Page 241 of Kill Switch (Devil's Night 3)
She stood as Ruby rushed toward her, a smile from ear to ear. They hugged tightly until Ruby pulled back. “You do realize they’re forecasting a hot day? You told me it was pleasant.”
“It is. Come on.” Tayla took Ruby’s case and wheeled it out of the terminal and across the parking lot to her waiting van.
As Tayla unlocked the door, Ruby chuckled. “What on earth are you driving?”
“I borrowed it from my neighbor. I couldn’t pick you up on my scooter, now could I?”
“It looks like Postman Pat’s mail van, but the flower model.”
“They use it for their florist business. Just jump in before we get stuck in rush hour traffic.”
All the way back to Bondi Beach, Tayla struggled with the stick shift while Ruby talked nonstop. By the time they pulled up outside her place, Ruby had given Tayla a rundown on the whole family and many of her friends as well.
Ruby stepped from the van and stretched her legs, her sight on the two-story apartment block in front of them. “Don’t you get lonely on your own?”
Every day.“The owners are just next door if I need them. And there’s always the noise of the surf to keep me company.”
“Sounds like heaven.”
“Yes, except…I’d forgotten what it was like, not having someone to share my life with. I miss him.”
“I’m sure he feels the same way.” Ruby followed Tayla inside. “I might have a quick shower to wash off the travel dust. I didn’t sleep well last night. I was worried about being away from Noah and the girls for the weekend.”
“Go right ahead. Then we’ll hit the market.”
Sydney’s sky flushed with a brazen hue as the sisters walked toward their table in a bustling café on Campbell Parade. Tayla had been there with Hayden several times, and as she stepped through the door, the sound of the other diners humming around them, she’d paused to suck in a breath.
Their wine and food ordered, Ruby started the conversation. “Has Mitch mentioned coming for a visit?”
“No. He knew you were over for the weekend, so… Anyway, I’m sure he thinks I’ve come to see Hayden, so he’s probably pleased to be rid of me.”
“Does that worry you?”
Tayla shrugged. It did, but she was determined not to dwell on it.
“Have you talked to him about you and Hayden?” Ruby asked.
Tayla paused as the waiter served their wine. After thanking him, she continued, “Not a lot. Communication isn’t a strong point for us. Especially when he’s busy with the orchard.”
“Well, he doesn’t have that on his own. Noah hardly talks when he’s bogged down at work. When he’s really stressed, he’s not even interested in baby-making practice.”
“You said you weren’t having any more kids.”
“We’re not,” Ruby replied with a wide grin. “But we’ve never stopped refining the process.”
“I see you still take your job as Ruby Tuesday’s communications officer way too seriously.”
“Only with you, Tayla Tilly.” Ruby giggled.
Tayla sipped her wine. It was fruity and a little tart, just the way she liked it. “Mitch is so different from Hayden in that respect. We used to talk everything out.”
“Except that one time when he didn’t mention the baby business before your wedding day.”
“Yes.” It wasn’t funny, but Tayla suddenly found the whole situation amusing. The limo, the chapel, the celebrant’s expressionas she’d hurried Tayla out the back door. She giggled. “Except that.”
Tayla paused as a hot waiter, sporting a man bun and a twinkle in his eye, served their mains. Ruby kicked her under the table, and as he walked away, the giggles started again.
“Anyway”—Ruby stopped to compose herself—“returning to the subject at hand, what are you afraid of? That Mitch doesn’t love you? Because if he doesn’t, tough titty.”
