Page 25 of Running Alone

“Not sure what you wanted so I told cook to give me a selection. Swear, didn’t know she’d put almost a little of everything on the menu. At least we’ll have food for the next couple of days.”

“Yeah, about that, Ruby.”

“Oh, do you have to go home? I get it, don’t worry about it.”

No way in hell is she going to push her feelings down like they don’t matter. Now that I know about her issues, not going to let her brood or ignore shit. We’ll talk about stuff and she’s got to learn to give me a chance and trust me.

“Ruby, don’t do that. If something bothers you, then say it. Don’t be afraid, I’d rather you be honest than hold it in and maybe have a panic attack or let your anxiety get out of hand. If this is going to work, we have to be honest. Now, what I was going to say is, we are leaving tomorrow for a couple of days. I reserved a home outside of Billings. Presley and Hannah, along with Dottie and Dani, will be joining us later. Not sure about my boys, but invited them too. I wanted you alone first, so that’s why when you said we’d have food for the next couple of days, there’s no need. Maybe drop it off at the main house, I’m sure someone will want it.”

She drops her head for a second then looks up, her eyes shining. She tentatively reaches over to grab my hand.

“I don’t know what to say, Lachi, except I’m humbled by your kindness and appreciate how you consider everything I shared with you. I’ll have to see if Tink is good with me leaving, then talk to Wildcat about my shifts.”

“Already done, Beauty. So, Ruby, would you like to go away for some ‘get to know you time part two’?”

Her smile could light a room when she nods. Even after a day like today, her wanting to go with me makes everything better. Can’t wait ’til tomorrow.

TWENTY

‘KITTY’

RUBY

I can’t believe Lachi planned this getaway for us. I briefly spoke to Squirt, who told me that she and Presley are coming along with Dani. Dottie already has plans with Shadow at their ranch.

Trying to decide what to pack, I take a minute when it hits me, I’ve never gone away with a man before. Not like this. Yeah, I met Lachi in Billings and we slept in the same bed, but nothing went further than heavy petting, as they call it. I’m not a virgin, just sex never did anything for me. In fact, the pressure affected my anxiety and I’d end up with a tension headache, fearful I wouldn’t be able to perform right. So to make it easier, especially after the few dates I had from the dating site, I quit dating.

I’m folding my bathing suit when I hear someone knocking on the door, so I go to see who it is. When I see Wildcat, I’m kind of shocked but open the door. She smiles as she walks in. I shut the door and turn to her but before I can say a word, she motions for me to join her on the sectional. Then she grabs my hand.

“Kitty, if I’m overstepping a boundary, it is only because I love you like a little sister. Now just listen for a second or two. I’m probably going to fuck this up, but here goes. You are such a good person and I mean that. Kitty, also know about all of your worries about some of the things in your life. Yeah, I’ve knownabout the anxiety. I mean, you freak if a table isn’t cleaned as soon as a customer leaves at the Wooden Spirits. And don’t forget, I saw a few of your panic attacks. I want you to be a little less hard on yourself, Kitty. You have the opportunity to start something special with Malachi. And he seems to be such a good guy, even Malcolm said something—which is not the norm—so that says a lot about your man. That’s right, get used to that, he’s your man. I wanted to come over and see if you have any questions about, well, going away on a romantic getaway with a special someone. So do you have any questions or concerns?”

My heart is beating like crazy. It dawns on me my boss and a member of the Devil’s Handmaidens club is here for me because she’s, one, worried and, two, wants to help me so this weekend is special. Before I can think about it, I grab Wildcat to me and hug her tightly. It takes her a few before she wraps her arms around me and hugs me back.

When I lean back, she lets me go and we just take a minute. Then I look directly at her.

“Wildcat, thank you so much. You always seem to know what to do or say to me to put me at ease, which doesn’t come easy for me. I have a million and one questions but don’t think I have time for that. So first is, what do I pack? Second, am I to assume that this getaway is going to be a sex-a-ton getaway?”

Wildcat breaks out laughing and watching her, can’t help it I join in. And that releases any remaining anxiety I was holding in. As she wipes her face from laughing so hard she was crying, she sits back and takes a breath.

“Kitty, I don’t know Malachi that well, but anyone can see he cares about you. There is no right or wrong in these types of situations. I mean, look at Malcolm and me. How long have we been together, and yeah, we fool around but haven’t gone all the way. He’s either off or I am and we’re in a rush. Think about it like that, there is no timetable. Talk to Malachi too.Make sure you are both on the same page. If you do that, then nothing will be able to stop or break you two apart. I’ve learned being open and talking about things are what keep a relationship going. Now, if you don’t have any questions, I’ll get out of your hair. I just want you to know that I’m always around if you need anything. You’re like a little sister, Kitty, and I love you, kiddo.”

I’ve lost the battle with crying but I do my best to suck it up.

“Wildcat, thanks so much. You’ve always had my back and it means the world. Be careful what you offer, I might be bothering you all the time.”

She shakes her head and chuckles. We hug again at the door then I shut and lock it. I go back to my room to pack, feeling a bit more excitement after talking with Wildcat. She’s right, Lachi is a special man and all I have to do is be more open and share my thoughts and fears with him. And that’s exactly what I’m going to try and do.

Well, packed and loaded. Just grabbing some snacks for the drive. Lachi promised me the house will be ready for us, including food, snacks, and whatever else he thought we would need. Squirt told me they are excited to be joining us in a few days. I also know that after talking Dani down that she wasn’t going to show up because she felt like a fifth wheel. I explained to her that Lachi and I are moving slowly so there was no reason for her not to come. Who cares if you are with someone or not, this is just some quality time away with friends. That seemed to sway her, which I’m glad, love my sister.

I’m just finishing up when Lachi walks in, looks at my bag, then laughs out loud.

“Damn, Beauty, you’re the only woman I know who is going away and can pack everything into one travel case. Damn, if I wasn’t already gone on you, this would definitely do it, Ruby. Are you ready to go?”

I put the ice packs into the cooler and shut it, then turn to face him.

“Sure am. I’ve got some waters and sports drinks for the ride, along with some nuts and trail mix. Let’s get this show on the road.”

He moves toward me, pulling me close. Leaning down so his mouth is right next to my ear he whispers softly to me, “Beauty, relax. Promise not to jump your bones as soon as we get there. This is more of an extension of what we’ve been doing here, with the exception of the ton of folks in our business constantly. Let me grab the bag and cooler. Close and lock up, make sure you arm the alarm. Your chariot is waiting, Beauty.”

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