Page 92 of Freeing Ruby

Miguel leads me to a long table where I spot several familiar faces—Layla and Jason, of course. And Charlie. Philip—I remember him from the time he came to my old apartment to install a security system. I recognize Liam McIntyre from the YouTube videos we watched one evening of him fighting in a boxing ring. His girlfriend, Jasmine, is here. And another couple I’ve met before—Erin and Mack.

Layla stands and gives me a hug. Charlie scoots out of the booth and hugs me as well.

Layla had saved two seats next to her. I take the one right beside her, and Miguel sits on my other side.

Once I’m seated, Layla hands us menus.

Miguel puts an arm across my shoulder and leans in close. “Doing okay?”

I nod. “Fine. I’m fine.” But the truth is, my heart is pounding. I glance around the wide open space at a huge crowd of people. Some are seated, eating and drinking and talking. Others are on the dance floor. Some are playing pool. Every seat at the bar is taken, and behind the bar are at least four staff members scurrying all over the place to serve their customers.

So many people. It’s overwhelming.

I feel so open and exposed. So vulnerable.

Miguel reaches for my hand under the table. He strokes the back of my hand, the movement calm and comforting. His lips brush my hair. “Everything’s fine,” he says quietly. He squeezes my hand and chuckles. “You’re sitting at a table filled with professional bodyguards. Trust me when I say you couldn’t be in safer hands.”

I manage a smile and nod.

We order food and drinks. And while we’re waiting for our food to arrive, one of the couples—Liam and Jasmine—go out onto the dance floor.

Our drinks come. Miguel and I both ordered Cokes. As I take a sip of my cold drink, my pulse continues to race. When my chest tightens, I take a deep breath.

Layla leans toward me and says, “Ruby, I’m so proud of you.”

I look her way and find her smiling at me.

“You did it,” she says. “You’re here.”

Earlier in the week, I told her we might come tonight, but that I wasn’t absolutely sure. I promised I’d try, though. When she raises her glass of water in my direction, I raise my glass, and we toast.

I feel anxiety’s grip on my chest loosen a little bit, and I can breathe better.

I notice Miguel watching us with a satisfied grin on his face. He leans close and kisses my temple. “I’m proud of you, too.”

And suddenly, I find myself smiling. I did it! I’m here. It’s a small step, sure, but it’s a huge step for me. Hopefully one of many more to come.

Our food arrives, and we eat. When we’re done, Miguel asks our server for our check.

“Ready to go?” he asks me after he’s paid our bill.

I nod, relieved. “Yes, I’m ready.”

Layla hugs me goodbye, as does Charlie.

It’s just starting to get dark out when we walk hand-in-hand back to Miguel’s car.

“How are you feeling?” he asks.

“Terrified.” I laugh. “But also proud of myself. I did it.”

He pulls me close and slips his arm around me. “Yes, you did. When you feel up for a really big challenge, we can join my family for a Sunday dinner. You can meet my family, my grandparents, and lots of aunts, uncles and cousins.”

“Oh, my.” That does sound like a challenge.

When we reach the Mustang, Miguel opens the door for me, and I slide into the car. On the drive back to our building, I’m mesmerized by the streetlights and the strings of fairy lights hanging in front of storefronts. “I forgot how pretty downtown Chicago is at night.”

“You think this is pretty?” Miguel asks. “Let’s drive down North Michigan Avenue, past the bridge, so you can see the restaurants along Chicago River. That’s really a sight.”

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