Page 162 of Movers and Shakers

“You’re going to plan it?”

“I’m going to help, at least. Selena is a kind and sensitive soul. I’m worried she’ll get eaten alive by the wedding industry and I want to be the kind sister-in-law on her shoulder telling them all to fuck off.”

“Uh huh, and what aboutyourwedding? When is Knox going to ask?”

“Probably soon, considering we’ve been talking about kids.”

“What?”

“Didn’t I tell you?”

“You absolutely did not.”

“This is what you get for going to help your super famous friend. You get left out!”

“When did this get decided?”

“Like a few weeks ago, I think. But it’s not something we’re going to actively try for or anything. If it happens, it happens.”

“That’s a very relaxed way of going about it for the woman who once tracked how many times I came out of my room.”

“I can be relaxed. Mostly. I only had a few freak-outs about it, and then I was fine.”

“That sounds more like the Ruth I know,” I said, chuckling.

“Now, what the hell is going on in your life? I feel like I haven’t talked to you in forever and seeing you in the news really didn’t make any sense.”

“Nothing much, other than helping Lila and checking in on the bar. It feels weird to be away from it. I can’t wait to get back.”

“Enjoy your LA time. I bet the people you work with have it covered. You only ever say good things about them.”

“They’re great, but it’s my bar. I can’t just up and leave.”

“So responsible,” she said. “Who even are you anyway?”

I rolled my eyes. “Very funny.”

“Glad to hear from you, Barry. Seriously. And if you break Rose’s or Lila’s hearts, I will end you.”

“And I would let you,” I replied, knowing it was the truth.

Once I got off the phone, I went to mine and Wilfred’s texts.

Barry: Hey. Hope you’re okay.

It took him a few minutes to respond.

Wilfred: I’m goob.

Wilfred: These buttons on this danm keyboard are too small

And then he called.

“I can’t text, kid,” he said, sighing. “I can’t do it for the life of me.”

I laughed. “It’s fine. I was just checking in.”

“Things are good here. I’ve got the plants planted. Been spending time outdoors, which is always good for the soul.”

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