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When I set the glass back down on the counter, I could sense anxious energy radiating off of her.
Was it because my love declaration was real and not in my dreams?
Had I freaked her out?
Or was she just upset because I’d been shot and then come home and demanded to have sex with her?
“What?” I asked her. “What is it?”
“I, um, I wanted to talk to you about something.”
“Okay.” Fuck me. I braced myself for the it’s-not-you-it’s-me talk.
She shifted from one foot to the other. “First, I mean, how are you feeling?”
“Fine. A little sore, but fine.” At this moment, my arm was the least of my worries.
“Do you want to sit down?” She motioned to the barstool beside the island.
“No, I’m good.”
She nodded, and her cheek hollowed as she bit the inside of her mouth. She was clearly anxious.
“You can tell me anything,” I assured her.
“Yeah, I’m just… I practiced this so many times in my head, but I’m not sure where to start.”
“Maybe at the beginning,” I suggested.
“My agent called me today,” she blurted out.
“Oh, okay.” I stared blankly at her as my brain tried to catch up to the conversation. That wasn’t what I’d expected to hear at all.
Ruby licked her lips and then took in a shaky breath. “Yeah, there’s a new reality show called Center Stage. It’s like American Idol, Big Brother, and The Real World. It’s going to follow performers that are trying to make it on Broadway, and they want me to do it, but?—”
“That’s great!” I enthused.
She stared at me blankly, then blinked. “It’s in New York.”
“That’s great!” I repeated.
Inside, my heart was breaking. I knew this day would come; I just didn’t think it would be so soon. But this was probably better. It was probably better to rip the Band-Aid off rather than spend the next week falling even deeper in love with Ruby. I did my best not to broadcast how I was feeling. It was selfish, and she deserved me to be happy for her.
“When does it start?” I smiled encouragingly.
“I don’t know. I haven’t called my agent back. I don’t even know if…” Her words trailed off as confusion swam in her eyes. She shook her head. I could see the torment behind her baby blues, and I would be damned if I was going to be the reason for it. “I’m not sure if I want to go. I was thinking I want to stay?—"
“Of course you want to go! If this is about me, I’m fine.” I lifted my arm and instantly regretted it. I tried not to show the discomfort on my face as I continued, “We knew this arrangement was temporary. Don’t worry about Harper. She’s used to people being away for work. Her mom will be home soon, and I’m off for the next ten days, so we’re all set here. You don’t have to worry about us. We’re gonna be great, and I’m so happy for you! This is great news!”
“Yeah, thanks.” Tears began to form in Ruby’s eyes, but she quickly sniffed them away as she grabbed her purse and walked past me.
“Where are you…are you leaving now?”
“Um, no, I mean, I have to go…I’m meeting someone.”
“At nine o’clock?” I asked. “In your sweats?”
She didn’t respond. She just walked straight out the front door. I started to go after her, but stopped myself.
