Page 70 of Stroked Long
“Yes, but my hat actually represents something. His hat says he’s too lazy to do his hair in the morning.”
“Isn’t that what hats are for? Lazy people?”
“Not necessarily. Hats are an accessory for men.” The minute the words slip out I realize how much Ruby is going to give me sass for them.
“An accessory?” Her body shakes against mine, her laugh ringing out into her small apartment. “I wasn’t aware of your need to accessorize, Bodi. What other accessories are there for men?”
I shake my head, knowing fully well she’s not going to let this go.
“Oh, come on.” She pokes my side and then pulls up her finger, shaking it in the air. “Jeeze oh petes, your side is like steel.”
“My whole body is steel,” I assure her, focusing on the TV, listening to the non-stop banter between the mom and daughter.
“I never expected you to brag.”
“Not bragging.” I turn toward her and tip her chin with my finger. “Just telling the truth.”
Searching me, her eyes float around, delight radiating from them. “I missed you,” she says honestly.
Her confession hits me like a brick to the stomach. I’m not good at reading people, pretty fucking pathetic at it actually, so I’m never sure where Ruby stands when it comes to me. Is she interested? Does she only want to be friends? Is there something more between us? I sure as fuck hope so.
That little confession, those three words, they give me hope. Hope that maybe, just maybe, she’s able to look past the broken man that sits before her and see me for who I am. Because, like I said to Eva, I want more with Ruby.My Ruby.
Wrapping my arm around her, I pull her closer to my side and without making eye contact, because I’m too damn nervous, I say, “I missed you, too, Rubes.”
Chapter Thirteen
BODI
Just as I thought, Hollis and Reese are in the weight room working out together. From the outside, looking through the glass, I observe their easy-going friendship and admire how effortless it is for them to interact with one another.
Me, on the other hand . . . I don’t have any guy friends. I’ve kept it that way because it’s too fucking hard to open up to someone other than Lauren and Eva. I’ve confirmed that difficulty with getting to know Ruby on a level other than a colleague. It’s taken a lot of strength and stepping out of my comfort zone to develop the relationship I have with her—however that may be defined.
And hell, that comfort zone was blasted out of the water.Gilmore Girls? Eating Double Stuf Oreos? Human contact? With Ruby, I’m way out of my league, treading in the deep end looking for some kind of raft.
Despite feeling uncomfortable, I’m here for a reason, to help Ruby.
Entering the weight room with a towel draping my neck, I awkwardly stand in front of Reese and Hollis who are on the floor doing planks, stepping in on their conversation.
“Hey,” I say, pulling both of their attention.
“What’s up, Bodi?” Reese asks, standing, and Hollis follows quickly behind him.
“I have a question for you,” I say, getting straight to the point. I’ve never been good with small talk. I’m not one to ask about how someone feels or about the weather. Ruby, now she can small talk for days.
Before Reese can open his mouth, Hollis the smart-ass says, “Are you asking him out? I tried already today and struck out, but you’re thicker than me, maybe he will give you a chance.”
I’ve never really understood Hollis. He’s an odd fucker. The best diver of our generation, no questions asked, but a fucking weirdo. He’s feminine in a way, but also a self-centered prick in a comical sense, as if he never takes himself too seriously. Pretty sure I’ve never heard something serious come out of his mouth. He’s had a cushy life and would be the first one to tell you. Because he’s Reese’s best friend, I’ve come to know him, but only through interactions with Reese, nothing on our own. I don’t see that changing.
Without acknowledging Hollis’s question I turn back to Reese. “I know someone who is interested in Bellini’s seamstress position. She could really use the work, and she’s good. Do you think you could put in a good word for her?”
“What seamstress position?” Even though I’m not good at reading people, it’s obvious Reese is confused.
“Something about religious wear.” I wish I had more information than that, but I was too busy watchingGilmore Girlswith Ruby last night to bother asking for more information. Damn that Lorelai Gilmore for keeping me interested. And her mom, straight-up bitch. There is no way I would have dinner with her every Friday night. Fuck no, I would be hanging out with Luke.
“Oh, her dog clothes.” Reese shakes his head in disgust. “Sure, not a problem, man. What’s her name? I will text Bellini right now.”
Clearing my throat, not wanting to make a big deal out of asking, I say, “It’s Ruby Hearts. She applied this morning. She actually knows my sister through the Boys and Girls Club.”
