Ruby Regret by Brianna Storm

Author:Brianna Storm [Storm, Brianna]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Storm Chaser Publishing
Published: 2019-12-30T22:00:00+00:00

16. Grave Misunderstandings

Zach texted me when he left his house, and I ran outside eager to greet him the second he arrived. Dad already had the grill going and Shelly was busy carrying everything from the kitchen to the back patio. I watched excitedly as three cars made their way down the oak-lined drive to the mansion.

Zach stepped out of his car more tanned than when I last saw him. He wrapped his arms around me and whispered, “Ruby, I’ve missed you,” into my ear.

While hugging me he gripped me on one of my numerous bruises. It hurt but I wouldn’t flinch. I wouldn’t let him find out that way again.

I hugged him back enthusiastically. “I missed you so much.” I wanted to be alone with him to tell him everything but I had to wait for the right moment.

“There’s a lot I want to say to you.” He took my face in his hands and stared into my eyes. “But I’ll start with this—mwah!”

When I looked into the liquid blue of his eyes, I had no doubt telling him the truth about Lee was the right decision. Once he knew, everything would be okay.

“Mwah!” I replied and leaned in close to him.

As we were about to kiss, Rachel bounced up to us. “Careful, Mom and Dad are watching.”

“Later,” Zach whispered as his parents came into view.

Shelly greeted everyone and ushered them around back to where Dad was flipping the burgers. Garrett strolled up to the grill and offered assistance which my dad gladly accepted. Diane followed Shelly into the kitchen to help grab the last few things as the rest of us gathered around the table. Zach scooped up my hand and slid it under the table with his. I became nervous again like it was the first time he’d held my hand. I couldn’t take my eyes off him and he seemed to have the same difficulty taking his from me.

The picnic was picture perfect. Dad, Andy, and Garrett were old friends and Shelly and Diane acted as though they were. Rachel and Boone were as happy to see each other as Zach and I were. It was the best night I could remember spending with my family. And the first time I considered Shelly as anything more than someone my dad married. We ate until we were ready to burst. Even Boone had to say no to one more hotdog. The weather was hot but with low humidity. It hadn’t rained in weeks and the sky showed no sign of ending the streak. A light breeze and the sound of crickets made it a flawless summer night. It was a night where nothing should go wrong.

Around nine, everyone went their separate ways. The guys went inside to play pool. Diane talked at length about gardening so Shelly took her to see the conservatory. Rachel and Boone said their goodbyes and left for Boone’s house. I decided to give Zach his birthday present early so he would have enough time to prepare for the dinner.

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