Fall into the Break

Chapter Seven

Dedicated to ThaisaKing.

Chase walked through the diner’s door precisely at nine o’clock that night, on high he could only attribute to Ruby. He strode confidently up to the green counter-top and smiled politely at a waiter who had just grabbed a large tray of hamburgers from underneath the hot lamps.

The waiter shot a glance back into the kitchen and hollered. “Ruby! He’s here!”

Chase nervously adjusted his tie. It was thin and black and went nicely with the casual grey suit he wore. His hair was freshly washed and his face newly shaven.
               
Ruby exited the kitchen. A look of amused embarrassment swept over her face the moment she saw Chase. He realized now, with jolt of excited energy, that she had never seen him all dressed up. She brought both hands up to cover her mouth before her laughter escaped.
               
Chase spun slowly, putting on a show for her and the whole restaurant. His shiny black shoes squeaked on the checkered laminate flooring.
               
“Chase Gibson,” Ruby said slowly. She removed her dirty apron and tossed it behind the counter. “You’re a vision.” She grabbed her purse and coat.
               
Chase straightened his tie once more and walked around the counter. A few line cooks watched his performance. He stopped once he reached Ruby. He held out his hand like a gentleman of old.
               
“Would you care to join me for some stargazing?” His eyes searched hers and he found himself once again floored by the vast galaxies within them. He knew then and there that even if she said “no,” he would be able to hold on to this moment for the rest of his life. Ruby’s lips curved up in a pleased grin.
               
“I would love to.” She placed her hand softly into Chase’s. “When you called earlier, you should have mentioned the dress code.” She looked down at her outfit.
               
“You look perfect,” Chase said. Just then he lifted her arm above her head and twirled her to the music drifting out the speakers above them. She giggled. “What is happening?”
               
“You’ll see,” Chase said before leading her out of the restaurant.

***

They drove up the mountain road until the trees parted and the city lights blinked far below.
               
Chase pulled off into a grassy clear-cut and parked the truck. He rummaged through an old CD case he kept under his seat until he found the perfect one. He put it in the player, skipped a few tracks, then rolled down the windows. Ruby questioned him, but he kept silent. His smile slowly grew. He turned up the volume on the stereo and then got out without a word.
Ruby opened her door and stepped out onto the soft, mossy ground just as the guitar music started playing.
               
Chase opened the tailgate and hopped up onto the bed. He motioned for her to join him. She walked around the truck, and Chase helped her when she held out her hand. He led her to the middle of the truck bed. “Look up,” he said with a smile.

Ruby tilted her head toward the heavens. She gasped.
               
Chase knew what she saw. He didn’t have to look. The stars were brighter out here. They were millions of tiny holes poked into the swirling blackness. They were diamonds stuck in obsidian. Up here, away from the city’s pollution, she would be able to see constellation after constellation and each story they told.

She would be able to see the other side of the Milky Way galaxy as it wrapped around itself. She would be able to see Earth’s many satellites as they circled their planet, blinking and solitary. She would see an she would know the night sky wasn’t as dark as people thought.