Page 52 of Under A Sicilian Sky
The dog licked at her face and wagged his tail harder.
She looked up at Mitch who was glaring at her. He turned his attention back to Reid. ‘Well, I suppose we’ll see you tomorrow night at seven then.’
‘Looking forward to it,’ Reid said. ‘Well, we’d better get going. Chewie needs lots of exercise.’
Ruby laughed. ‘I can imagine!’
They said their goodbyes and when Reid, Jules and Chewie headed off to continue their walk, Ruby and Mitch headed back towards Glentorrin House.
‘Don’t you think that was a bit careless?’ Mitch said, without looking at her.
‘No. And quite frankly I would rather you didn’t speak for me, thank you very much. I’m a grown woman with a tongue in my head.’
Mitch stopped and faced her. ‘I was trying to protect you. But you’ve probably gone and blown your cover now.’
She shrugged, unsure why he was so pissed off. ‘I didn’t think it would be such an issue with them being your friends.’
‘Aye, but it only takes them to mention something in passing to someone else. You received death threats for god’s sake. And why did you have to confirm any suspicions they may have by talking about meeting Peter Mayhew?’
She growled in frustration and placed her hands on her hips. ‘No one is going to kill me, Mitch. I’m just me. And people meet actors all the bloody time. Conventions, meet and greets, who’s to say I met Peter on a bloody movie set?’
He tilted his head, ‘But I bet youdidmeet him on a movie set, didn’t you?’
‘Well… I… Okay, yes, but that’s not the point!’ She huffed. ‘You made it more obvious by trying to avoid dinner with them.’
He pursed his lips and glared at her again. ‘It just feels weird, that’s all. We’re not a couple, and going for dinner at another couple’s house is a very couply thing to do. They probably think we’re an item now.’ The look on his face told her he was none too happy about that fact.
She scowled at him. ‘Thanks very much! You make it sound like it’s bloody abhorrent to be seen with me!’
He glanced around and stepped closer. ‘Keep your voice down, will you? You sound like a banshee.’
‘Oh, I’ve had enough of you. I really have.’ She turned and stomped off towards the house and when she arrived, she slammed the front door behind herself and stormed up to her room.
A moment later, there was a light tapping on her door. ‘Ruby? Is everything okay?’ Shelby asked from outside her room.
She turned and opened the door. ‘Hi, Shelby, yes, I’m fine. It’s okay. I’ve just had a really frustrating day.’
Shelby’s mouth turned downwards, and she regarded her with a piteous expression. ‘Anything I can do to help?’
Ruby opened her mouth and briefly contemplated telling Shelby what Valerie had done… or not done, what Mitch had organised with Archie, and what had happened when they bumped into Reid and Jules, but she stopped herself, deciding she didn’t want Shelby reporting back to Val, and she didn’t know her well enough to emotionally dump on her. ‘No, really, I’ll be fine. I think I’m going to have a long hot shower and read my book.’
Shelby smiled and reached out to stroke her arm. ‘I’m here if I can help in any way. I know we don’t know each other that well but… well, I want you to know I’m here for you.’
Ruby smiled. ‘That’s very sweet and kind. Thank you.’
21
The following morning, Ruby awoke feeling down. She missed her parents and Kitty and even the texts from Philippe made her sad. He was driving for another famous person, a sports personality, and he seemed to be enjoying it. He sent a photo of his family all waving at the screen and seeing their smiling faces only made her miss them too.
As she passed Shelby’s room, she heard the young woman talking on her phone. ‘Yes, that sounds great. I’m sure I can drive over without being missed. It’s a dream come true to get the audition. I’m so glad Miss Locke contacted you about me. She’s such a great support and a great friend. And I’m glad you’ve accepted her recommendation in spite of the posts she made. I’m grateful to her for suggesting me for the role now that she is staying out of the limelight.’
Ruby scrunched her brow. What role? What contact? She would certainly need to get the bottom of that matter.
She made her way down to the kitchen with trepidation. She wasn’t sure if Mitch would be speaking to her, nor did she know if she wanted him to.
He was sitting at the table reading what appeared to be a local newspaper. He glanced up at her but didn’t speak.
She helped herself to tea from the pot and sat opposite him. ‘Do you want to cancel tonight?’ she asked sheepishly.
