Chapter 12
Ruby got home that day, feeling very tired from the day’s work. She needed a lot of rest as she planned to go to the hospital that next day.
Just when she had freshened up and had her dinner, her phone rang.
She groaned, picking the phone up in frustration.
She frowned, on seeing an unknown number on the screen.
She knew that it was not Jaxon, she had saved that number he used to call her, in case he called again.
But who knew if he was the one, he had not even called since the day he threw her out of his car.
She decided to pick the call up to see who it was.
“Hello..” she muttered in a low voice, holding the phone to her ear.
“Hi, Ruby it’s me,” the person said and she immediately recognized the voice.
It was Kevin. She literally forgot she gave him her number.
“Hi Kevin, how are you doing?” She asked feeling more relaxed as she walked over to her fridge to get a glass of juice.
On the other end of the line, Kevin chuckled, his voice warm and friendly. “I’m doing great, thanks for asking. And you?”
Ruby let out a sigh. “I’m good, I guess” she replied walking to her sitting room where she sat on one of the couches.
“I guess you’re home already?” He asked.
“Yeah, I got home not too long ago,” Ruby replied.
“That’s great!”
“It feels so good to hear from you once more Ruby…” he chuckled.
“You just disappeared after college, I went to your old house but I was told you relocated” he informed as Ruby just listened quietly.
The rent for the house she used to live in was too much that she had to relocate with her sister.
“Well, I preferred a more quiet environment, so I moved..” she lied, keeping a straight face.
“A quiet environment, huh?” Kevin replied, his voice hinting at a smile. “Well, that makes sense. And it sounds like you’re pretty happy with your new place.”
Ruby could practically hear the skepticism in his voice, but she stood her ground. “Yeah, I am. It’s a nice change of pace from all the hustle and bustle of the city.”
Kevin seemed to sense that she was being less than forthcoming, but he didn’t press the issue.
“That’s nice,” he uttered, shaking his head.
“By the way, I’m so sorry about your parents. I heard about their passing..” he sympathized when he was trying to find her. He heard about that from some of the neighbors.
“No, it’s alright..” Ruby said as she squeezed her eyes shut.
Ruby’s throat constricted as she struggled to keep her composure. “Thanks, Kevin. I appreciate it.”
The silence stretched out between them, the memory of her parent’s sudden death hanging like a dark cloud over the conversation. She had never quite come to terms with it, and she wasn’t sure she ever would.
“So what are you up to tomorrow? I don’t know if we can meet up or something” Kevin asked, diverting the topic.
“I don’t think that can be possible Kevin..” Ruby said as she glanced up to the ceiling, and blinked away the tears that had already gathered in her eyes.
She was glad they were talking over the phone.
One thing she tried so hard to forget about was the death of her parents, that was the thing that always brought her to her lowest, so she always tried not to think about it.
“Why is that, Ruby?” Kevin asked gently, sensing the emotional vulnerability in her voice. “I may not know everything you’re going through, but I’d be happy to lend an ear.”
Ruby hesitated, considering her response. She wasn’t used to opening up to people, especially not someone she hadn’t spoken to in so long.
“It’s nothing Kevin” she exhaled, cleaning off the tears from the corner of her eyes as she sat up from the couch.
“It’s just that I’m busy with work and won’t be able to make time. I’m so sorry for disappointing you” she apologized.
“Come on Ruby, I know you’re free tomorrow,” he said loud enough to hear as Ruby’s brows furrowed.
“And how did you know that?” It’s not as if you work with me as a waiter?”
Ruby’s suspicions were on high alert. How had Kevin known about her free day tomorrow? Had he been stalking her, somehow?
“I… uh,” Kevin stammered, clearly caught off guard.
“I just figured that you might have a day off. You know, from the waitressing gig.”
“So can we meet tomorrow, just to catch up”
“No worries, my intentions are pure..” he quickly chimed in, in case that was the reason she was saying no.
“It’s not that, it’s just that…. Alright fine. Where do you want to meet?” Ruby finally agreed, spending just a few hours with him wouldn’t hurt
Being alone at home all day was really boring and Ophelia was busy with something.
She would just meet him for some time after seeing her sister.
“Great!” Kevin exclaimed happily.
Despite her initial reservations, Ruby found herself giving in to Kevin’s enthusiasm.
After all, what harm could come from a simple meet-up?
“I’ll pick you up from your place tomorrow at 10,” Kevin suggested. “Is that okay with you?”
“No, I’ll meet you instead”
“Alright then. If you say so. I’ll text you the location”
“Yeah, bye”
“Bye ruby, see you tomorrow”
As Ruby hung up the phone, the silence in the room felt like a vacuum, sucking away all the comfort she’d just gained from talking to Kevin.
She gulped down the remaining juice in the cup before walking to her kitchen, where she rinsed the cup.
After she was done, she headed to her room, to retire for the day.