Page 50 of No One's Like You
Ellie said one day, and Ruby happily accepted as they barbecued in a permitted area near Dallas. That night they remembered that high school reunion where everything started between them and each of the moments they've experienced since then. Adele now attends therapy, and overcoming the loss of her husband is almost accomplished. She still goes to Odette's house every day; their friendship has become a pillar for which both are grateful. Odette maintains her well-known bad temper, but now she smiles more and appears happier. Jerome now has an employee, or as he says, an apprentice. His goodwork has caused his clientele to increase until he needed extra help. They've gone to dinner with Margaret, Ellie's mother, several times, and of course, she always hints that although they might like shells, the wedding would be more beautiful if both wore white dresses. They haven't talked about getting married, but Ellie's eyes sparkled when she imagined legally uniting with her girlfriend, and Ruby just winked at her. Marry Ellie? As many times as necessary.
"The new sign has arrived," Ellie suddenly announces after checking a notification on her phone.
"About time," Ruby says with a huff, referring to the new Early Bayou sign they ordered almost a month ago.
"They'll install it the day after tomorrow; shame we won't be there."
"We can go back if you want," Ruby says and smiles when she glimpses her girlfriend's horrified expression.
"Pull over there," Ellie urges when the GPS announces they've reached their destination, "next to that tree."
Ruby turns off the engine and, without exiting the vehicle, moves to the back to grab a couple of chairs and some beers. This has been their routine whenever they want to watch a sunset, and she can't think of a better plan than that. She gives a start when she feels Ellie's warm body pressed against her back and immediately the wetness of her mouth traveling along her neck. Ellie's passion still surprises her, especially her stamina during long sessions of passion.
"You have a gorgeous ass," Ellie whispers to her before pressing her lips against her girlfriend's left earlobe.
Ruby can't resist and turns to kiss her eagerly, but Ellie's lustful plans are thwarted when two vans park almost beside them. Ellie pouts, which is quickly replaced by a wolfish smile. Ruby knows what this means; they won't do anything right now, but tonight nothing will stop her.
"Let's go, we'll actually see the sunset after all," Ellie says, and Ruby stares at her open-mouthed. It was all a trap.
"My own girlfriend tricks me to get me in the sack."
Ellie shrugs, blows her a kiss, and opens the door to exit with the chairs in hand. They find a spot to settle, having a bit of space for themselves just a few meters from the motorhome. Ruby opens the beers, and they toast once more, looking into each other's eyes.
"To continuing to travel the world together," Ruby says.
"To many more adventures," Ellie clinks her bottle against her girlfriend's.
They remain silent for a few minutes, watching how the color of the sky changes as the sun begins to disappear. For both, it's a spectacle of incalculable value, something they started doing on the first day of the trip that made them feel energy flowing between them in a way that united them even more. Ellie looks away because even more beautiful is observing Ruby's profile. How fortunate to have loved her, to have removed the blindfold when it wasn't too late, because falling in love with her best friend could have been the most difficult and painful thing in the world, but if that miracle she experienced in being able to start a relationshipwith Ruby occurs, it's the most incredible thing in the universe.
"I love you," Ellie blurts out, and immediately Ruby connects her gaze.
"I love you more."
Ellie shakes her head while smiling because Ruby always answers the same way, and that's impossible. Ellie adores her best friend, her girlfriend, and, she hopes, her future wife with every fiber of her being. She stretches out her arm and intertwines her fingers with Ruby's.
"Thank you for waiting for me," Ellie's eyes well up. "No one is like you, Ruby Hebert."