Page 33 of Wild Card
“Ash, this isn’t a joke.” I slam my palm into his chest.
“Hell, woman, will you calm down?” He’s still smirking, and I’m wondering what the hell he’s finding so funny about all this.
“I can’t calm down. If Earl sees me in here, he’ll know we…you know.”
“Did the devil’s dance?” He grabs hold of my waist and drags me on top of him, “Wanna dance with him again?” He reaches up to kiss me, and I forget the situation we’re in when I let him. Until another loud knock comes and Earl calls my name again.
“Grrrrr,” I growl, forcing myself away from him and throwing my pyjamas back on.
“I’m here.” I open the door, pasting on a bright, innocent smile, though there is nothing innocent about the pain I’m feeling in my lower stomach. “I was just helping Ash find something.” I giggle nervously.
“I’m sure it didn't take him long to find it.” Earl looks past me to where Ash is now standing with the bed sheet wrapped around his waist. He looks so hot with his rough morning hair, looking all unruly.
“That fiancé of yours is downstairs.” Earl turns his attention back to me.
“I’ll be right down,” I assure him, taking one last look at Ash over my shoulder and wishing we could have done that devil's dance again. I don’t want to go back to reality just yet.
“I’ll get changed and I’ll be right down.” I smile awkwardly as I squeeze through the little gap between him and the door, and I don’t miss the disapproving look he gives Ash as I step into my own room.
“Morning, sleepy head.” Brett greets me with a smile on his busted-up face as I step into the bar. It’s early, so the place is still closed, which makes the fact that Priest Wilson is here, too, surprising. Believe it or not, our town priest is a regular at the Watering Hole. He once told me that he engages with more town folk here than he does with his congregation on a Sunday, and apparently, his job isn’t just to teach about God; he has a duty to our community. I just figured it was cause he liked rum.
“Priest Wilson.” I nod and smile, wondering if he can sense my sins.
“Ruby.” He tips his head, looking a little awkward as he looks at Brett and waits for him to explain.
“I was talking to Peter here.” Brett smiles at him. “Asking about the wedding, and he asked if you were baptized.”
“Oh…erm.” I feel a little caught off guard. “I don’t know, Mom never mentioned it.”
“I didn’t think so. Josie wasn’t the church going kind.” Brett rolls his eyes at Priest Wilson, and it ticks me off. “But it’s okay, we can arrange for you to be baptized over the next few weeks,” he assures me, leaning in to kiss my cheek. It takes all my efforts not to flinch away from him.
“Why?” I smile, looking between both men standing in front of me.
“Because you can’t get married in a church if you’re not baptized.” Brett laughs at me like I’m stupid. “I explained to Peter that we wanted to get hitched as soon as possible.” He wraps his arm around my waist, and when I hear the door open behind me, I don’t have to turn around to know it’s Ash, and instantly, I freeze.
“Brett, how's it goin’?” he asks casually. “Whoa, what happened to your face?” Ash stops mid-stroll so he can stare at the damage he caused.
“You know damn well what happened to my face.” Brett’s hold on me gets tighter. “What the fuck is he doing here?” he asks me through his teeth.
“Me?” Ash points to himself. “Did your fiancée not tell ya? I live here,” Ash enlightens him before he starts lifting the stools off the bar and placing them on the floor.
“No, she didn’t.” Brett looks at me sternly.
“So, about this wedding,” I glance back at Priest Wilson, attempting to move us on from the subject.
“Well, before we can get things started, we will need to baptize you,” he explains.
“That's a mighty fine idea, Father. Ain’t nothin’ like a good cleanse of the soul and a splash of holy water to wash us of our sins,” Ash intervenes, and I feel my skin go hot as I try to give him a look of warning without being noticed. “Hell, I could do with a little baptism of my own. Maybe me and Ruby coulddo ittogether?” he suggests, and when all three of us look at him in horror, he starts laughing. “Take your mind outta the gutter. I mean, get baptized,notthe other thing.” I feel that heat spread through my whole body and start worrying that I’ll pass out.
“The church is open to everyone; we’re all God’s children.” Priest Wilson smiles at Ash awkwardly, while Brett scowls at him.
“Oh, I don’t think Mr. Monroe will be sticking around town for long enough.” Brett grins smugly, and his words stir an unease inside me.
“I don’t know. I’m quite likin’ this little town. I can think of a few reasons to stick around.” Ash hits back, and I can’t stand the tension a second longer.
“I should really get to work. How about we discuss the whole baptism thing later?” I suggest, shrugging out of Brett's arms and putting myself between him and Ash; the last thing I need is for him to start throwing fists again.
“Ash, don’t you have to be at the club?” I turn to face him, pleading with my eyes to leave. I’m surprised Brett hasn’t pressed charges for what happened yesterday, and Ash is doing nothing to help himself.
