Page 19 of Together at Ruby's

“Aurora Price,” Liza said. “Who Tate failed to mention is a gorgeous woman. I mean, movie star gorgeous.”

For a beat, no one said a word as they absorbed the information. “I’m sure it’s a misunderstanding,” Rey finally said. “Surely they were there for a reason other than what you’re thinking.”

Liza felt tears burn her eyes as she tried to give Tate the benefit of the doubt, but the image of her standing at the altar with someone else stuck with her. “I’m not sure,” Liza said. “I just don’t know what to think.”

The door to Ruby’s opened again, and when they all looked, it was Tate. The expression on her face was one of both concern and frustration. Thankfully, Aurora was not with her.That would’ve been too much, Liza thought.I never want to see her in here.

“Liza,” Tate said in an exasperated tone. “We need to talk.”

“I have nothing to say to you,” Liza said. “Maybe later but not right now.”

“Then when?”

Liza shook her head. “I don’t know the answer to that. But I don’t want to rake our friends through this.”

Even though the people in the booth, who she dearly loved more than family, would never judge them, the situation between her and Tate needed to be handled in private. “Then just come home, and let’s find a way to work through this,” Tate said.

Liza shook her head. “No,” she said. “I’m not coming home with you right now. I’m going to a hotel.”

“I don’t want that,” Tate said, and Liza watched her face fall. “I’ll sleep on the couch or whatever you want, but I need you to come home.”

Liza felt a tug of sympathy to see Tate look so sad, but it wasn’t enough to convince her to stay there for at least one night. “Not tonight,” she said.

“Then tonight you will stay with us,” Allie said from behind her. “We have a guest room all made up, and you are welcome to it.”

Relief washed over Liza at her friend’s offer. “Are you sure?” she asked, knowing Allie would insist but wanting to be fair. “I don’t want to inconvenience you or Vivian.”

“I’m sure,” Allie replied. “Come over and take a time out.”

Feelingsome relief knowing Liza would be staying with Allie and Vivian instead of alone in a hotel, Tate nodded. “Thank you,” she said meeting Allie’s eye before looking at Liza again. “I’ll call you later tonight and check on you.”

“You don’t need to check on me,” Liza said, crossing her arms. “I can take care of myself.”

Starting to feel a hint of anger returning at the woman stubbornness, Tate forced herself not to react. “I’ll call just the same, and if you don’t want to answer that’s fine,” she said. “And if you will all excuse me, I’m not in an emotional place to be of much use tonight, so I’m going to go.”

“Of course,” Allie said, and Vivian nodded.

“I think it’s best if we all brainstorm later on this,” Vivian said, while Nikki put the bags of food she’d been holding on the table before turning to Tate.

“Let me walk you to your car,” she said.

Tate let out a deep breath and nodded. “I appreciate that,” she said and with a nod to the group, she left with her friend to go back to the restaurant where Tate’s car was still parked in the lot across the street. As they walked, both were quiet for the first block, but when they waited at the light to cross the street, Tate had to know what Nikki was thinking. “Do you believe me? That what you saw tonight was work and only work?”

When they started moving again, Nikki did not reply, and Tate started to think the worst. She opened her mouth to say more, but Nikki held up a hand. “I believe you,” she said. “But it does look bad. What is going on with you right now? Not only did you bail on our friends tonight, but you’ve skipped a couple of workouts. You never do that.”

“I’m not even sure where to start,” Tate said as they took the elevator and stopped by her car. “It’s all somehow mixed up in my not getting the promotion.” She shook her head. “I do know this woman Aurora Price swooped in and spoiled everything. Not only professionally, but now maybe my relationship with Liza.” Pausing, Tate wasn’t sure if she should keep talking, but then Nikki was her best friend and it felt right. “Can I tell you something and have you not repeat it to anyone?”

Nikki did not hesitate. “Of course,” she said. “You can always trust me.”

Tate gave her a small smile. “I know,” she said, already feeling some relief of being able to share her thoughts. She took a deep breath to gather herself. “I know this sounds crazy, but I think Aurora Price is sexually harassing me at work. Or at least is on the verge.”

Nikki let out a whistle as she rocked back on her heels. “Oh, that is not good.”

“Definitely not. And she’s doing it even though I told her I had a girlfriend from the start.”

Her face turning serious, Nikki met Tate’s eye. “What is she doing to you?”

“She makes subtle comments on the borderline of inappropriate,” she said. “Sometimes stands too close to me, even ran a finger down my sleeve tonight.”

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