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“It’s fine,” she interrupts before hugging her cat to her chest. “I was hoping to have a cool story to tell you by the time you asked, but I don’t have one of those at all.”
She lets out a sigh before handing off the cat to me like Cheeto will soften the blow. Don’t tell me she’s actually a felon or something crazy of the sort.
“I’ve gotten myself in quite the pickle. Lost my job due to some disagreements with management, and lost my home since you kind of need money to live somewhere. My roommate didn’t want me anymore.” Rue flops back on the couch and finally returns her gaze in my direction. “I’ve worked the one job since high school, mastered it you know? It’s all I’ve ever known. It’s not easy getting another job.”
I’ve been with the rescue for almost a decade now. I understand what she means. If Ryder gave me the boot, I’d be lost.
“So, you came here hoping I’d take care of you?” I ask, lifting a brow,
“Exactly,” she agrees shamelessly before pausing, “I mean, I’d pull my weight. I know how to cook and clean. Bet I can even give a mean foot massage after you get off one of your shifts.”
I mean, it would be a dream to come home and have someone there to welcome me with open arms.
“But don’t let my problems affect your decision by the end of the week. If I’m a handful, I’ll completely understand if you don’t think it’ll work. I’ll just have to try again.”
Not sure why, but I don’t like the thought of her getting paired up with another man. Without a doubt, they’d swoop her up without second-guessing themselves.
If I decide not to marry this woman, something tells me it’ll be a mistake.
Cradling the purring cat, I use the time to ask her more questions.
She’s got her mother who lives a few states away, and a brother who’s in college. They’re the only two she considers family. The rest are cut off.
“My father worked in the mines for decades,” I explain when she asks the same questions. “He passed away a few years ago thanks to cancer. My mother lives a few cities away, reachable if need be. I’ve got four brothers, they give her more than enough attention.”
“Four? Holy cow, I can’t even imagine.” She shakes her head at the thought. “The one I’ve got drove me up the wall growing up.”
“All I can say is that I don’t mind living up here away from them all.” Chuckling softly, I watch the orange fuzzball abandon my lap to investigate his possible future home. “He’s not destructive is he?”
“Oh no, not at all. The worst thing he does is slap you in your sleep.” She swats her hand, “but even that isn’t that bad. He’s a great alarm clock.”
Her laugh is contagious, I can’t help but crack a smile.
So far, this isn’t so bad. I’ve shared short conversations with tourists and mountain climbers, but none have ever felt so fulfilling. I find myself wanting her to keep going so I can memorize all the small details Rue can provide.
If this woman is already ready to sign a marriage certificate, then maybe I won’t need an entire week to make my decision.
Bryson
“So?”
I’m checking through my equipment when Brutus strolls up ever so casually. I grunt, already knowing what he’s wanting to know. His cocky grin speaks volumes. Must’ve caught me staring up at the clock on the wall.
“Aren’t you going to tell any of us about her?” he presses, grabbing his own bag. Tell me he’s not tagging along for my next job.
“Nothing to say,” I grunt as I turn away. Of course, he follows right behind. It’s a slow day, so I felt relieved to get a call in. Now, not so much.
Rue’s at home all by herself and I’m hoping she’s not bored to tears. There’s not much to do. The internet is in and out, the television has a few channels. There aren’t any cool places to hang out, not without going back down the mountain. From the way her car looks, I’m thinking if she goes down, she’s not going to make it back up.
“Did you two share a bed?” Brutus is persistent, I’ll give him that.
“No.” Passing by the few others inside, I leave the building and head straight toward my truck. “Not trying to scare her off with my snoring.”
I could tell him that it took strength to sleep on the couch. When she put on a nightgown and came out of the bathroom smelling like my body wash, likeme,I wanted to scoop her up and inhale her entirely until my head was spinning.
Instead, I’ve got a sore shoulder and a rough night full of tossing and turning.
“Yeah, I’m sure the snoring would do that,” he adds sarcastically. “Is she going to be the one, or are you going to have to try again? No shame in that whatsoever.”
