Page 57 of Waiting for Redemption

Giving myself distance to get my mind right was definitely necessary, but the day I’ve been waiting so impatiently for– the day I’m finally back in Ruby’s orbit– may be here much sooner than I thought. Because the same guy that was just asking me who I was here to watch is putting a look of fear on Ruby’s face I wish I’d never seen. Though I don’t normally worry about Ruby being able to handle herself, she seems completely frozen right now and there’s not a single one of our friends around to have her back if need be.

After assessing the situation and seeing how uncomfortable Ruby is, I immediately grab my phone to text Tucker.

Me

Keep Hendrix by the concession stands until I say otherwise.

Tucker

Wait. You’re here? This is getting really sad dude.

Me

Not now Tuck. I’m so serious.

Tucker

Ok. He won’t leave my sight.

Within 30 seconds I’m approaching Ruby’s side and while my outward appearance is as stoic as ever, my heart is about to hammer out of my chest, worried how she may respond to my sudden reappearance.

Six months. It’s been six months since I’ve seen her and I’m probably about to cross so many lines.

I don’t even bother second-guessing myself though, because when I see her up close she’s ghost white and looks so scared that it makes me want to snap necks and ask questions later.

“Hi, Honey. Surprise.” I wrap my arm around her shoulders protectively, planting a kiss on the top of her head.

“Tank.” She breathes my name out like a confused prayer and every part of me wants to kiss my name right off her lips. To breathe her in and give myself the time to take in every last beautiful feature I’ve missed for six months. “What are you doing here?” she asks, looking up at me as a little bit of pink paints her cheeks.

“I know you thought I had to work today but I got off early. I wouldn’t miss our little man’s last game.” I wink at her, seeing the confusion deepen in her eyes.

“Our?” the guy asks, his tone nothing short of repulsed. “Wait, are you… You’remarried?” His entire demeanor changes, as a look of shock washes over him. I knit my brows together as I look down at Ruby, seeing something change behind those sweet brown eyes when she barely hums out, “Mhm.”

Mhm? As in,yesmhm?

I have no idea what’s happening, but that’s not about to keep me from playing along. I drop my hand to her waist and pull her in closer, making her look up at me.

“What is it, ten short days now until I get to watch you walk down the aisle?” She doesn’t say anything in response. She simply looks up at me, eyes wide as can be as the blush in her cheeks darkens. I smirk at the fact I can still make her blush, and then she turns back to stare athim, allowing her features to immediately harden when she does.

Don’t look at him. Look atme.

“I’m sorry, and you are?” I ask, looking back as if I forgot he was there at all.

“Someone you’ll be seeing again,verysoon,” he scoffs, giving Ruby one final look of disapproval before walking away. I watch with my jaw set tight as he gets into a blue Tesla and drives away.

“Oh my god, what the hell did I just do?” she asks, pulling away from me slightly, the anguish on her face making me feel unsettled.

“Who was that?” I ask, though I’m not sure she hears me.

“Whywould I do that? Why would Isaythat?Mhm.” The panic in her voice puts me more on edge than I was before.

“Ruby, who. Was. That?” I demand. I have my suspicions but I need to hear it from her. I need to know for sure.

“That was Hendrix’s father,” she answers, looking as though all the life is draining from her while she stares blankly into the parking lot. “The man who didn’t want me to have him.” Tears fill her eyes as she looks up at me. “The man who threatened my life if I didn’tget rid of him,” she says in a whisper, looking around self-consciously as she wipes a stray tear that’s fallen.

Fuck.I’m going to kill him.

“I need to go find Hendrix.” Her breaths are quickening and I can tell by the look in her eyes she’s on the verge of a panic attack as she begins frantically walking away. I step in front of her and grab her by the shoulders gently.

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