Chapter 32
Chapter Thirty-Two
Griffin
My heart nearly stops when I see Ruby. She’s gorgeous in a flowy dress, her auburn hair loose around her shoulders. Colorful earrings dangle from her ears, a mesmerizing complement to her bright pink lipstick. If a flower bouquet could turn human, it would be Ruby.
The band slips into a slow, velvety country tune, the kind meant for swaying, not thinking, and before I can talk myself out of it, I’m moving. Straight toward her.
Every nerve in my body pulls in her direction. When I reach her, something in my chest settles, like I’ve been holding my breath since I left that shop.
I extend my hand. “Dance with me?”
Her eyes widen, wary. “I don’t think it’s a good idea—”
I’m not sure what comes over me, maybe Clara’s letter echoing in the back of my mind, maybe the fact that I’ve imagined this moment more times than I’ll admit—but I step closer and gently pull her into my arms.
“Ruby,” I whisper, “just let me hold you.”
She softens against me, and we sway beneath the paper hearts drifting from the rafters. Her hand finds my shoulder. My palm rests at the small of her back, and for the first time in months, maybe years, I feel steady. Grounded. Like this is the one place on the planet I’m meant to be.
Everything else blurs. The chatter, the clinking glasses, the boots scuffing the floor. It’s just us and the music, slow and close.
When the song eases toward its final bars, Ruby tilts her face up, eyes shining. I dip my head, hesitating for a single breath, long enough to give her room to pull back.
She doesn’t.
So I kiss her.
Soft at first, then certain.
Somewhere off to the side, someone gasps. Mrs. Periwinkle, if I had to bet my last dollar.
But I don’t look away.
Because Ruby is in my arms again, and just like that, the world feels a little less lonely.