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He glances to the passenger side of his blackout sedan. “Ms. Spencer, you realize even after your car arrives, I’m still assigned as your security detail. But it’s nice to know I’m growing on you.”
“Aww.” I chuckle. “You know I adore you. I’m just not sure why Nathan thinks I need a babysitter.”
As promised, Nathan bought me a car after our confrontation in his office last week. We swept through three fancy dealerships, but I’d grown quite attached to the Lincoln. I wanted the exact same make and model but in a pearl color. I was more than willing to settle for black when they didn’t have it in stock, but my boyfriend said “settle” is no longer a word allowed in my dictionary. My pearl Lincoln is being shipped from Florida and should be here in a couple days.
I couldn’t be the girl who used her new, rich boyfriend to buy her something as substantial as a car, so I created a repayment plan,interest-free. I’m not ridiculous, there are some perks to dating a billionaire I’ll indulge in. Maybe feeling a bit guilty for his controlling mishaps over the past few weeks, Nathan was atotal gentleman about the idea of me slowly buying my car from him. He only rolled his eyes once when I made him sign the repayment agreement.
The loud school bell rings and Miller rubs his hands together. “I’m feeling good today. It’s my day for the win.”
I scoff. “Fat chance.”
Over the past week, Miller and I have developed a new game at school pickup. Whoever spots Charlie first, wins. According to my sister, Claire’s missed a lot of school lately, so she’s been forced to branch out. She’s become quite the social butterfly, and it’s hard to guess which crew she’s coming out with. The choir kids made sense. Even the cheerleaders were in line. Miller and I were both alarmed when she was lurking around the giant oak tree in front of the school with the goth kids. I swear to God if she asks me for permission to get something pierced, I’m going to start attending school with her every day.
“How come she never hangs out with the jocks?”
I love my little sister so much, but when it comes to sports, she’s about as graceful as a duck in a diaper. “She’s more the artist type.”
Knock, knock, knock.
Miller and I both leap at the loud pounding on my passenger window. My heart screeches to a halt when I see Ruby’s flushed face trying to peer into the vehicle. The car windows are tinted past regulation, so I have no idea how she spotted us. Lucky hunch?
“I’ll handle it.” Miller switches off his playful demeanor and goes James Bond-dangerous in front of my eyes.
“No, no. Roll down the window,” I say. “She’s a friend.”I think. I’m honestly not sure how I feel after learning what Ruby did to Nathan…and Elise. It’s hard to see her the same way.
“Spencer.” She exhales my name in relief. “I was going to call you.” Upon closer inspection, her eyes are slightly swollen,weakly supported by puffy bags beneath them, and not a lick of makeup. She looks like she’s lost a significant amount of weight since the last time I saw her. Her hair is slopped up in a messy bun, very unlike her. She’s also wearing black sweatpants with a baggy, black T-shirt. Never once have I seen Ruby in anything other than clean slacks and some kind of floral blouse. If the hairs rising on the back of my neck weren’t warning enough, her current state is a very loud cry for help.
“Ruby, are you okay?”
She pats the windowsill, then rests her hand over it. “Fine, just fine, dear. Is this your boyfriend? He’s handsome.”
Miller salutes her with two fingers but stays silent, waiting for me to take the lead. Something tells me I should keep Ruby in the dark about my relationship with Nathan, so I let her assume whatever she pleases as I sidestep the question. “I heard Claire’s been sick.”
Ruby diverts her gaze, making her lie so obvious. “Yes, well… She’s at school today.”
“Oh, good. Bell just rang. I’m sure the girls will come out together shortly. I was actually going to ask you about inviting Claire over soon, but I wanted you to know I moved?—”
“That’s perfect. Is tonight okay?”
I shoot Miller a glance through my periphery, wondering if he also picked up on the desperation in her voice. He arches one brow indicating we’re on the same page. I turn back to Ruby. “It’s a school night.”
“I know. Um, it’s a big favor, but I was hoping you could keep Claire for a couple days. I have to go out of town for an emergency. Could you get her to school? She has lunch money for the week, but I’ll reimburse you for everything else.”
“Oh, well, we’d love to have her, Ruby. Are you sure everything is okay?”
“It will be.” She forces a smile, but it comes out pained. “I wouldn’t ask you if I had anybody else.”
It takes all my strengthnotto ask where the hell her dad is in all this. “Sure. How long?”
“Is through Sunday okay? I should be back by then.”
I don’t even know if I’ve weighed the magnitude of this. I’m flying by the seat of my pants, here. Nathan and Claire, reunited? Is that a good idea for anybody? He never gave me his blessing. But I’m powerless not to do something. It’s clear Ruby is distressed, and Claire too, by extension.
“When are you leaving?” I ask. “I can come by and pick Claire up tonight if that makes things easier for you.”
Ruby looks over her shoulder, warily. “Can you take her now? I have a bag packed for her in the car. I also brought Babe if you wouldn’t mind keeping an eye on her too?”
“Ruby?” I reach out to place my hand over hers. “Are you sure you’re okay? If you need help?—”