Chapter 25
twenty-five
RUBY
“Maddox Evander Whitworth,” I shout as I storm into the station. I don’t even know if he’s here at the moment, but my anger is clouding my judgment and rational thinking right now. Thankfully, when I reach the counter, I see him standing there but when my eyes land on him, my anger intensifies. “What the fuck were you thinking?”
Why am I angry, you ask? Well, I just got off the phone with Joel, surprise-surprise, he can’t make it to the meeting with the planner and me tomorrow because he has a late meeting he forgot about, but that’s not why I’m pissed. I’m pissed because he told me that yesterday he and Maddox had a fight, about me and him.
“You’ll need to be more specific than that, I think about lots of things. For instance, does a straw have one hole or two? How do nudists clean their glasses? Why isn’t the plural for ibis ibi?”
Dennis interrupts me, “Is there a synonym for synonym?”
“Ohhh, that’s a good one,” Maddox says to Dennis.
“There is,” I answer. “Equivalent or alternative words.”
“Hmmmpf, there you go,” Dennis says, nodding. “Okay, then, is the S or C silent in scent? ”
Nodding, I purse my lips at his question, but then I shake my head. I’m here for a reason and discussing random facts is not why I’m here. “Focus,” I growl at the two of them. “Now answer me, Whitworth.”
“What specific thought are you referring to if the above didn’t cover it?”
“Joel thinks we’re having an affair because you said I’m your everything.”
“No, I said if you were mine, you’d be my everything. Big difference.”
“Why would you say that?”
“Because he’s being an inconsiderate dick, Reindeer.”
“He is not,” I snap in Joel’s defense.
“Who helped with the thank-yous and cooked dinner for you?”
“You did.”
“Who cheered you up with tequila the other night when you were stood up, again?”
“You did.”
“Right, and I did those things as your friend. If he’s jealous of our friendship, that’s on him. Not me and not you.”
“But—”
“No, Rubes. He doesn’t get to accuse us of anything. If anything, his behavior alludes to him cheating. He’s cancelling on you constantly. Recently he’s stopped texting and calling. Classic cheating behavior.”
“But he confronted you about cheating?”
“Maybe to appease his guilt.”
“Ohh,” I quietly utter and I think about his statement. Looking up, I stare at him, then at Dennis. “Do you think he is?”
“Nahhh,” Dennis emphatically states with a shake of his head. “Dude’s too straitlaced and square for that.”
Looking to Maddox, I wait for his reply. He looks hesitant to answer, especially when he lifts his arm and squeezes the back of his neck. His go-to action when he’s anxious. “If you were mine, there’s no way I’d cheat on a girl like you, and there’s no way you would ever doubt that I might. Look, I don’t really know Joel, but you do. What do you think? Deep down you’ll know if he is or isn’t.”
“I … I don’t know,” I honestly answer and my eyes well with tears over the fact I’m not sure if he would or wouldn’t cheat on me. I should be able to answer that with an unequivocal no, but, right now, I’m so confused about everything.
When I marched into the station, I had one thing on my mind, to yell at Maddox for interfering, but now, he’s turned it all around. He’s got me doubting myself and Joel. What kind of fiancée am I to doubt him like this? To doubt either of us? “I-I-I have to go,” I stammer and before anyone can say anything, I race out of the station and head back to the store. However, I detour by the town square and drop down onto a bench. Lowering my head, I stare at the snow-covered ground.
I’m so confused about everything right now, but I mentally slap myself. It’s the middle of the workday during what is always a busy week for us, what with it being just before Christmas, and I left Charlene alone after my call with Joel. It was a really shitty thing to do because the place was full of customers. I may be the boss and can do as I please, but that was really unprofessional of me. Pushing myself up, I power walk back to Read Between the Wines.
As soon as I enter, a sense of calm washes over me and I know it will all work itself out, just like it always does in many of the books I stock. My eyes land on a frazzled Charlene and, instantly, I feel bad for leaving her alone.
Jumping behind the counter, I get to work helping the customers waiting for service. For the next few hours, I flit between the book section and the wine bar, going about my day doing what I love, talking about books and wine.
The rest of the day passes by in a blur, and before I know it, Charlene is locking the front door and flicking on the closed sign.
After closing up, I wave goodbye to Charlene, after apologizing for the millionth time for leaving her in the lurch today, and I watch her climb into her boyfriend’s car and drive off. She offers me a wave and I wave back. I’m not ready to head home yet, so I dump my things into my car and I take a walk around town.
The sun is starting to set and the sky is a symphony of colors consisting of red, yellow, orange, and even purple. Pulling my coat around me tighter, I shove my hands in my pockets and off I go. Walking around town this time of year is magical. Storefronts are decorated for the annual window contest. Fire hydrants have bows attached to them and there’s even speakers that blast Christmas music throughout town, that’s a new addition to our holiday decorations. Mayor Sanchez really went all out this year, wanting to capture the exposure after a lifestyle blogger stayed here last year and shared with all her followers the wonders of Evergreen Lake. It’s been great for business but I am looking forward to my honeymoon and getting away from the hustle and bustle for two weeks.
As I pass by Rizzo’s, I decide to treat myself to pizza for dinner since I have a lovely bottle of red at home. Placing my order, I take a seat to wait, my stomach growls at the amazing scent coming from the kitchen and I know I made a good choice.
Scrolling my phone, my head is down, but I hear a deep voice I’d recognize anywhere. “Is my order ready yet?”
“Not yet, sorry, Sheriff,” Leo informs him, just as Delivery Dan comes in to collect another three orders for delivery. Seems everyone wants pizza tonight but then again, Rizzo’s makes the cutest pepperoni tree pizza this time of year. Not sure what it is, but the tree shape makes it taste a million times better than a round pepperoni pizza.
Maddox turns around and his eyes widen when he sees me also sitting here.
“Hi, Maddox,” I offer with a wave.
“Ruby,” he replies as he takes a seat across from me to wait for his order.
“You called me Ruby.”
“Well, it is your name,” he snaps.
“You always call me Reindeer and this is the second time today you’ve used my name.”
He nonchalantly shrugs at me, not saying anything else. It seems he’s still pissed at me after my earlier outburst. “You don’t get to be angry with me, Maddox.”
“I’m not angry,” he hisses, crossing his arms across his chest in a defensive pissed-off manner.
“Your words and demeanor say otherwise.”
“Don’t presume to know my ticks.”
“Why are you being a jerk?”
“I’m not. I just want my pizza.”
“This is more than having to wait for your pizza and you know it.”
“I’ve had a long day. I don’t have time for this shit.”
Before I can get answers, Leo calls out his name. Maddox stands up, gets his order, and heads out without a goodbye. Him not saying bye hurts more than it should. I thought we were friends, but it seems I know nothing when it comes to the opposite sex right now.