Page 56 of The Bro Date
“Buck’s right, honey. It was just a little disagreement, and I really did trip down the front steps. They’re uneven as hell.”
“What was the disagreement about?” Shane asks, pinning his dark eyes on her. “The money he stole from you?”
“What?!” Buck shouts. “That wasmymoney, and I decided I wanted it back. Your mama just quit her job at the flower shop on a whim. We had plans to move in together and split the bills, but my disability only covers so much, and I had something to say about it.” He turns to Shane’s mom like he’s ready to resume their argument. “I’m not movin’ in here just to pay all the damn bills myself, Ruby.”
“Mom, this true? You quit?” Shane sounds tired and, quite honestly, a little fed up.
“I lost my passion for flowers, honey. I need to paint! I need to be free!”
“You need to pay your bills,” Shane reasons.
“That’s why I’m going to sell my paintings, Shaney!” Ms. Ruby laughs as if it’s the obvious solution.
The urge to reach for his hand is strong, so I step closer to him instead, offering my silent support. I know this is hard. He has a complicated relationship with his mother, but when it comes down to it, he loves her and only wants the best for her.
“You should call Diane and ask for your job back, Mom.”
She scoffs, looking off to the side. “Of course you don’t believe in me. Neither of you do.”
“Just until you sell your first painting,” I interject, smiling politely. “Hi, Ms. Ruby,” I say with a little wave when she glances over and finally notices me. She has long, dark hair and deep brown eyes, just like Shane.
“Tobias! My goodness! Come give me a hug!”
I hesitantly make my way over and give her a gentle hug, all too aware of Buck’s eyes on me.
“My oh my, look at you. Aren’t you just the cutest?” Ms. Ruby gushes over me.
I blush, unable to control it, and steer the conversation back to her art. “Do you have any paintings on display? I’d love to see some of your work.”
“That one over there.” She points to an abstract palm tree with bright splotches of color that’s actually really cool. “And the bouquet of flowers above the TV.”
“Wow. Those are really beautiful, Ms. Ruby. Very impressive.” And that’s the honest truth. She’s a wonderful artist.
She beams at the compliment. “Thank you, honey. You really think so?”
“Absolutely. I’m sure you’ll sell something quickly, but it never hurts to have two revenue sources,” I add.
“I suppose that might be a good idea,” Ms. Ruby ponders.
“So you take advice from some baby-faced kid, but not me?” Buck throws his arms up in the air. “Unbelievable!”
“Oh, stop, Buck. I’m not even sure I can work right now since I’ve hurt my ankle. I can’t stand up all day.”
“They’re obligated to make arrangements for you, like a stool behind the counter so you can sit and still be a cashier,” I inform her.
“Really?”
“Yes, ma’am,” I reply politely with a small smile.
“Okay, well, I guess I’ll do that. But I’m gonna take a few days off first. I think I’ve earned it.”
“I don’t know how you did it, kid, but I suppose I owe you my thanks,” Buck says to me, thumping me on the back and making me stumble forward a couple steps. “She’s one stubborn woman.”
Ms. Ruby rolls her eyes at the comment, but the way she looks at that greasy slob turns my stomach.
“You don’t owe him shit,” Shane sneers, making Buck grin like he actually enjoys these exchanges. “And don’teverput your hands on him again.” I grab onto Shane’s thick arm, stopping a fight once again.
I will not allow this asshole to sour our first real date.
