I let out a humorless laugh. “When do I need to be there?”
“One month from today, 8:00 a.m.”
With a resigned sigh, I rest my head back against the seat. “Great. I guess I’ll see you then.”
There’s the sound of footsteps on the other end of the line, and a door snicks closed. “We’re going to win this, Ruby.”
Liam glances at me from the driver's seat and takes my left hand in his, giving it a gentle squeeze.
I glance down at where he’s skating his thumb along my palm, hoping to steal some strength from his gentle touch. “I’m not so sure.”
“I am, and Abby agrees with me. We have a strong case.”
“Ok. I, um… I gotta go. I need time to process.”
More movement comes through the speaker. It sounds like someone else is in the room with him. “I’ll have Abby set up a conference call later this week, and we can debrief.”
“Thanks, Adam. I appreciate it.”
“Just doing my job. Take care of yourself.”
“I will. Bye.”
“Everything ok?” Liam asks.
His first instinct has always been to take care of me, and that hasn’t changed, even while I was away. He’d text me every few days, checking in. Apart from my family, he’s been the only constant in my life for the last ten years, but their care and concern are different—like an obligation. Liam could’ve walked away at any time. For better or worse, he stays.
“That was my lawyer,” I say. “I have a court date in Nashville. One month from today. I’ll have to take a few days off.”
“Aiden will be on his fall break. I can come with you… if you want. I’m sure Ivy wouldn’t mind keeping him for me.”
“Won’t you have to work?”
He shrugs. “I can ask for a few extra days. I’ve already done my fair share of overtime.”
“Are you sure? I wouldn’t want to prevent you from meeting your cat rescue quota.”
“Cheese Wiz will be fine without me.”
“Ok, but you’re driving, and I want full control of the playlist.”
“Yes, ma’am.
Chapter 15
Better Man
? Hymn to Virgil - Hozier
Ruby
“That’s all!” Aiden holds out the completed grocery list with his scribbled check marks beside each item.
I scan the cart to double-check and head to the checkout. Carmen is working today, and she shows me the completed tattoo, chatting animatedly about how the artist is a big fan.
As I’m picking up the last of our bags, there’s a deafening bang in the distance. A chorus of startled gasps reverberates through the market, and several people rush outside to investigate the source of the sound.
It’s pure chaos when we step out onto the sidewalk. Sirens wail as police, firetrucks, and ambulances speed toward the smoke billowing from an apartment complex just off Main Street. When the fifth fire truck passes, I know it’s bad.
