Page 71 of Stroked Long
“Nice, let me send this over to her real quick.” I watch Reese text Bellini, not really interested in saying anything else.
Once he sends the message, he looks at me and asks, “Do you know Ruby well?”
Do I know Ruby well?Given the fact that she was cuddled to my side last night while we binged on Gilmore Girls and talked about everything from her very first crush to my favorite color underpants, I could say I know her well.
For the record, her first crush was Jason Booth and my favorite color is black, it’s all I have. She was not shocked by this answer.
Pulling on the back of my neck, I nod casually. “Yeah.”
Being the asshat he is, Hollis asks, “Ooo, do you like her?”
I glance up at Hollis, not breaking a smile. “She’s a friend,” I bite out for some reason, not liking to be teased and then turn to Reese. “Thanks for putting in a good word. I appreciate it.”
“Not a problem at all. Are you ready for camp?”
“Yeah, my coach had me doing repeats all morning. Pretty sure I’m ready to taper now. What about you?”
“Same here. I’ll be happy when these two-a-days are over. I’m starting to feel my age.”
Reese has been in the Olympic circuit for a while now; he’s got one more game under his belt than me. This is my third shot at the Olympic Games, and I’m hoping to hit one more in four years to tie Reese in appearances.
Speaking truthfully, I say, “I’ll be sad to see you go. You’ve always pushed me to do better.”
“Same here, man.”
His phone beeps, and I hold my breath as Reese reads the text he received back from Bellini. He’s texting back and forth and I start to worry. Are they arguing? Did I put him in a bad spot? Is she going to say no?
After what seems like forever, Reese looks up from his phone with a smile on his face. “Looks like your girl is getting a chance.”
“Really?” Damn, I’m excited, but of course I doubt that is communicated in my monotone answer.
“Yeah, I assume Bellini will call her in the next few days. Just warn Ruby if she’s working for Bellini, she’s going to have to have thick skin, and if anything, Bellini expects perfection. I hope Ruby is up for it.”
“She is.” I smile wistfully. Ruby is going to be so fucking excited. “Thanks.”
“Seriously, no big deal. I’m going to head to the showers. I’ll see you at camp.”
“Yeah, take care.”
Sticking my neck out for Ruby was scary, but so fucking worth it. My Rubes will be proud of me, at least I hope so.
Now I need to cash in on the favor I did for her. I really hope she’s game. Pulling out my phone, I text her.
Bodi: Reese said to expect a phone call from Bellini in a few days.
Her response is immediate.
Ruby: What? Seriously? OMG Bodi, thank you so much!
Bodi: Anytime, Rubes. But this little favor doesn’t come free. You owe me.
Ruby: Is that right? What form of payment are we talking here?
Bodi: Are you free tonight?
Ruby: Besides organizing my ribbons, I’m not doing anything.
Classic Ruby. I don’t know any other person who would plan for a riveting night of ribbon organization.
