Page 3 of Conflicted
8:48 Sure, see you later, momma ‘heart emoji.’
Traffic was light as Ruby weaved her fire-engine red Mini Cooper in and out – earning herself two raised middle fingers on the twenty-minute drive. She wasn’t an aggressive driver per se, but she was an impatient one, and she considered speed limits more of an advice than rules to abide by. To her immense relief, she found a parking spot near the café because she was a bit late, even with the light traffic and her mother was already seated at their regular table.
On her way to their spot, Ruby shrugged out of her coat, waved at Sonja, avoided crashing into the busboy, and was only a little out of breath when she reached Jewel.
Ruby’s throat constricted, and she rubbed her palms over her denim-clad legs when she took in her mother’s appearance. Although in a bright-colored caftan and with perfectly done hair, Jewel seemed to have lost weight, and her eyes looked haunted.
“Oh, Momma.” Ruby hugged Jewel fiercely. Both were similar build and shared their liking for colors. Jewel always had looked more like a sister, but now her years showed. Ruby scowled. Her mother was only going to be fifty this year; she wasn’t old. Despite her young age, her mother didn’t date, and Ruby couldn’t but wonder if it was because she still loved Luke Peters?
Jewel pulled back, and her watery smile broke Ruby’s heart. Where are momma’s dimples in her cheeks or her sparkling eyes? “Hi honey, what a wonderful idea to meet for coffee today. How’s Sandra?”
Before Ruby could respond to Jewel’s question, Sonja strode over to their table. “Always a pleasure to see you two!” the voluptuous African American woman remarked by way of a greeting. “Are you having the usual, or should I bring the menu?”
Ruby angled her body toward her fellow Club Indigo submissive. Trust the woman to brighten the mood, without even trying. About two years ago, Sonja found herself a Daddy Dom, or maybe Derek had found her because Sonja hadn’t known she was a little when they met. Whatever the truth was, Sonja and Derek were ridiculously happy. It seemed like they should change the name of Club Indigo to Club Cupido. Ruby bit back a grin at her thought and hastened to answer, “The usual is fine for me. How about you, Momma?”
“Momma?” Sonja scratched her temple. “Normally, you call her Jewel. I thought you were sisters.”
Jewel laughed and waved in the air, seemingly embarrassed by the compliment. “Oh no, I’m too old to be her sister.”
“Jewel,” Ruby frowned at her mother. “You’re still young, and you don’t look a year older than forty.”
Sonja’s entire body seemed to agree. “Really, Mrs. McCormick, I assumed you were younger than I am.”
“Actually, it’s Ms., but I prefer Jewel anyway.” Momma’s cheeks turned an adorable shade of pink, and Ruby marveled at how young she really looked.
“All right, Jewel, but only if you call me Sonja. Food is coming right up.” Sonja turned away to help other patrons. The café was always busy!
“Now, tell me all about Sandra and GT.” Her mother had a happy note in her voice, but it was forced, and her smile didn’t reach her eyes. Jewel wasn’t doing well, and she couldn’t hide it from Ruby.
Ruby cocked her head and played with her lip piercing while she studied her mother. Debating on whether or not to call her out on the diversion tactic, Ruby relented. “They looked radiant, and GT gave Sandra the most stunning ring.”
Ruby pulled her sketchpad and pencil from her tote bag and drew a quick illustration.
“That’s an exceptional ring, indeed.” Jewel admired the design before she wanted to know more about the reception. Ruby leaned forward as she launched into a detailed account of the previous night.
Although Ruby usually shared everything with her mother, today she concentrated on talking about Sandra and GT and didn't mention the meeting with Nathan or Will's reaction. First, she wanted to understand better what happened. At least, Nathan signed up to join the club, and she would meet him again.
By the end of Ruby’s reiteration of the night, they received their food, and Jewel was genuinely laughing. “You would have loved to see Gisela’s face when she was informed about the impromptu wedding in Vegas,” Jewel sniggered.
“What?” Ruby held a hand against her chest in mock horror, and she mimicked Gisela’s prissy voice. “I think it’s atrocious they had the nerve to thwart her plans, of course.” Ruby lost the battle to hold in her laughter. Her mother joined in, and for a moment, Jewel seemed more herself.
Sonja came by to refill their coffee cups but had to move on and help other customers.
Jewel blew on the steaming liquid and studied Ruby over the rim. "Thanks, honey, I needed this more than I realized."
Ruby narrowed her eyes. "Did you lose more weight?"
Jewel made a non-committal sound and looked away. The silence between them stretched as Jewel’s fingers curled and uncurled around a mangled napkin. Ruby cleared her throat. When her mother lifted her face, her eyes were unnaturally wide. Ruby tilted her head like she'd seen Dominants do in the club and waited — letting the silence work in her favor.
"Some." Jewel let out a heaving sigh, and her shoulders slumped. "I just haven't had much appetite lately."
"Mom," Ruby caught Jewel's restless fingers in her hands, "promise me you'll at least eat three meals a day from now on. You're wasting away here!"
Jewel bit her lip and capitulated. "I’ll try."
Ruby squeezed her mother's hand. If she'd been a Domme, she would have pushed for more, but she was a submissive to the bone, although a bratty one. Although she’d given Jewel a fair share of attitude in her teenage years, right now she couldn’t bring herself to antagonize her mother. Not even to force her to take better care of herself, so Ruby held her tongue.
After a few beats of silence, Jewel changed the topic. "I have a fantastic idea for a summer hairstyle that would look amazing on you." The shrinking violet on the other side of the table turned into a passionate hairstylist before Ruby’s eyes. "It’s perfect for your face, but I would have to cut your hair a bit shorter."
