Page 63 of Homebound
Gemma didn’t bother asking her for new brushes.
“Are you getting any supplies?” she asked Ruby instead.
“Yes. Arlo wanted me to bring him his stuff. His knee is acting up. He claims it bothers him on the stairs.” Ruby rolled her eyes, showing what she thought about Arlo’s excuse.
Gemma waited until Ruby checked out a bucket. Marigold couldn't refuse her a legitimate request but being mighty peeved, she selected the oldest, rustiest, and dirtiest one she could find. It was also short one caster.
Gemma and Ruby looked at each other hiding grins.
“That’s what he gets for being lazy,” Gemma said when they made their way to the stairs.
“He’ll have to deal.”
“You’ll hear all about it. He will blame you.”
“I’m sure. I don’t care.” Ruby grew serious. “I miss you already, Gemma. Why did they transfer you?”
“That’s what I am trying to find out. Are you getting someone new?”
“Not that I heard. Is the women’s block short of helpers?”
“No, they have plenty without me.”
“This makes no sense.” Ruby shook her head. “But, you’re much better off on the second floor. I was getting really worried about that Obu. Don’t question your good luck, Gemma.”
“No, I want to come back. Iwillcome back.”
The vehemence in Gemma’s voice made Ruby search her face.
“Oh, boy,” she said softly. “I hope your alien Simon isn’t the reason for the resolve I hear in your voice. He isn’t worth putting yourself in danger.”
Just hearing his name made Gemma’s heart clench and release. She took in a shallow breath. “Will you tell him I’ve been transferred? So he knows.”
“Why? He never responds. And if he could respond, he wouldn’t care. Baby, he’s an alien. They don’t give a rat’s ass about us humans, even pretty gentle ones like you.”
“Please, Ruby, for me. Just tell him that I’ve been transferred but I’ll come back. Tell him that I promise.”
Ruby looked comically uncertain. “If it makes you feel better, hon…”
“Yes, it does. It’s very important to me. And thank you.”
Ruby nodded and said, “We better go.”
“Let’s take the stairs.”
They started moving toward the staircase.
“Marigold’s too nosy,” Ruby said under her breath. “That old bitch thinks she’s important because she lords over the buckets. A bloody warden! Ha.”
There was no love lost between the two women.
“I was trying to catch Arlo. Is his knee for real?” Gemma asked.
Ruby looked uncomfortable. “It’s hard to tell with him.”
“Ruby, do you think he had something to do with my reassignment?”
Ruby visibly fidgeted. “I don’t know. But like I said, you’re better off on the second floor anyway.”
