The Vaudeville Star

“Yes, Ruby,” he said softly, coming to sit beside her.

“It is true?”

“Yes, Ruby. I’m sorry. It’s the reason I came to tell you in person. Your mother wanted to write you a letter, and Pernetta even suggested a telegram. I offered to tell you in person. I wanted you to hear it from a friend.”

Tears formed in her eyes, and Ford enveloped her in his arms. “Shhhh now. Your father loved you, Ruby. He loved you so much. You were all he ever talked about. You know that.”

“He was the only one who loved me,” she said quietly.

“You know that’s not true. You are loved by many people. Jessbelle worships you. When she gets one of your letters, the whole house hears nothing but Ruby this and Ruby that,” Ford said.

“Your sister is very kind. She always has been.”

“There now? See?” He brushed her hair away from her forehead.

She looked around the room and realized they were no longer in the restaurant.

“Where are we?” she asked, sitting up.

“I carried you to my room. I didn’t think it seemly to remain with you as you were in the restaurant. I know my room is equally inappropriate, but as you said, we are practically family. We almost were family,” he said, smiling.

“I’m glad you never married Pernetta. She would have made you so unhappy,” she said as she stared into the glass.

“Never mind all that, Ruby. You’ve had a shock. Drink up and sit back. When you feel up to it, I’ll take you back to the school.”

Ruby took a sip of the brandy and placed the glass aside, leaning her head against his shoulder. Ford didn’t move, and she remained as she was.

“Thank you for coming to tell me. You were always good to me, even when I annoyed you.”

“You never annoyed me, Ruby.”

“You know that’s not true. What about the time I followed you into town and hid behind the flour and sugar sacks while you tried to say hello to—what was her name?”

Ford laughed. “You were a bothersome creature, Ruby Mae, but never annoying. I confess I thought you were cute.”

She looked up at him. “You did?”

“Yes. Following me about like a lost kitten with those big gray eyes.”

“I suppose being called cute isn’t bad.” She smiled a little.

“You’re no longer cute, Ruby.” He sipped his own drink.

“I’m not?” She looked up at him again.

“No, you aren’t.” He said nothing else, and Ruby was crestfallen.

“You’ve grown beautiful,” he told her softly.

Ruby smiled, and when she looked up into his face, his eyes met hers.

“Ruby.”

r /> His hand cupped the back of her head as their lips met. Ruby was startled and placed a hand against his chest, but she didn’t stop him. She heard the thump of the glass hitting the carpeted floor and knew he had dropped his drink. When she moved against him, he broke their kiss.

“You should stop me, Ruby. I’m taking advantage.”

“I’m not a child, Ford. I’ve loved you all this time. It’s always been you,” she whispered. “You know that.” She meant every word.