Page 27 of Together at Ruby's

The man made a subtle nod of his head. “You’re in luck,” he said. “There is a store on the corner of this block that sells antiques and other interesting objects of days gone by.” He smiled. “They might have the one you’re looking for.”

Feeling hopeful for the first time in the last few hours, Tate thanked the man and, with Allie on her heels, went to find the antique store. The minute she stepped inside and caught the distinct smell of furniture polish, moth balls, and incense, Tate knew it was the place. Looking around, she took in the room. The space was filled with antique furniture and various treasures, all in a mix that left little room to walk around. One wall was all shelves, crammed with hardbound and leather books. The other wall was lined with glass displays filled with objects from another age. Even various chandeliers hung from the wood beams across the ceiling. Every bit of it reminded Tate of her mother—a unique woman in every way who loved to collect antiques, feeling each piece could tell a story.

As if conjuring her mother from her memories, she heard an elderly woman call to them from across the store. Tate knew it wasn’t her mother, but the timber of the voice was very similar. Every part of the place made her feel welcomed and happy. “I think this is the place,” Tate said to Allie in a hushed tone.

“I’ll be right there,” the woman said, appearing through red velvet curtains that probably led to the back of the store where there was even more marvelous inventory. Wearing a long colorful skirt, a modest blue shirt and a shawl held with a broach that looked like a butterfly, she fit in perfectly with the shop. She smiled. “Welcome to my store.”

“It’s wonderful,” Tate said. “I grew up loving antique shops like this.”

“Did you? Perfect,” the shopkeeper said, her eyes twinkling with delight. “Are you looking for something specific?”

Moving closer, Tate nodded. “I am,” she said. “I’m looking for an engagement ring.”

The shopkeeper tilted her head. “For a special woman?”

“Yes,” Tate said. “A wonderful woman that I want to marry.”

Nodding, the shopkeeper hooked her finger at Tate as she walked behind one of the long display cases. “Follow me,” she said. “And describe her, so I can show you a ring that will match.”

Tate considered her request for a second.Can it be this easy? she wondered, as her hopes lifted. “She is beautiful, intelligent, and loving.”

The saleswoman paused. “And that sounds like many women that I have met. Surely, she is more unique than that if you love her so much.”

Furrowing her brow, Tate thought for a second and nodded. “You’re right. She is also exciting and full of life. Whether it’s joy or anger, her emotions are always close to the surface. She is the fire to my ice.” Tate felt her throat clench with emotion. “And I cannot live without her.”

Nodding, the shopkeeper slid open the back of the display case. “Then I have just the ring for you.”

After decidingit was best to take an Uber from her house, Liza sat in Ruby’s at the bar across from Vivian. Four small margarita glasses full of different colored liquids sat on the counter in front of her. “Now try these,” Vivian said. “And tell me what you think.” She smiled. “I know you will be honest.” Liza looked the woman in the eye and gave her a half-smile in return. Clearly, Vivian knew her well. Liza never held back her opinion on something.

Picking up the first margarita, Liza appreciated the little glass. “This is cute,” she said. “And I promise, I will tell you exactly what I think.” Liza examined the creamy orange drink. Yellow crystals coated the rim. “What is this? Salt?” She touched it with the tip of her tongue. The crystals were sweet and had a hint of something fruity. “Interesting.”

“Does that mean you don’t like it?” Vivian asked.

“I didn’t say that,” Liza said with a shake of her head. “I do like it. It was just unexpected.” She sipped and let the small serving of margarita roll over her tongue before swallowing. It was a beautiful blend of mango and what she guessed was pineapple but with a touch of something she could not quite place. “That’s not tequila in there?” She found it hard to believe.

Vivian shook her head. “No, it’s not,” she answered. “It’s the agava blanco spirit that I special ordered. It carries a flavor similar to tequila, but it won’t make you drunk.”

“Well, that’s good for Pride tomorrow, but a bit of a shame for me tonight,” Liza said, setting down the glass. She very much wanted to keep her buzz going and forget all about Tate. “I could really use a lime margarita on the rocks with double the tequila.”

Vivian’s eyes searched Liza’s face for a moment. “I understand,” she said, turning to take a bottle of tequila from the top shelf before she grabbed a margarita glass from under the counter. With an experienced hand, she quickly made the drink and set it in front of Liza.

“Are you going to make me drink alone?” Liza asked with a raised eyebrow.

With a shrug, Vivian poured herself a second margarita. “I suppose not,” she said, and held up her glass in a toast. “To a long and healthy life full of love and friendship,” she said, and Liza hesitated for a beat before raising her glass as well.

“Okay, I will agree to that,” she said, and they sipped just as the door opened. Liza glanced over to see Marty and Rey walking in.

Their eyes lit up when they saw Liza, and together they quickly crossed the bar to give her hugs. “It’s so good to see you,” Rey said, but there was a look of worry in her dark eyes. “I’m glad you made it here tonight to help us get ready.”

Liza sighed. “I can’t let my friends down no matter how much of my life is a train wreck.”

“Aw, I hope it’s not that. It’s almost your birthday,” Marty said as she sat on a stool. Liza caught the warning look Rey sent her. “Uhm… or is that topic off the table?”

“It’s off the table,” Liza replied. “I’m skipping this birthday.” She truly meant it. In her opinion, turning thirty not only sucked, but doing so while her future was so upside down was a double whammy.

Rey rubbed Liza’s arm. “Well, then we will simply enjoy the day on the waterfront together as friends having fun at Pride,” she said, taking the stool next to Marty. “Serving what I imagine are these mocktails sitting in front of you.” She waved her hand at the colorful drinks. “Do we get to Beta test?”

“That’s the plan,” Vivian said, setting more glasses on the counter before picking up the pitcher to pour. “Try each and tell me what you think.”

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