Page 92 of Falling

I put my hand on my head and tug my hair hard. “Really glad to hear that. Think you can walk me through the repair?”

“I can do you one better. I switched things around and can come work on it in an hour or so.”

“You have no idea how much this helps, Bill. Thank you.”

“This all you’re taking?” I lift her bag.

“Yeah. It doesn’t feel as sad that way.”

I freeze, waiting for her to say more.

“I don’t want to leave. The light bag makes it feel more temporary.”

“Knowing you want to stay means everything. Dolly and I should pull in a few hours after you get there. Not as soon as I’d hoped, but…” I pause and forge ahead. “I know you can handle Junior, but I’d feel better if you have Kess with you when you talk to him…or better yet, the sheriff. If it doesn’t go well, leave and I’ll go back with you.”

She leans up on her tiptoes and kisses me. I groan into her mouth and take over, tilting her head to get better access. When I’ve kissed her senseless, I squeeze her ass and then force my hands to her shoulders, as I plant one more kiss on each cheek.

We walk outside and Scarlett’s waiting in her SUV. They’re going to hang out together while I get on the road, and Scarlett will make sure she catches her flight with George in plenty of time.

“Are you awake enough to do this drive?” she asks.

“The drive isn’t bad…six and a half hours, give or take. And I’ve got a strange amount of energy pumping through me,” I say, grinning.

For the first time today, a true smile comes over her face.

“I still feel the reminders of that energy pumping through me,” she says.

I swipe a hand down my face and give her a mock stern look.

“Don’t give me another reason to want to press you against this SUV and see how many ways I can get you to moan my name in the daylight.”

“You’re making me want to shed this coat and drop it in the snow,” she says.

“I can hear you guys,” Scarlett yells from inside the SUV.

“Close your ears then,” I yell back. “Let me know how you’re doing,” I tell Ruby.”

“You too. The second you get sleepy, call me,” she says. “I know you rarely have your phone on, but—”

“You didn’t think I talked when you met me either, but here we are,” I grumble.

“I don’t buy your grouching for a second,” she whispers. “I love you.”

“I love you, Sunshine.”

She wraps her arms around my neck and hugs me one more time. And then she opens the door and slides into the seat.

“Thank you,” she says, blinking away her tears.

“I’ll see you soon,” I remind her. “Thanks, Scarlett.”

Scarlett smiles and blows me a kiss.

I watch them drive away and Ruby turns and waves. Delphine and Irene flank me on either side and Dolly trots up behind me.

As soon as the car is out of sight, I feel Ruby’s absence.

The quiet I used to crave may as well be a clanging church bell, for all the comfort it brings me now. The silence is deafening.

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