“Nothing,” Ruby says lightly. “It’s just more of a player move, is all.”
In that moment I realize if I want Ruby to give me anything helpful I’m going to have to give her something in return. Something sincere and honest. I rub my eyes. “I know how it looks and I’m sorry if we were obnoxious on your big day, but I like her, Ruby. A lot. All I want is a chance to get to know her, properly. And I’m a nice guy. You know I am.”
Ruby chuckles. “You were obnoxious, but it was kind of cute, and I didn’t mind.” Ruby sighs. “I want to help you, but I have to be honest, her rejection of you is not standard Ashley behavior, so I really don’t know why she’s doing this. But, I’ll do you this one favor, I will call her and try and find out what’s going on. I won’t betray her confidence, but I will tell you anything I deem useful.”
“I can live with that.” It would have to do while I formulate my plan.
“Good. I’ll let you know.”
Ashley
I decided to have dinner on my balcony, a nice little table for one that looks out over the ocean. I sipped my Sauvignon Blanc and pick at my mango-encrusted halibut dish, and pretend I wasn’t holed up in my room to avoid running into Christopher.
After the disaster on the beach, I was granting myself one night of pity, and then I’d suck it up and get on with my solo vacation.
My phone rang and I looked down to see Ruby’s name on the display. There’s only one reason she’d be calling. I hit decline and take another sip of wine.
A second later my text went off. I know you’re there, so pick up.
Thirty seconds later my phone rings again. I sigh and answer, cutting right to the chase. “Is this part of your future sister-in-law duties?”
I’m not going to pretend things haven’t been a bit strained with Ruby. I have a feeling she knows I propositioned her future husband, but she’s never said anything, and I can’t exactly ask. I don’t blame her. I mean, in fairness, my throwing myself at him was before she got together with Chad, and it didn’t mean anything. I’m not hung up on him. He’d just looked like a good substitution for Trevor. Someone in the same league, better actually, to even the score.
But I can’t apologize for something I’m not sure she even knows about. She’d known I was after Chad before they got together. I’d told her often enough I thought he was hot, so I couldn’t figure out if the strain was because we’d lusted after the same guy and she’d won, or because she knew what I’d done.
Ruby laughs. “Yes, I guess they are.”
“So I suppose Christopher called you.” No point in beating around the bush.
“He did.”
“Did you tell him to stay away from me again?” My voice is snappish and it occurs to me, I’m pissed at her. I hadn’t thought I was, but I am. She’s supposed to be on my side, not his. She’s supposed to protect me from him, not him from me.
There’s a shifting over the line and an uncomfortable silence stretches between us. We’ve never been here before and I don’t think either of us is sure how to handle it. We’re not those kinds of friends. We’re friends that hang out and go dancing at clubs and laugh together at parties, but we don’t talk.
Finally she says, “I’m sorry. You enamored him as soon as he met you, and I didn’t want him to get hurt. He’s a really good guy, Ash. Sweet and kind and gentle.”
I resist the—Ha!—that rises in my throat. Tell that to the bruises on my hips from the imprint of his fingertips. Kind and gentle, my ass. Besides, that’s not the point. A tightness grows in my chest. “And you think I’m not good enough for that kind of guy?”
“No!” Her voice raises several octaves. “That’s not what I mean at all. I only warned him away because you’re still hung up on Trevor. I know how bad he hurt you and I didn’t want Christopher to get caught in the middle. That’s all.”
Hot, unexpected tears spill onto my cheeks and I suck in a tiny sob I hope she doesn’t hear.
But of course she does, because she clucks. “Oh Ashley. I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay.” My voice breaks. “You’re right. I haven’t been a very good person recently.”
“No, you were hurt, you’re entitled.”
Am I? Because I’m not so sure anymore.
She blows out a deep breath. “There’s something else, but it’s awkward.”
I wipe my tears and instantly still, knowing what she’s about to say. I want to stop her, somehow thinking if she doesn’t say the words I can pretend it never happened, but I don’t. Because, stupid enlightenment and responsibility.