Page 21 of Conflicted
“Uh-huh.” Even though Sandra couldn’t see her doing so, Ruby resembled a bobble-head doll on a car's dashboard on a bumpy road.
“What are you going to do?”
Ruby opened her mouth to reply, but Sandra interjected, “Don’t answer that. You’re planning on rejecting the money, but please let Dad have a look at it first.”
“Your dad?” Ruby’s mind raced. “Why?”
“Because it’s for you and your mom, and your decision might affect her cut, too. I think you and Jewel should visit my dad and talk this through. You know money is his thing.”
“Hmm.” Ruby narrowed her eyes. Sandra’s dad worked at the second largest bank in Kansas City. “I’m not sure, but what you say makes sense.”
“What did the douche canoe want?”
“Actually, I haven’t read his letter,” Ruby admitted.
“Maybe you should.” Sandra’s words were soft without any judgment.
“You could be right.” But I don’t want to. Ruby shied away from the letter. “Can you arrange a meeting with your father?”
“Sure.” Sandra’s voice was benevolent, but the woman was also relentless as her next words proved. “Now you read that letter, and we’ll talk tomorrow.”
“You can be pushy, BFF.” Ruby tried to joke, but her voice sounded flat.
“I know. Years of practice with stubborn patients.” Sandra chuckled and wished Ruby a good night.
After doing the same and disconnecting the call, Ruby stared at her name in bold handwriting.
Swell. The sperm donor. What did he have to say for himself? She supposed she should read his letter this time. She still wasn’t interested in his money, but she could read what he had to say. She ripped open the envelope and tore out the single piece of paper.
Dear Ruby,
I’m hoping you’ll read this since the main letter didn’t come from me. I’m sorry you haven’t been willing to read my letters or meet me in person. I’ve wanted to know you for many years now. As I grow older, the want has turned into a need. I need to know that you’re the kind of person who will take care of her mother when I’m not around to do so anymore.
At this spot, Ruby lowered the letter and scoffed. Took care of Jewel how? She almost didn’t continue reading but remembered the promise she made Sandra, and Ruby returned her attention back to the paper.
My life hasn’t been perfect, by any means, but I want you to know that I’ve tried to do right by you and your mother, when I could. Do you remember the set of calligraphy stuff you got for your tenth Christmas? Your mom told you it was from Santa? It was from me. I like to think that it had some influence in your choice of career, but I’m probably just dreaming.
Anyway, I’ve sent money when I could and now I can really afford to, so I’ve set up a trust for you and your mother. I can’t touch the principal, so there’s no chance for me to blow it on anything. I’ve also made a will and it leaves everything I have to the two of you. I know it probably doesn’t mean much to you, but it’s what I can do now. Just so you know, I proposed to your mother all those years ago, but she turned me down. She wanted you to have stability in your life and a rock and roll singer wasn’t stable.
Love, Luke Peters (aka your dad)
––––––––
Could this be true? She thought for a few minutes. The letter from the law firm looked genuine. She collected the rest of the papers which had come with the letters. Apparently, these were the trust documents. They seemed complicated and not something she could make sense of right this minute. She’d save it until she was ready to face the mess. She should take Sandra up on her offer and have a talk with Mr. Duncan.
She placed the letter on the small end table and stomped to the bathroom. An enjoyable long hot shower and some tension relief in bed would hopefully make her feel better.
