Page 106 of What are the Risks
“It’s the health industry is what it is.” She lifted her palm to her mouth, hiding a yawn. “Are you done filming?”
“Nope. I doubt wewill be anytime soon.”
I felt guilty complaining about the shoot when it was clear Ruby had worked ten times as hard. She looked exhausted. Even beneath her glasses, I could make out dark circles below her eyes.
“Tell me about your day,” I said.
“It’s been an ordinary one. A couple of hip replacements, and I have a cholecystectomy in–” She checked her watch. “–fourteen minutes.”
“What the hell is that?”
“Gallbladder removal.”
I shuddered. That sounded gory and gross.
Taking off her glasses to rub her eyes, Ruby yawned again. The shape her mouth formed sent another shudder through me – though this time, it had nothing to do with nausea.
“I miss you, Rubz.”
The corner of her lips turned up. “As a friend or a sex partner?”
I barked out a laugh. “Both.”
Not that we’d actually slept together yet, but I hoped we’d have the chance soon. The anticipation was killing me. If a bit of foreplay had me feeling this addicted, I expected to sell my soul to Ruby once she let me fuck her –ifshe let me.
“Did you get a chance to figure out whether you can come and visit this weekend?” I checked.
Ruby shook her head, regret plain on her face. “I don’t get off until ten tonight, and then I’m back for a night shift tomorrow.”
I had no idea how she’d lasted nearly four years of long distance. It’d been less than two weeks since we’d hooked up, and my patience was already wearing thin.
It had me worrying what next year would be like. Neither of us knew where we would end up. Realistically, it could be a lot further apart than Philadelphia and Ohio.
She slipped her glasses back on, gathering her things. “My break’s almost done, and you’re probably due back.”
She was right. I could overhear hushed voices coming from inside, probably wondering what was taking me so long.
“I’ll call you later if I can. Bye, Wheels.”
“Bye, Rubz.”
The producer caught my attention the moment I stepped back into the dark, stuffy room. Coach was still nowhere to be seen. I should’ve stolen his coffee idea to buy myself more time.
“While we wait for your coach, can you tell us the team you’re hoping to get drafted to.”
“I’m not hoping to–”
“Don’t tell me, tell the...”
She mouthed the wordcamerawhile tapping the expensive looking piece of technology.
I took a deep breath as I resettled in the uncomfortable seat.
Just be your charming self, Wheels. That shit will sell.
“I’m not getting my hopes up,” I admitted, keeping my tone level. “There are too many variables, like where teams will end up and what type of players they’re looking for.”
“Is there somewhere you’re wanting to go?”
