Page 61 of Cinnamon Strudel
The couch groaned when she stood, before a tablet appeared in front of his face. “I don’t even know why.”
“Have you asked your client what she thinks?”
“It’s too rough of a sketch to show.”
“Is that what they told you?”
“No, what I think.” She sighed and took the tablet back. “I’ll show her and take a break.”
“I didn’t mean to be intrusive.”
“You weren’t. I’m just frustrated with myself.”
“Snack time?”
“I believe so. Do you want me to bring you something?”
“Skittles, please.”
Ruby returned with his treat, but instead of returning to the couch right away, she stood behind him and massaged his shoulders. Once her client confirmed she liked the sketch, Ruby worked away until it was time to leave.
At her parents’ house, Ruby let herself in and called out to announce their arrival.
“I must disappoint the both of you,” Angela said from further away. “Jude demanded that everyone leave the house for a bike ride to the park and they haven’t returned yet.”
“I’m sure they’ll get hungry soon enough.” Ruby took his hand and led him down the hallway. “Where do you need us?”
“Nowhere, you two love birds just relax.”
He couldn’t wipe the grin off his face as he was tightly hugged. “Thank you for having me back.”
“Oh, sweetheart. How could I not, you’re part of the family now.”
“I’m pretty sure you could show up here at any time without me,” Ruby said, “and she would have a slice of cake in your hand before I even knew about it.”
“Of course!”
“That means the world to me, Angela.”
A squeeze to his bicep, and then she mischievously asked, “So when will I get my second grandbaby?”
“Mom! We just met!”
“Well, a mother has to at least try.”
“She did warn me you wanted a football team of grandkids.”
“So, you twohavetalked about it. That is wonderful.”
“Oh, Mom you’re so embarrassing,” Ruby groaned.
“What was the verdict? How many children are you two contributing and when can I start knitting socks?”
He opened his mouth, only to be silenced by Ruby’s hand. “Don’t encourage her. We are doing this on our own terms.”
“Well, just know that we have lots of baby clothes all neatly packed away, and your old crib is in the attic.”
“That is a very generous offer,” he managed to say behind Ruby’s hand.
