Page 91 of Waiting for Ru
“I went to a polo match today. Our team won.”
“Congrats!”
“It was so fast and furious. Really exciting. I wish I could have a go. Where are you?”
“Sitting outside in the garden throwing the ball for Dog. Most of the time, Tay has to go and get it.”
“Only because you’re as lazy as Dog,” Tay teased.
“It’s good exercise for you.”
Ru chuckled. Bela jumped up to sit on his shoulder.
“By the way…” Ink gave a heavy sigh. “I had a call from Mum. I have no idea how she got my number. She’s worried about you.”
“You answered the phone?”
“I didn’t know it was her.”
“Have you blocked her now?”
“I didn’t see the point. She’d call me from some other number. I usually ignore all calls unless they’re from a chosen few. The National Lottery for example.”
“You don’t ever buy a ticket,” Tay said.
Ink laughed and Bela rubbed her wing against Ru’s cheek.
“Are you making friends?” Ink asked.
“Yes.”
“Any special friends?” Ink raised his eyebrows.
Ru felt his face heat. “Loads. Khloe and Matilda and Tia and Bolt and—”
“Until you got to Bolt, I thought they were people.”
“Stop pushing him,” Tay said.
“He’s too far away. I want to hug him.”
A lump formed in Ru’s throat. “Everything’s fine. I’m making friends.”
“That’s good,” Ink said quietly. “Don’t forget that if you stop feeling okay, we’re here.”
“Thank you.”
“Now go see that special friend we can see you’re not ready to talk about yet. Have fun, live a little. You deserve it. Bye, Ru.”
“Bye.”
Ru had barely put his phone down when a message came through.11 PHEleven at the pool house? His stomach fluttered. He tapped back,OK.Now all he had to do was not fall asleep while he was waiting. Though worrying that the message was very brief, and not funny or chatty like the ones they’d been exchanging, kept him worried.
He risked another text.Are you happy?
A moment later, the reply came back.As soon as it’s 11
Ru sighed.
