I know he’s talking about getting back together with Story, and I don’t blame him for that. Ruby could distract me from a root canal, so I totally know what it’s like, but it doesn’t make it hurt less.
“Okay.”
“I’ve never thought you reckless,” adds my mother. “I see how much work you've put into the yard. Your father would be so proud of you. Weareincredibly proud of you. What you've achieved is phenomenal. And I’m sorry I don’t tell you enough.”
My shoulders drop, and I let out a huge sigh. “I know, Mum. I know you’re proud of me. But that doesn’t change the fact that Clementine and Torres are in a relationship, and everyone seems to be okay with it.”
“We’re not,” Hendricks and my mum reply in unison, and I almost ask if they practiced it.
“But . . .” continues Hendricks, “we don’t think it’s serious. Story told me that they met way before your accident. From what Clementine told Story, they were texting mostly, and they’ve barely seen each other in person.”
“Texting?” I blink. “Like in school? Like fuckingteenagers?”
He shrugs. “Basically. And phone calls.”
I scoff so hard I almost start coughing, but I don’t miss Ruby’s soft gasp.
“What?”
She shakes her head, her teeth worrying her bottom lip. “Nothing.”
I turn my whole body toward her. “Ruby?—”
“Miles, when was the last time you spent time texting a girl, or hours on the phone with her?”
I don’t even have to think about it. The idea is absurd. “Never.”
“Exactly.” She then focuses on Hendricks. “And you?”
He shrugs. “Story’s the only girl I’ve ever texted much.”
Ruby looks at the pair of us, sitting back with an I-told-you-so expression. Except I’m not sure what she’s told us. Neither is Hendricks by the looks of things.
My mother is equally confused, and all of us wait on Ruby for more explanation.
“It’s worse than a hookup.”
Hendricks laughs. “How, when they don’t see each other?”
“It’s not sex. It’s emotions,” she replies, using a tone I usually save for Max. Or idiots. She looks at me. “Maybe this thing between them really has nothing to do with you.”
“Who gives a fuck? He still tried to kill me,” I growl, though at this point it feels like I’m talking to a brick wall.
Ruby’s hand slips over mine, and my mother follows the movement. Her ring glints in the light.
“May I?” she asks, lifting Ruby’s hand. “It really is beautiful.” Picking up her handbag, she riffles through and pulls out a small black velvet box, which she places in front of Ruby. “I don’t know if Miles mentioned, but I have quite an extensive jewelry collection, and if I’d known about the wedding beforehand, I would’ve let Miles pick something out for you himself.” Her eyes narrow pointedly on me.
My mum is as subtle as a sledgehammer.
Ruby’s hands shake as she opens the box. Inside is a pair of ruby earrings, the same color as her ring.
“Miles’s father gave them to me, but I think they’d look better on you.”
Ruby freezes, big eyes blinking. “I . . . I don’t know what to say . . .” She blinks away tears, and it makes me think of how she feels so invalidated by her own family. “Thank you. You’ve no idea how much I appreciate this.”
But I do know.
“Thank you, Mum.” Looping my arms around her shoulders, I kiss her cheek. “And I guess now’s as good a time as any to tell you we’re not getting divorced.”
