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“Have a good day, beautiful.” Tucker takes her in his arms. Ruby looks up, licking her lips in anticipation of another incredible kiss. Images of the things they’d done before Ellie woke fresh in her mind. Tucker’s eyes are glowing with the same desire she can feel thrumming through her body. He must be remembering last night, too. He lowers his head and takes her mouth in a scorching kiss. He holds her close as if she’s the most precious thing in the world. They’re both breathless when they finally break apart. “Text me when you’re finished, and I’ll come pick you up.”
“Okay, Tucker.” Ruby can hardly speak. Her desire and emotions all over the place. “I’ll let you know where and when we will be.” He gives her another brush of his lips before opening the door for her, watching until she’s safe inside. Ruby can’t keep the smile of her face as she walks down the back hall of the shelter toward the cafeteria where she’s hoping to catch up with Hank and Bill. Hearing a noise, Ruby looks back over her shoulder to see Jolene entering through the back door.
“Good morning, Ruby,” Jolene calls out to her. “I saw Tank leaving as I pulled in. I didn’t see you here last night before I left?” Jolene ending her statement as an unspoken question. Ruby’s face heats at what Jolene must be thinking. Jolene’s smile widens.
“It’s not what you’re thinking.” Ruby hurries to halt the woman’s train of thought. “Abigail was injured yesterday, and I went to help Tucker with Ellie.” Jolene’s smile falls away as concern fills her gaze.
“I heard about the accident.” Jolene’s voice full of worry. “I haven’t spoken with Straw this morning. I trust she’s still doing well?”
“Yes, Tucker spoke to Straw this morning,” Ruby informs her. Jolene’s face morphs again into a knowing grin.
“Tucker?” Jolene laughs at Ruby’s deepening blush. “Don’t be embarrassed, Ruby. Trust me if I were many, many years younger, I’d do my best to get with one of the single men on that team. They’re all very good men. I’m happy for you.” Ruby isn’t sure what to say. While unofficially she and Tucker have started something between them, she can’t really call him her boyfriend. However, Tucker has said on more than one occasion she’s his. Ruby smiles back at Jolene.
“They are very good men,” Ruby answers. Then giving Jolene a wave, she heads off to find Harry and Bill. The men are in the cafeteria sitting at a table sharing their morning coffee.
“Ruby girl!” Harry calls out when he sees her entering the room. “Where you been keeping yourself? I was beginning to think you’d skipped town again.” Ruby walks to the table where there’s always fresh coffee waiting. She fixes herself a cup before she makes her way over to the two men.
“I’m still here,” Ruby assures him as she takes a seat. “Tucker took me to Savannah for the weekend and then his roommate’s girlfriend was in an accident so I stayed at Tucker’s last night to help him with the couple’s little girl.
“Who’s Tucker?” Bill asks, concern on the old man’s face.
“Well Harry knows him as Tank,” Ruby offers. “He’s a roommate to Straw, Abigail’s boyfriend.” Bill is nodding his head in understanding.
“Tucker, huh?” Harry winks at her. “I knew you two were going to get together when you mentioned him the other day.” Ruby blushes and begins to protest.
“We aren’t together, together,” Ruby denies. “I mean, yeah, I like him, and he’s made it clear he wants more, but I don’t know if I should give in.”
“What’s holding you back?” Harry questions. “You’re a pretty girl, and he’s a very good man. Why wouldn’t you want to give in?” Ruby can tell there’s no judgement in Harry’s questions, just genuine curiosity.
“Well, I’ve been on the streets a long time, Harry.” Ruby tries to formulate a plausible explanation without giving too much away. “I won’t go into details, but there’s a reason I keep to myself, staying in parks and shelters that don’t ask for too much information.” Harry’s face softens as he studies her. “I’m afraid, afraid something bad will happen to Tucker if I let him get too close. It might already be too late.”
“Ruby, I can’t tell you what to do,” Bill begins. “But life is too damn short to live in fear. I don’t know what or who you’re running from, but I will tell you, I know Hawk and his men. If Tank cares for you, and I suspect he does, because I’ve never known any of those men to trifle with a woman’s affections. He’ll do everything in his power to make it so you never have to worry about anything ever again. You just have to trust him. I know living on the streets you learn to not trust anyone, but you can trust Tank and his friends. They are some of best people I’ve ever met. Take it from this old man who’s been around the block more times than I care to count, don’t let him get away.” Ruby swallows hard, trying to keep the emotion clogging her throat from escaping.
“Bill’s right, Ruby girl,” Harry chimes in. “Take a chance. You need to really live, not just exist. You’re a young pretty girl, much too good to be living on the run, hiding all your beauty and your talent.” Ruby’s eyes grow misty with unshed tears. These men are speaking from wisdom. She knows both of them have been through tough times themselves, battling addictions and demons she can’t imagine. Her mother has always instilled in her to listen to her elders and to be respectful of them. She takes to heart the men’s words of wisdom, breaking even more of resolve.
“Thank you both,” Ruby tells the men. “I hear what you’re saying, and although I’m still afraid not only for me but those of you around me. I’ll think really hard on talking to Tucker about my problems. I appreciate you caring enough to give me advice.” Harry and Bill nod their heads and give her a smile.
“That’s enough heavy for today,” Harry declares. “What about this rehearsal? When are you wanting us to do this, and where are we going to do it?”
“I was thinking we could use the outdoor amphitheater in the park down the street, at least to practice until Abigail has a chance to find the actual location of the fundraiser, but in the meantime, we can use the park. I checked with the manager. They don’t have anything scheduled until the end of next month.”
“Sounds good, Ruby girl,” Harry says. “So, when do you want to practice?”
“How about Tuesdays and Thursdays?” Ruby looks to each man to gage his reaction.
“Works for me,” Bill says. “What about you, Harry?”
“I have my AA meetings on Thursdays but not until eight in the evening, so I think that’ll be fine.” Harry nods, looking down at his coffee. His mind seeming to drift for a moment. He looks up at Ruby and Bill. “Yep, that’ll work just fine.” Ruby gives both men the rundown on songs she’s thought about them singing together and asked if either of them want to do a solo. They spend a several hours talking and planning out their portion of the fundraiser event. Jolene comes by and adds to the conversation. Harry and Bill decide they need to do other things the rest of the afternoon, leaving Ruby alone for the remainder of the day. She finds herself in the cafeteria all alone, so she decides to help out and get an early start on the cleaning. She sings while she’s working, helping to pass the time. She text Tucker earlier, letting him know she’ll be ready whenever he’s finished on base and that they won’t be rehearsing until tomorrow, but she hasn’t gotten a reply yet. An hour later, her phone chimes startling her. She pulls the device from her pocket to see Tucker has responded.
Tucker:Hey beautiful, sorry it’s taken me so long. I’ve been in a meeting all day.
Ruby:It’s all right. I understand.
Tucker:I’ll be by to pick you up in about thirty minutes. I thought we could go by the hospital and check on Abigail, then grab some dinner. Will that be, okay?”
Ruby:Sounds great! See you soon
Ruby slips the phone back into her pocket and hurries to finish up the cafeteria. When she’s finished, she stows the cleaning supplies back in the closet before washing her hands. She wanders through the empty shelter. Most everyone vacates the place during the day so the cleaning crews and volunteers can do their tasks to make sure the place runs smoothly. With Abigail out, Jolene and Ruby are the only two in here this afternoon. Ruby checks the time, knowing Tucker should be here soon. She gives Jolene at quick good-bye before exiting the back door to wait for Tucker.
