Untameable (BWWM)

Chapter 19

I wasn't too thrilled about deciding to leave Ruby Jean. I knew she wouldn't be too happy about it and I knew she would beg me to stay.

But after taking some time to consider things, I figured a short break would do us some good. Time apart typically work out for most couples who are dealing with rough spots, I hear, and I was certain it'd be the same for us. I've learned that long-term relationships require strenuous work and sometimes, to no end, appear to be a waste of time.

I refuse to let that be me and Ruby Jean, though. I love her too much and although she has the option to leave, I don't wanna lose her.

Hopefully, the time apart is gonna give us the time we need to think clearly and independently without pressure from the other.

We're both emotionally exhausted from each other's carelessness and I don't know what else we could do aside from maintaining status quo and coping with our situation as civil as possible.

As expected, when I showed up to work four hours late, no one had really been missing me. Pearly Ann was already in attendance as scheduled and I expected no less from her.

"Afternoon, Grant," she called from the stationary room.

"Hey, Sweetie." I stopped and took the time to look at her just to make sure she was okay. "How are you?"

"Oh I'm fine," she sighed without looking away from the copier. Her demeanour wasn't as cheerful as it usually is. She deemed dull as if her inner light had dimmed a bit. Even her outfit lacked colour. A navy Mandarin top with a keyhole cut-out, a starched pleated skater skirt, a deep red pair of heels. Her hair was in a nicely done updo.

"You look pretty."

"Thank you."

"You feeling alright?"

"I said I'm fine," she responded with a monotone voice. "You don't have to keep asking. My answer won't change."

"Alright, sweetie. I'm just... making sure you're good, is all. Let me know if I can help you any."

She nodded her head in understanding but said nothing more.

As I was walking away, she stopped me.

"Before you go, I thought I'd give you a head's up. There are pictures of Ruby Jean and some other guy going around. Kinda looks like her old high school boyfriend. You seen 'en?"

"Yeah. Well I saw one. Someone sent it to me last night." Fuck! I hadn't even thought about other pictures getting out and circulating throughout the town. "God dammit! Why does anyone give a single shit anyways?"

"I mean, the pictures don't look incriminating at all. Maybe the one where they're hugging, but other than that, it looks to me like they're just having dinner and having a good time. But your Mom has kinda been making a fuss of it all morning. She's been calling you. I told her you were in a breakfast meeting."

"Breakfast meeting?" I smiled. "And she fell for that?"

"I think so," Pearly Ann shrugged with a half grin.

"Thanks for looking out."

Pearly Ann returned to her task at hand without another word.

I pulled out my cell to send Ruby Jean the same warming that was given to me. I blew a hard breath as I went to my office, dreading whatever hell of a conversation my Mom was gonna have with me. Same way I snuck out early yesterday, I did the same with sneaking in. I did my best not to be seen and successfully made it to my office and shut the door behind me.