Evie: Crazy meth head Joe?
Ruby: I won’t put up with the kind of stuff like Mom did.
Ruby: I’ve got to get out.
I frown.
Evie: OK.
Evie: You can’t do what Mom did – right?
Ruby: No! This is a once in a lifetime problem. Swear.
I roll my eyes.
Evie: Except this is the third time.
Ruby: Talk later. ’K?
Ruby: Paypal me a thousand.
Ruby: TY!
I log in at Paypal, check my credit, and hit ‘Send.’ I scroll to the next text.
Mom: Ruby’s trying to scam money off me.
Mom: She’ll ask you next. Tell her ‘No.’
Mom: I have ESP about this shit. Something’s hinky. Say ‘No.’
Crap.
Mom: I miss you.
Mom: When are you coming to visit me?
Mom: I miss the old days.
Evie: Miss you too, Mom.
Evie: We’ll talk in next couple. ’K?
Mom: Love you, daughter.
Evie: Love you back.
And in less than a minute my shoulders have knitted to my ears. I mute my phone, stuff it in my purse, and exit the bathroom. I’ll be damned if I’m going to let family drama cut into whatever time I have left with Dylan. My sexy player’s leaning against the wall, looking Texas boy next door handsome in jeans and cowboy boots, his casual shirt open a few buttons. My pulse picks up. “Hey, hot cowboy,” I say walking toward him.
“Everything okay?” he asks as we make our way through crowded airport corridors.
“Another day, another drama.”
“Anything important?”
I shake my head. “Family stuff.”
“Know that one well.” He’s not meeting my eye. The springs are already pre-loading within him, coiling tight.