesdrop. She had to find Trent, but spending the night at Cash’s was knocking on trouble’s door.
Cash put his hand on the top of her car, leaning close enough that she could smell the sweet cream mixed with his cologne. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea,” she admitted.
“Why? Because you find me irresistible?”
She played with a button on his shirt, not able to meet his gaze. “Youwouldthink that.”
“Tell me I’m wrong.” He kissed her cheek, his warm breath skittering across her skin and lighting a fire that she knew could burn long and low if she didn’t stamp it out.
“I’m coming over.”
“Yeah?” He ran his hands through her hair.
She pushed him back far enough that they could make eye contact. “And I’m sleeping on the couch.”
“Of course darlin’. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“Uh-huh.” She wasn’t sure if she believed him.
“Hey, my mama would skin me alive if I took advantage of a sweet little thing like you.”
Rubi laughed. “Now that I believe.” She pushed him back and this time he gave her room to get into the car. He shut her door with a wink and a wave, and her heart pounded so loud she reached over to turn down the bass on the radio.
“EEEEEE!” Carolyn pounded on the back of Rubi’s seat.
“Girl!” Melanie slapped her arm.
Bobby fanned her with a magazine. “Quick, get this girl some water before she self-combusts.”
“You guys!” Rubi swatted Melanie’s hands away while maneuvering onto the paved road. “Shut up!”
“He’ll be kissin’ your lips before the sun goes down. Ain’t that lovin’ you baby?” Carol sang.
