Page 121 of Holding You
“Let’s go,” I say and stand.
It’s not that I try to avoid the festivals— it’s just that they all start to blur together, so I’m picky about the ones I go to. Seems Ruby and I have that in common.
But the kids love every single one no matter the fact that they all look exactly the same. The one change is the name and the occasional game or two.
“Are we walking together?” I ask as we all move for the front door.
“No,” Ruby quips.
My neck practically snaps as I look at her.
Is she mad at—oh.
She winks at me and walks out the door.
Susie and Max take the lead as we walk toward Main Street.
“How’s your day?” I ask, bumping her arm with mine.
“Eww, Dec, are we really going to be those people? The ones who slept together and now they just create small talk.”
I beam at her, soaking in the way she called me Dec. A lot of people call me that, but never Ruby.
I think she might be my favorite person to use my nickname.
If she doesn’t want small talk, I’ll just cut to the point of what I’m really thinking.
“You look sexy today.”
“Dec!” she scolds and then smacks my arm. “No.”
I chuckle again. “What do you want from me?”
“I don’t know.” She tosses her hands up. “Ask me about work or something.”
“How’s work?”
Her laughter catches me off guard.
“Good. Thank you for asking. I signed a new client today.”
“That’s wonderful. Tell me more.”
She playfully shoves me and rolls her eyes. “Better, but you don’t have to keep asking me about work.”
“Why not? I genuinely want to know. I’ve seen your work, Ruby. You’re good. More than good. The whole concept of your talent amazes me.”
To that, she pauses, her gaze latching onto mine.
“You’ve checked out my work?”
I nod. “Is that not okay?”
“It’s fine. I just … why?”
I shrug. “Why not?”
“Because you don’t need graphic design work.”
