Rules Of Different Games

Chapter 9-Rehearsal and Parties

4 years later

Ruthie Finn

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Clairmont was a cute town. Mini businesses ran up and down either side of Maine Street, just like in Pine Creek Village. The only difference was that these people were somehow nicer. The little game shop I used to run and now owned, along with the dance studio and diner, were doing good financially. I was doing well, keeping my mind busy and off the upcoming wedding.

"Okay, the flowers are ordered. The cake is picked out. The dress and tuxedo are bought. The venue is secure. What next, Dillan?" I asked my uncle, putting my pencil down.

My Uncle Dillan was sitting at a game table with his husband, Andrew, and son Charles playing a round of Dungeon and Dragons. He whistled at something that happened, then looked at me sternly.

"Rings? Food? Hair and makeup?"

"All covered. The rings are at the ranch in Miranda's safe."

"Then I think it's safe to say we are ready." He smiled at me.

"I'm not." Charles, my cousin, complained, rubbing his sweaty hands on his thighs. "Being the best man is hard work. What if I fall on my face?"

I laughed at him. "Well, Lou and Riley just might enjoy the show. They are so tense about their big day. I bet the fall will offer relief." I chuckled when he glared at me.

What? Did you think I was the one getting married? Fat luck on that. I haven't looked at another human since......since her. And that was years ago. I still wasn't over it. I wasn't over how I acted or her leaving. All of it is a ball of embarrassment. I made the rules, and she followed them to a tee.

I called her last week and she told me all about a girl she'd met. I listened to her and tried not to cry on the phone, but after the call, I most definitely let my pillow see tears for the first time ever. My new friend Devan, that I made along the way, had an earful that night, but she was a good sport about it.

Devan was a hockey player for the LA Bruins and was trying to coach me through being a good friend of a pro athlete. It was helping, but I still hadn't made the move to actually make up with Dru in any real way. I didn't have the balls anymore. I fucked up when I sent her away telling her we were done. I couldn't break the rules now, we were four years into this mess and Dru was trying to live her best life.

"You're so mean, wanting me to fall like that. I can't even tell if you're joking anymore, you're so stoic." Charles chided. "I'm going home. I'll see you guys at the ranch."

"I'm not mean. I was teasing. You're just sensitive." I told him, packing up my lists and things I'd need for tonight.

"I'll head out with you guys. I'm not getting yelled at for being the last one at family dinner." I pushed them out of the store door, locking it behind us. I pulled down the metal guard door, locking it before crossing the street to do the same to the studio my sister rented from me to give lessons.

"You want to ride with us?" Charles asked while I was grabbing my bags of clothes for the weekend out of my truck.

"Sure, my trucks on her last leg, man. I'm going to be so sad when it finally rests in peace."

"That truck is older than me." Dillan chuckled, starting his suv. "Tommy bought it from an old man named Hatchet when he was a senior in high school. She's led a good life, just like him and Earl have."

Tommy and Earl were getting up in the years, just like Miranda. Only I refused to believe that any of them would ever die. I don't know what I'd do in my life without the old people around. Life would be boring. Even if I didn't live in the center of town anymore, I still liked to think those people were around when I needed to see them or wanted to shoot the breeze.