Bitter Truths (The Denton Family Legacy 3)

Ruby stared at the boxes of clothes that had been there for her at Oliver’s apartment when they got back. The files were in her bedroom, and she’d put all of the clothes into the closet. Pulling Oliver’s clothes off, she changed into a pair of jeans and a shirt, liking the feel of them more than the baggy clothes.

Leaving her room, she found the apartment empty, so she went toward the kitchen. Opening up the fridge she found it fully stocked, and smiled. Next, she opened each of the cupboards, and stroked the designer mixer. The kitchen was perfect, and reminded her exactly how much she’d loved cooking and baking.

Growing up, after training, she’d take time in whatever kitchen she was allowed to visit.

Unable to resist, she got a baking pan, which for some strange reason Oliver had, and greased it up. Next, she pulled out flours and other baking ingredients, which made her chuckle. Why did he have all of this?

Within minutes, she had a batter measured out, and to her, it was perfection.

“You’ve already found your way around?” Oliver asked, walking into the kitchen.

“Do you bake as well as dance?”

“Nope. Mom brings stuff over all the time. She’s the one responsible for stocking everything up. What are you doing?”

“I’m doing a cherry almond bread. I haven’t made it in so long, and I couldn’t help. You wouldn’t let me stay at my bug infested apartment, so I figured I could make myself at home.” She’d already prepared her pan, and was pouring the batter inside, and placing it in the oven.

> “No, no, make yourself at home.”

“I love cooking, and baking.” She paused, recalling the many times that she was home, and bored. The kitchen was where she found the most comfort.

“What are you doing, sweetie?” Lionel asked, taking a seat at the counter.

“I’m making some bagels. Mom’s being mean again.”

“What is she doing?”

“Putting me on another diet. I didn’t fit into girls size pants, and now she thinks I’m too fat.” She kneaded the dough, putting all of her frustrations out on it.

“You are perfect, honey. Ignore Mom. she doesn’t know what she’s talking about.”

“She said if I’m not careful I’ll end up fat and ugly like her.”

“Nah, you’ll never end up like her. It’s not possible.”

Pulling out of the memory, Ruby cleaned the counters, and sat down on the chair, staring at her hands. The pain in her back was still there from the fight she’d had over a week ago. There were bruises, and old scars from a few wounds. “You know, I was going to be a cook. I was going to study in a French kitchen, and become a chef. No matter what my parents wanted.”

“I know.”

“It never happened.”

“You were determined to exact revenge.”

“Yeah. I’ve never been on a single date, or spent time with a guy.” She turned to him. “Being around you is the longest I’ve ever been around anyone. Isn’t that weird?”

“Not weird. I’m not one for company. Besides my family, I can’t stand being around anyone else. No one understands,” he said.

“I’ve not had sex either. You know? My life has just been focused on one thing, and now that my answers are in those files, I’m scared. What if the guy’s dead? What if he’s living a perfect life?” She swiped the tears that were once again falling, and driving her crazy.

“Are you okay?” he asked.

“No. I’m really not okay. I feel like I’ve lost who I am. I mean, look at me. This is not who I am. I’m the girl that other girls used to bully because of my weight.”

Oliver got up from his seat and moved beside her. He wrapped his arms around her, and she found herself holding onto him, needing his touch more than she needed anything else.

He kissed her neck. “This is who you are now, and there’s nothing you can do to change that.”

“I can’t stand this. I want to be happy.” Since seeing the video of Lionel telling her who to trust, and actually hearing her brother, it had been like all of her questions had been answered.