Chapter 3 #2
Her simple robe with its puffed geometric pattern was old-school, like those 1970’s housecoats that people joked about, saying they turned our granddaddies on and had them giving our grandmothers ten kids.
It wasn’t too revealing but showed me just enough of her curvy shape to make me wonder what she looked like in skimpy clothes.
The sash of the robe cinched her waist perfectly as the sky-blue garment billowed to the ground.
Nude ballet flat slippers peeped from her skirt with a matching bow at the toe, alerting me that I most likely intruded into Ruby’s nighttime routine.
“You look as if you’re ready for bed. Are you sure I’m not inconveniencing you?”
Ruby eased her body into her chair and fixed her eyes on me with a neutral expression. She didn’t speak as she watched me lift my spoon to my mouth. Her eyes lingered on my hands.
“I’m a single woman who doesn’t talk to many adults. Although your presence at my dinner table is unexpected, I appreciate your joining me for dinner. You’re nice company.” Ruby smiled and continued eating small spoonsful of chili as I finished my bowl.
Her words pleased me.
“Thank you. You’re not so bad either.”
We checked each other out and ate without saying a word. I felt special that she shared a part of her private world with me.
The differences between Ruby’s home and school persona intrigued me. At school, she was exuberant, flowery, and expressive. Her bright, stylish clothes exuded fun and professionalism. She always wore her hair pulled back, making me wonder if she ever let it down for others to see.
“I like it when women who are naturally beautiful don’t hide behind makeup and other things that are artificial.”
I’d never been a man who didn’t speak my mind, and I wasn’t going to miss an opportunity to compliment someone who brought joy to my angel.
“You’re laying it on thick with the charm. Thank you, Mr. Snowden.” Ruby blushed and touched her cheek.
“My government name is Amari.”
She nodded.
“That it is. What does it mean?” Ruby took a sip of water and smiled.
I placed my napkin beside my nearly empty bowl.
“In Yoruba, it means strength or builder.”
Ruby raised her half-full water glass and saluted me.
“What a perfect name for a rock-solid man.”
“Thank you.” I mirrored her action with my glass and toasted with her before openly taking in everything about her.
Ruby was so pretty she glowed. Her lips were the perfect centerpiece for her face.
The sheen of her glassy walnut-colored skin reminded me of a Twix chocolate bar.
Ruby looked no more than twenty-five. Her blemish-free skin was moisturized exquisitely, as if she had just taken a bath and oiled herself up to shine like a brown-skinned porcelain doll.
Ruby’s beauty was classic, with the soft angles of her face making me take a second and third look at her every time she spoke.
Everything about her was understated, yet regal.
I hadn’t seen beauty like that in years.
We sipped our waters and placed our glasses back on the table.
“Before I get started with my inspection, I want to let you know that your reputation precedes you.”
Ruby’s face softened, showcasing high cheekbones that made me want to capture her look on film. She cocked her head to the side and took another sip of water.
“Who’s in these streets talking about my boring self?”
Her humility drew me to her more.
“The Warrens are my neighbors. Their youngest kid, Timmie, was in your class last year. They were on their way to the Christmas parade when I got home from the hardware store.”
Recognition covered Ruby’s face as she grinned. When I grinned back at her, she covered her mouth to hide her smile.
“He’s such a sweetheart and a charming little boy. His parents are great supporters of the school. Please tell them hello the next time you see them.”
I spooned some chili into my mouth and spoke after I swallowed the last spicy bite.
“I will. They’re big into the Christmas spirit. If you ever ride down Rocky Road Lane, you can’t miss their sixty-foot lawn Santa.”
Ruby chuckled.
“I know. They really are over-the-top about the holidays. No wonder Timmie was so excited about our Christmas class decorations last year. He has an artist’s eye.”
“He stopped me to show all the ornaments y’all made in class. They were really creative. I especially liked that little reindeer. That’s one of the reasons I wanted Aspen in your class. You’re an excellent teacher.”
Ruby beamed as if I’d given her the best compliment in the world.
“Thank you for trusting me with Aspen, and thank Pinterest for much of my creativity. They have so many lovely ideas for arts and crafts.” Ruby’s voice got high-pitched and giddy, like a kid.
I absorbed her goodness as I took a big bite of buttery cornbread. This version of Ruby was who I hoped I’d see when I stepped foot on her doorstep.
I turned and looked into the family room to our right and saw no Christmas décor that reflected her enthusiasm for decorating.
“I’m surprised you don’t have your Christmas stuff up yet. Do you need help?”
Ruby stirred the remaining chili in her bowl and shook her head.
“I go all out for my students, but I keep it low-key at home. I’m a minimalist like that.”
But why? She obviously enjoyed the holiday and had a flair for decorating.
When Ruby concentrated on her bowl as if it were a complex jigsaw puzzle, I considered that my hint to get to work.
“Well, if there’s nothing else, I’ll clean my bowl and get started on your repairs. Why don’t I check out your basement first?”
Instead of giving me confirmation that she was fine with my decision, she dropped her spoon beside her bowl and sat as still as a statue. She’d zoned out again.
“I’m not that much of a humbug.”
The random comment made me stare at her as if she’d spoken to me in a foreign language. Had I hurt her feelings with my questions?
“Excuse me? Oh, no, I didn’t mean to imply . . .” I began to apologize.
She raised her hand to silence me.
“No. I feel the need to explain myself. You’ve been more than generous with your conversation and even your discount for services, so I want to be cordial. I fear that I’m not doing a great job. I’m so sorry about that.” Ruby allowed her eyes to linger on mine as she gave me a forced smile.
I reached across the table for her hand and squeezed it.
“In this economy, we’re all allowed to be humbugs.”
Ruby pulled the top of her robe together with one hand and cracked a smile.
“Thank you for understanding. Before you go to the basement, tell me about your holiday plans.” Ruby raised her eyes in what appeared to be genuine interest.
I was pleased with Ruby’s request, which gave me more time with her.
“Aspen’s with my ex-wife this holiday, so I’m going to host my parents, siblings, nieces, and nephews for my annual Christmas Eve dinner. I smoke a brisket, and everybody brings sides. A few of my single friends come over. If you’re in town and not busy, I want you to come to.”
Although my invitation was casual, I held my breath, hoping that Ruby would say something that would have me looking forward to her presence in my home.
“I don’t usually go out on Christmas Eve, so I don’t know.” She clutched her napkin with her eyes wide.
“What about your folks? Mr. Augustine was the king of Christmas, from what I remember.”
Ruby’s dad brought seasonal joy to all the kids in the city when he dressed up as Santa every year in the Christmas parade.
“My family does it big in North Carolina, but I prefer to stay close to home.”
When Ruby bit her lip and furrowed her brow, I bit mine too. Never had lip biting been so attractive to me.
As R&B holiday tunes played softly in the background, I let Ruby stew in whatever was going on in her head. I rose and scraped the remnants of my food in the steel trash can by the island in the kitchen, rinsed the dishes, and placed them in the Whirlpool dishwasher.
“I’ll let you finish your dinner in peace. It was delicious, by the way. You’re a very hospitable person. Thanks for the company.”
“You’re welcome. I enjoyed you too.” Her soft voice touched my heart despite her body language that warned me to keep my distance.
As Ruby resumed her meal, I sighed. I could tell that she was a broken person, just like my ex. I didn’t need to jump into whatever mess she was going through, since I already had too many things to fix in my own life.