Page 21 of Mr. Swoony

“Hey, Rubes.” I bypass the owner, who reserves a backroom for us Falcons and whoever we’re with.

“Why are you here so early?” She eyes me the entire way to the backroom.

I don’t bother answering, instead shutting the door behind me. I grab the remote and turn on the television, sitting at the big round table in the middle of the room. The door opens behind me, which I expected.

“I’m not serving you any alcohol,” Ruby says, standing at my right.

“Fine. I’ll have a water.”

“Fine.”

She doesn’t argue. That’s not Ruby’s style. She just tells you how it is.

I watch the Colts for a bit, thankful it’s an away game because we live across from the baseball field. I would not have the patience to deal with all the fans today. Easton Bailey ties up the game with a double to left field, and I hear the guys in the bar cheer.

A bottle of water is placed in front of me. “Here’s your water.”

“Thanks, Ruby.”

She slides the chair out next to me and sits. “Okay, I was going to let you sit here and stew about whatever’s up your ass, but Kyleigh told me I need to be nicer.” She leans back and crosses her arms.

“Shouldn’t you be watching the bar?”

“Please, those guys would never try to take something for free. They know I’d cut off their fingers.” She waves. “So, let’s have it.”

I blow out a breath. “It’s just woman bullshit.”

“Oh no, you too? First Rowan, then Henry, and now you. Pretty soon, you’re all going to leave, and I’ll have to train a whole new group of entitled athletes. I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but I don’t like new people.”

“You’ll always have Tweetie.” I crack open my bottle of water and down a third of it.

“Nah, eventually he’ll get his head out of his ass and get out of his own way. I don’t have all day here, so let’s go. Tell me what the problem is.” She crosses her legs and grabs the remote, muting the television. “If you don’t start talking, I’m gonna turn the damn thing off.”

I huff and spin my water bottle around. “I met a woman last weekend, and I’m sure you don’t believe in this, but I felt an instant connection with her.”

“Oh, that.” She pats my shoulder and stands from the chair. “It’s lust. It’s just your dick talking, forget it.”

“Rubes,” I plead because I need someone’s advice on this matter.

I’ve already ruled out my friends, and Kyleigh is way too close to the situation for me to talk to her about it. She’s just starting her brand, and then one of the first dresses she designs, her brother steals the bride? Not a good look. And that’s assuming Eloise feels the same way about me.

“Oh, fine.” She sits back down. “Instant chemistry. Like the movies?”

I nod.

She blows out a breath, and her eyes roll back. “Okay, well, go after her. I know she’s your sister, but your boy Rowan chased Kyleigh hard. Showing up here and interrupting our time with iced coffees every day? That’s what you gotta do. Show her the good guy you are.”

“There’s a catch.” I twirl my bottle again.

“Always is.” She huffs.

“She’s getting married today.” I turn to face Ruby, and her face shows no reaction. There’s no expression other than her usual boredom. “Did you hear me?”

“I already don’t like her.” She puts her hands on her knees to stand.

“You’d like her. She’s Jade’s friend.”

She sits back down. “Jade and Henry are okay with you pining away for their friend who’s getting married today?”

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