Page 8 of Saved By Love at Christmas
“Great. I’ll pick you up at seven.”
* * *
RUBY
After breakfast—or more like brunch—with Grandad, I sat back in my seat and sighed my contentment.
“That was amazing. I haven’t eaten this much in ages.”
Jamie always checked my portions and what I ate. Even though I wasn’t overweight, I had curves, which I thought he loved. At least, he had loved them when we’d started dating. Then it seemed to be his crusade to make me lose weight. But how could I lose weight when there was nothing wrong with my size? I used to sneak food when he wasn’t around or on the occasions I was allowed out of the house on my own.
“Did he hit you, Ruby?”
My eyes went to Grandad’s. He was looking at the bruise on my temple, which had become a shade of black and purple.
“Only once. That’s why I left. I was scared that once he started, it was only going to get worse. Oh, Grandad. I’ve been so stupid.”
And I had been stupid. I couldn’t see the warning signs. An image of Jamie’s expression just before he hit me flashed before my eyes. Such anger. Such evil. My eyes refocused on Grandad. I needed to get rid of the worry lines on his forehead.
He pulled his chair close to mine. “Now, you listen to me, Ruby James. You are not responsible for that man’s behaviour. No one should ever strike another person. The only thing you did was fall in love with the wrong man.”
I cried and hugged him to me. “But I feel so guilty. I’ve treated you, Ben, and Marie terribly. I allowed that man to shut all of you out of my life. And I’ve lost my business.”
“We understand, love, and we’ll look after you. You can build up your business again. For now, we need to get you healthy. That’s my main priority.”
I yawned. “Sorry. I haven’t slept properly for a long time.”
“Then why don’t you have a bath and get a few hours’ sleep?”
I kissed his cheek and rose from my chair. “That sounds like heaven.”
* * *
BEN
Later that evening, Marie and I got our drinks at the bar and waited for our table to become available. This place was buzzing, one of the most popular pubs in the area. There were beams on the ceiling, the floors were polished wood with rugs scattered around. A mix of modern and quaint, old-fashioned décor.
“You look tired,” Marie said.
“I had an early start.”
“Ben, I know you’ve had a promotion, but you need to make more time for yourself. You should find a beuatiful woman to fall in love with.”
I laughed. “Right back at you, sis. Time for you to find a man.”
She took a sip of her wine and shook her head. “Nope, not going to happen. At least not for now.”
Now or never.“I had to do an airport run this morning. With Tom.”
Her head shot up. “Is Ruby back? Has she finally come to her senses and dumped that dick?”
Marie didn’t mince her words. Straight to the point, my sister.
“It’s complicated.”
“I’ll go and see her tomorrow. I may have a business proposition for her too.”
Her blue eyes were alive with excitement, and she flicked back her long brunette curls over her shoulders. I could almost hear the cogs whirring in her mind. She placed her glass back on the table, positively humming with life. She looked at her bag as if she was going to fish her phone out and call Ruby there and then.
