Page 20 of Stuck With the Best Man

When I look back down toward the frothing waves, the woman is gone.

Chapter Seven: Ruby

“Thewindstellmeyou have a lot on your mind, young man.”

“I always have a lot on my mind, Miss Maisie,” chuckles Liam as he wipes down the bar. “It’s not necessarily a bad thing.”

“Hmm. Have you been drinking that tea I made you?”

“Yes, ma’am. You’re right. Chamomile really takes the edge off when I’m stressed out.”

Gram drums her fingers on the bar thoughtfully, observing Liam as he works with quiet concentration. Her gaze seems to track the air around him, rather than his actual body, as if she’s reading his aura… which is something she genuinely knows how to do.

Liam notices her attention and snorts quietly, catching my eye. I grin.

“You know, Miss Maisie, you don’t have to listen to whatever gossip the wind is telling you about me. You can just ask me what I’m up to and I’ll answer honestly.”

Gram chuckles and gracefully slides off the bar stool. “Now, where would the fun be in that? Come on, Ruby. There’s a storm brewing and we’re best off getting inside before it hits.”

“Did the wind tell you that?” I ask.

“No, darling. The weatherman did.”

Liam and I lock eyes again. In unison, we fight our smiles. Gram and I spent the past hour at the Siren & Sword, nibbling on some new dishes that Joshie wants to add to the menu and chatting with Liam while he tends the very slow Sunday-afternoon bar crowd. It’s one of the few chances I’ve had to really get to know my sister’s boyfriend now that we’re adults, and I’m glad to say that I approve. He’s a good guy.

I wave goodbye to Liam and follow Gram toward the door. Sure enough, the sky outside is an ominous shade of dark gray. It’s a good thing that Eva and Sebastien left for their honeymoon in Santorini late last night, and most of the wedding party has also been quick to make themselves scarce today. With all the ease of those with chauffeurs and private jets, they’ve scattered to the winds less than a day after the I-dos.

I don’t have to be back in the city until later this week, though, so I’ve decided to stick around for another day or two. Hopefully, this storm won’t cause too much of a delay in my return. As soon as I get back to Manhattan, I have a rigorous training and performance schedule waiting for me.

“That boy is thinking about proposing to your sister,” Gram murmurs, tucking her hand into the crook of my elbow as we walk.

As graceful as I habitually am, I nearly trip on the pavement. “What?”

Gram smiles softly. “I’m not sure even he’s aware of it, but that love story is ready for its next chapter.”

I fall quiet as we take the shortcut behind Main Street toward Cherry Street.

For some reason, I really don’t know how to feel about the wise woman’s prediction. Of course, I’m thrilled for my twin. Amy deserves the kind of love and devotion that Liam gives her. But even though I literally just attended a wedding yesterday, the thought of going to my sister’s future wedding makes me feel oddly… uneasy.

Maybe because I know I’ll never experience something like that. My career means too much to me. Plenty of ballet dancers find convenient love by dating other dancers, but that has always seemed a little too risky to me. What if we broke up and it made everything awkward? There’s no room for awkwardness in the studio. We need to be focused.

I could date after I retire, but I’ll be in my mid-thirties at that point, and I’m sure it’ll be slim pickings, even in New York City. Plus, after my career on the stage ends, I’ll still have a hectic schedule. My goal is to teach after retirement. Unless I get a Nike sponsorship or become the face of Gatorade like some athletes manage to do, I won’t come by money easily. I’ll have to work hard. For the rest of my life.

Beside me, Gram tuts her tongue. “There are waves of anxiety rolling off you, sweetheart.”

“I’m fine.”

“That heart chakra of yours…”

“I thought it was my solar plexus?”

“Both, Ruby… both could use some unblocking.”I purse my lips and glance away. I’m not in the mood to listen to this right now. I respect Gram and the work she does, but I really am fine. I don’t need some whirlwind romance to make my life worth something. In fact, it’s ridiculous to think otherwise. My life can be full and happy without some random guy coming into it.

I’m fine on my own.

By the time we reach the purple gate, it’s started to sprinkle. I frown up at the sky and silently beg for this storm to be brief.

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