Page 37 of Together at Ruby's

“Did you text her?”

“I did,” Tate said. “But she hasn’t answered yet.”

Liza hummed thoughtfully. “I guess we shouldn’t worry too much,” she said, remembering the many times Nikki disappeared for a few days, usually without anyone knowing where she went, although she at least told one of them she was going to be gone. “I’ll text Allie and Rey later and see if they have heard anything.”

“Let me know,” Tate said. “I’m sure it’s fine. You know Nikki. She’ll be back when she’s back. See you tonight.”

Watching Tate go, Liza could not help but notice there was a change in her girlfriend this morning. Even with her concern about the gym being sold, and wondering about Nikki, she seemed more at ease.More like the Tate that I fell in love with,Liza thought, realizing it had been a long time since she had seen Tate relaxed.She’s been under a lotof pressure.Maybe our talk was even more important than I realized.

Climbing onto the elliptical machine, Liza rearranged her towel and her water bottle before pressing the buttons to start the pedals in motion.It really was a good talk, she thought. It seemed like for the first time her message really got through. Not that it was Tate’s fault. Liza understood she was never direct enough, never explained she was afraid of not having time to have children. After last night, Tate truly seemed to hear Liza, and she was reassured they would work something out.

For the firstand hopefully last time, Tate wanted to see Aurora Price. Unfortunately, opportunities to be alone with her did not happen. Even though Tate went to work with every intention of finding time alone with the woman, whenever she tried to approach Aurora, there was always someone else present. So far recording her saying something inappropriate wasn’t working.Could she possibly know I have a new agenda?Tate wondered.That would be impossible. She’s smart, but she’s not a mind reader.With nothing but group meetings on the calendar blocking out the rest of her day, it was unlikely Tate would get the chance she was looking for.I will have to try again tomorrow.She sighed.I hate this, but it needs to be done. Aurora has got to go.

Walking down the hall toward the main conference room for her first of many afternoon meetings, she sensed someone beside her. “Where have you been hiding?” Aurora murmured in a sultry whisper. “I’ve been thinking about you all morning.” Glancing around, Tate was disappointed to see there was no one nearby. No one could overhear something so inappropriate. When Tate didn’t answer, Aurora lightly bumped their shoulders in what would easily be interpreted as a friendly way to any onlooker. Tate knew the contact was far from innocent. The woman wanted her attention. “I can’t believe you didn’t call me all weekend. I really wanted to talk to you, especially last night.”

Tate slowed her steps and looked at Aurora with disbelief. The woman seemed to think she was invincible. That she could say anything. Finally, she had enough, and even though Aurora was currently her boss, and fighting her could be a bad career move, Tate was done being toyed with. “I don’t want you to be thinking about me at all,” Tate said under her breath. “It makes me uncomfortable.”

Aurora’s eyes widened with surprise and then irritation. “Tate,” she said. “I hope you didn’t misinterpret anything.”

“I don’t think I did,” Tate replied, starting to walk again. “But regardless, just stop.” Aurora narrowed her eyes, moving to follow, but didn’t make another comment the rest of the way to the conference room. The space was half filled with men and women in suits, and the meeting was scheduled to go for three hours. It was the monthly financial status update, and in the middle she would give a fifteen-minute presentation about her department. Unfortunately, when Aurora slipped into the seat next to hers, Tate knew it would be hard to stay focused. Scooting closer as if to make more room for others, Aurora turned until their knees bumped. Tate had to force herself not to react. All she did was shift her leg away as her boss started his introduction.

As one person after another went on and on about facts and figures, Tate let her mind wander to last night’s conversation with Liza. Liza had been right. Tate was a perfectionist and was letting it stop her from doing something scary. Having children would make Liza truly happy.And what about me?she wondered.Will it make me truly happy?She had amazing parents and could use them as role models.I could give a child that same kind of love.Filled with warm thoughts, Tate smiled and refocused on the meeting when at the same moment she felt a foot slip under the cuff of her dress pants and caress her leg.

Takingcalls at her desk in the insurance office, Liza tried to remain positive. Even though it was a Monday, and barely after lunch, she was ready to call it a week. People seemed especially irritated.I wonder if it’s a full moon or something,she thought.Everyone is so grumpy.The last customer had been frustrated over what was and was not included under his home insurance policy. Unfortunately, the flooded basement only partially qualified for coverage. She had explained as nicely as possible the conditions of his policy. In the end, he hung up angry, but at least he hadn’t called her names.

As her desk phone rang again, she hoped the next person would at least be polite. Before she clicked connect, she heard her cell phone buzzing in her purse. Knowing she couldn’t really check it during work hours, Liza ignored it. Connecting the work call, she started in on her greeting. “This is Barbara Wilson’s office. My name is Liza. How may help you?”

“Hello,” a woman’s voice said. “I’m interested in taking out an insurance policy on a piece of jewelry. I have a diamond necklace that I received as an anniversary gift.”

“All right, I can help you with that,” Liza answered, turning to her keyboard and checking the woman’s phone number against their records. There were no matches, so Liza started her new client routine. “What is your name?” The woman started to answer at the same time Liza heard her cell phone buzzing again. With a frown, she tried to ignore the sound, but it was odd anyone would be calling her so insistently when she was at work.It certainly wouldn’t be Tate, she thought, and her friends and family knew her schedule.Then who is it?Distracted, Liza realized she had not heard the woman’s answer. “I’m sorry. Could you repeat that?”

“Yes, it’s Layton Clifton,” the caller said.

“Thank you, Ms. Clifton,” Liza replied as she typed her name into the computer database and started her record. Before she could continue, her phone chimed with not one text but multiple texts.What is going on?she wondered, feeling a little uneasy over someone being so insistent to talk to her.I’ve got to check.“Ms. Clifton, I apologize but I’ll have to put you on hold for one second if that’s all right?”

“Of course,” the woman said, and Liza was thankful she had someone nice. Pulling her desk drawer open, she grabbed her purse and quickly pulled out her phone. On the screen were texts and missed calls from Rey.That’s weird, she thought, her unease turning to worry. Rey would not be calling her unless there was a very good reason. Then her mind went to Tate and her situation at work.Could this have something to do with that? But why would Rey be calling?She had to know.

Turning to her coworker, Liza tried to stay calm. “Emma,” she said. “Can you take the call that I have holding on line three? I have to check my messages. I think something serious has happened.”

“I’m on it,” her friend said, already reaching to press the number to answer.

“Thanks,” Liza said as Emma started her conversation with Ms. Clifton. Stepping out of the office into the hallway, Liza quickly dialed Rey’s number without bothering to read the texts or listen to the voicemail. “What’s going on?”

“It’s Nikki,” Rey answered, and Liza heard tears in her friend’s voice.

At the sound, Liza’s heart nearly stopped. “What do you mean it’s Nikki?” she asked. “Is she all right?”

“No,” Rey’s voice wavered. “A car hit her this morning while she was on her bicycle. The cops called me, because apparently, I’m listed as her emergency contact. I just got to the hospital.”

“Oh my God,” Liza said feeling her body go numb.Not Nikki, she thought.That can’t happen to Nikki. Nothing bad happens to Nikki.“What hospital?”

“Good Samaritan,” Rey said. “Can you come?”

“I’m calling Tate and then I will be on my way,” she said. “It’s going to be okay. Nikki is strong.”

“I know,” Rey said. “But she’s in surgery, and they won’t tell me anything else.”

“I’ll be there soon,” Liza said hanging up to call Tate.

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