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The thought soured almost as quickly as it came.
Ruth slipped into the chair Ronan had vacated. “Sorry about that.”
Felicity snorted softly as she watched Michaela drag Ronan toward the water. “For what?”
“The tiny dictator.”
A reluctant smile tugged at her mouth. “She’s eleven. That’s old enough to know exactly what she’s doing.”
“Unfortunately, yes.” Ruth sighed. “She knows he’s merely a family friend. But ever since he took her to the father-daughter dance, she’s…” Ruth shrugged.
“Become possessive,” Felicity supplied.
“Yeah. I am sorry.”
“Ruth.” Felicity waited until the woman looked her in the eye. “It’s good that both Davey and Michaela have a solid man in their lives. I don’t begrudge them a moment of his time.”
“Thank you.”
Felicity’s gaze drifted to the swimming hole watching Ronan launch Michaela into the air.
“You … you deserved that too, you know.”
Ruth’s softly spoken words landed hard.
Felicity swung her gaze back to Ruth. “Sorry?”
Ruth mumbled a curse under her breath. “Don’t mind me. I’m just … speaking out of turn.”
As Bella’s business partner, Ruth had been drawn into the ever-expanding circle of people who knew about the upcoming trial and Rae and Felicity’s relationship and true identity.
How much had she been told?
More importantly, by whom?
Had Ronan spoken out of turn?
“What do you mean, Ruth?” she was unable to keep the edge from her voice.
Ruth’s eyes widened. “Nothing bad.”
“That isn’t an answer.”
“No, it isn’t.” She grimaced. “Sorry.” For a moment, she looked as though she might retreat entirely.
Then she squared her shoulders. “Look, my knowledge of” — Ruth made a vague gesture — “Russian mobs and Italian mafia and all that stuff stems from devouring dark romance novels. Which I know aren’t exactly reliable sources. But even I know enough to guess that your childhood couldn’t have been easy.” Ruth’s cheeks pinkened. “And now I’m doing it again.”
“Doing what?” Felicity wasn’t sure if she was amused or alarmed.
“Rambling and sticking my nose where it doesn’t belong.”
A wry smile tugged at Felicity’s mouth. “You’re not wrong.”
Ruth studied her for a moment. “Then I mean it.” Her gaze flicked toward the water again. “Every kid deserves someone who makes them feel safe. Seen. Valued. And I am grateful that you don’t begrudge my kids the opportunity to have Ronan in their lives.”
Felicity shrugged. “Not my call. That’s all Ronan.”
“Still.”
