Page 21 of Waiting for Redemption

“We cool?” I ask, holding my hands out, awaiting his answer.

“Yeah, we’re cool.” Hendrix slaps the hand I had no intention of getting a high five on and we go back to sitting in silence. He looks at me with squinted eyes and I look around to be sure he’s not lookingpastme, before asking what’s wrong.

“Is there something else on your mind, buddy?”

“Why do you look like The Hulk?” My mouth opens to answer just as Ruby walks back into the bar.

“Okay, special fries for my most special guy,” she says, placing the basket of french fries on the counter. I laugh off the comment about me looking like The Hulk as Hendrix sticks his tongue out at me as if to sayhaha I’m most special. Ruby’s brows knit together as she looks at me confused, but I simply shrug my shoulders and walk back to the other end of the bar.

“Okay, who’s ready to go to the park?” Betty says, reappearing from the restrooms.

“Me!” Hendrix exclaims as he holds his arms out for someone to help him down from the bar.

“Bye buddy, have fun and be good for Betty,” Ruby says, kissing his cheek before planting his feet back on the ground and handing Betty his basket of fries.

“Yes ma’am.” He grabs Betty’s hand and waves over his shoulder.

“Bye, Tank.” I rear my head back, a little surprised that I made it off his shit list and onto hisworthy of a goodbyelist that quickly.

“See ya, buddy.” I salute him with two fingers and he mimics my motion, making me grin. When the door closes behind them I look back over at Ruby who seems to be in a state of shock.

“Umm… No offense but, I kinda thought he hated you after your last encounter. What was that about?” she says, hiking a thumb over her shoulder.

“Ouch,” I say, placing my hand over my heart causing her to roll her eyes playfully.

“I’m serious. What happened while I was getting those french fries?” She laughs, throwing a fry at me.

“We talked. I told him I understood why he didn’t like me. Which shocked him. That if someone hurt somebody I loved, or Ithoughtsomeone did, I wouldn’t like them either. Then I told him that I would never hurt you on purpose and I think we came to an understanding after that.” Her features soften as she twists the bar towel in her hands.

“Okay then,” she finally says.

“Okay then.”

Maybe it was a little soon to qualify Ruby as one of mymost important people, but I don’t think it is. As someone who’s never had long-term friends, I have a feeling this is one that has the potential to last. Man, I hope I’m right. Because these days God knows I could really use a friend.

CHAPTER9

RUBY

ONE YEAR LATER…

Me

Are we sure we trust my kid with these rings? I love him to death but he likes to hide shiny things.

Taylor

Of course we do!

Taylor

Especially since he won’t get them until we send him running down the aisle.

Me

Smart choice.

Leah

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