Page 63 of Betting on the Best Friend
“I can’t say for sure what it’s going to take for us to get back to normal,” I say. “Or when. But I promised her it would. That’s a big promise considering up until yesterday I was convinced she’d wake up to realize she loves me.”
In a fierce voice, Madison says, “Shedoeslove you.”
“She also loves Josh and Joey and Oliver.” The tiredness is returning. Madison’s wheel would call this feeling defeat. That’s when it hits me. “Neither of you is trying to encourage any Ruby-ever-after plans.”
“Don’t give up hope,” Madison says.
“Of fixing things,” Oliver says with a warning look at Madison.
“Maybe more,” Madison persists even though it seems like Oliver wants her to drop it. “We don’t know how this is going to go.”
Oliver leans forward to make his point. “If this isn’t what Ruby wants but Charlie stays hopeful, she’ll feel that, and it’s going to make their friendship awkward.”
“We’re already there.” I picture Ruby’s face as I confessed. “She looked like she was watching me come in last in a race I never should have been in. Embarrassed like she wanted to look away, but she wouldn’t let herself because she’s too nice.”
Oliver winces. “Brutal.”
“Honestly? The pity might be harder to get over than the rejection.” I stand, and Madison scrambles to her feet.
“Don’t leave. We haven’t fixed it yet.”
I shake my head. “You can’t, and don’t feel bad about that. I feel like trash right now because it just happened. I’ll figure it out.” I give a tight smile. “Eventually.”
Madison wrinkles her nose. “You might should banish that word from your lexicon, cowboy.”
“I might should,” I agree. “I’m going to get out of here. Clear my head some more.”
Madison hops up to give me a hug. “You’re the very best, Charlie.”
“Thanks, Mads.”
Oliver walks me to the door. “Anything I can do?”
“Not unless you have a time machine,” I say.
He gives me a courtesy laugh as I pull the door closed behind me, but my smile fades as soon as it shuts. Even if I had a time machine, how far back would I have to go to fix this? Right now, it feels like it would have to be far enough to make sure I never meet Ruby if I want to escape the inevitability of falling for her.
Because carrying the weight of thwarted destiny? Sucks.
Chapter Twenty-One
Ruby
I can’t ever rememberdreading coming to work and seeing Charlie, but that’s how I feel when I park at the library Monday morning. I add that to the list of things I’m mad at him for.
Madison had scratched at my door last night after Charlie told her and Oliver about our fight. I hadn’t wanted to talk about it, and I made her promise not to tell Sami or Ava until I was in the mood to handle it.
I am still not in the mood.
But Charlie never comes in. When he’s five minutes late, I check the schedule posted on a magnet board in our break area. Charlie’s schedule has changed; he’s not on it at all this week.
Relief and annoyance hit me at the same time. I’m glad I don’t have to figure out how to act around him this morning, but to take the whole week off? He didn’t need to do that. It’s dramatic, and Charlie isn’t dramatic. Which only makes the point that he’s changed everything, and so the annoyance.
I consider texting him to ask why he did it, but I know why, so sending a text is stupid. Instead, I start the morning routine, andwhen I cross paths with Sandy, I try to sound casual when I ask, “Why isn’t Charlie on the schedule?”
“Central branch,” she says. “He’s covering for someone out on maternity. He didn’t tell you?”
“We’ve had our wires crossed this weekend. I’m sure I’ll get a text any minute.”
