Page 25 of Cinnamon Strudel
That same evening, Ruby called, excitingly exclaiming she was able to switch schedules.
“My brothers would like to join,” he reluctantly explained.
“So, you three are talking now?”
“Not of my own choosing, but unfortunately they’re as much my boss as I am my own.”
“Maybe my brother and sister-in-law could join too, if you’re ready for that?”
“I am if you are.”
“I have been. I know it’s kind of early, but they’ve known about you since the evening I met you. You don’t have to if you’re not ready.”
“I would love to meet the people you’re so close with.”
“The Memorial Mall one is the nearest. Do you want me to pick you up or will your brothers bring you?”
“If you’re leaving straight from work, I would prefer to spend the ride with you.”
“You’re such a sweet talker. I’ll pick you up around three.”
“Perfect.”
“I’m super excited.”
“I’m fucking nervous and it’s not because I’m being introduced to my girlfriend’s family.”
“Your girlfriend?”
“Yes, darlin’, ‘girlfriend.’”
Ruby let out a shy little giggle that made him weak in the knees. “I have a boyfriend.”
“And that boyfriend’s going to tell you to lay down and rest up now.”
“Fine.”
“Look at you, listening so well.”
He blew her a kiss and hung up, only to receive pictures and videos soon after of the ice rink they’d be going to.
Damn, how had he gotten so lucky?
Morgan
Before Morgan knew it, Saturday came around and Ruby had given him the heads up that she was on her way. In a change of plans, she was stopping at his apartment to change and drop off her things. So he met her downstairs, greeted with a hug and a kiss to his cheek.
“Give me your bag, darlin’.”
“Such a gentleman.” With her bag over his shoulder and his fingers entwined with hers, he led her upstairs. “Is that what you’re going to wear?” she asked him.
“Is it inappropriate?”
“The ice might make it a bit cold—you may want to grab a jacket. Is Blue coming?”
“I was thinking of giving him the night off, if that’s alright with you. He can’t come on the ice with me, and I’d have no one there to watch him.”
“Of course, it is. And you don’t need to justify your choices—he’s a hard-working boy and deserves some quiet time.”
