Page 6 of From Wink to Kink

"That's my girl," Dad says with a smile. "You know, Ruby, if you want me to, I could come downtown and you know, have a ‘talk’ with this guy. If you know what I mean.”

I look at him in horror. It’s one thing for Matthew to joke around about beating Tod up, but my father?Really?

“Um, well, Dad, I don’t really think?—”

Everyone at the table bursts into laughter, and I realize my wallowing has interfered with my sense of humor.

“Oh ha-ha, I get it now. Very funny,” I say. "Thanks, Dad."

I know I don’t need to say anything more, and a warmth grows in my chest that has nothing to do with the meatloaf.

It’s good to know your dad has your back, even if it’s not appropriate for him to beat up your enemies.

It’s the thought that counts, and all that.

“If you want to know the truth, Rubes,” Tyler says, “carting books around all day sounds like one boring ass job.”

“Tyler,” Lucy admonishes with a hiss.

Tyler squirms like he always does when the love of his life scolds him.

As if on cue, there's a soft thud from the living room just as I’m about to put my big brother in his place. We turn to look and I sigh as I spot my backpack tumbling to the floor, spilling all its contents and leaving them on full display—tampons, ahairbrush, an empty Coke can, a random sock, and a certain colorful flyer I swiped from the bulletin board at work.

Tyler's on it like a shot, trying to be helpful and snatching up my junk before I can stop him. His eyes widen as he reads. A librarian wellness retreat? In Costa Rica? Rubes, are you planning a trip?"

I groan, burying my face in my hands. "No, I'm not planning a trip. I'm planning to wallow in self-pity while fantasizing about escaping to a place where no one knows I dated the human equivalent of a dial-up modem."

"This looks amazing!" Lucy chimes in, peering over Tyler's shoulder at the flyer. "White sand beaches, yoga at sunrise, meditation... honey, this could be just what you need."

I lift my head, fixing her with a look that I hope conveys the full extent of my broke-ass librarian status. "Yeah, it looks great. So does a Ferrari, but you don't see one of those in the driveway, do you?"

"Come on, Rubes," Tyler says, his eyes lighting up with that look he gets when he's about to suggest something ridiculous. "Why not go for it? You deserve a break."

I laugh, but it comes out sounding more bitter than I intend. "Sure, let me just check my trust fund. Oh wait, I don't have one of those. Some of us work for a living, Mr. NHL."

Tyler's face falls, and I immediately feel like the world's biggest jerk. It's not his fault he's successful. If anything, he's annoyingly generous with his money—always trying to help out, even when I'm too proud to accept it.

"I'm sorry," I sigh. "That was uncalled for. I'm just... frustrated. With everything."

"We know, sweetie," Dad says, reaching over to pat my hand. "But maybe Tyler has a point. A change of scenery could do you good. And if money's the only thing holding you back..."

I hold up a hand, cutting him off. "Dad, no. I appreciate it, but I can't take your money. Or yours," I add, shooting a pointed look at Tyler, who's already reaching for his wallet.

"It wouldn't be taking," Tyler argues. "Think of it as an investment in your mental health. Or better yet, think of it as payback for all those times I made you play goalie in the backyard."

"Pretty sure those childhood traumas are worth way more than a trip to Costa Rica," I gripe.

Lucy, ever the peacemaker, jumps in. "What if we made it a loan? You could pay it back over time, no interest."

I bite my lip, considering. The thought of escaping to a tropical paradise is tempting—so tempting it hurts more than my sore feet. But the idea of being in debt to my family, of admitting I can't handle my problems on my own...

"I don't know," I hedge. "It's a lot of money, and I've got responsibilities here. My job..."

"And those will still be there when you get back," Dad finishes. "Ruby, honey, I've watched you pour your heart and soul into that library for a year now. You've earned a break. And if this retreat helps you figure out what you really want to do with your life, well, that's worth more than money."

I look around at their faces, swallowing away the lump in my throat. When did I get so lucky with this weird, wonderful family of mine?

"I'll think about it. But," I add quickly, seeing Tyler's triumphant grin, "I'm not making any promises. And if I do go, it's a loan. With interest. And a contract. Notarized."

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