Alterworld Book 1-Ruby's Choice

Connection

    I cannot believe he had that woman in our bed with our children sleeping in the next room.  I jump as I hear knocking coming from the door to the adjoining room.  I quickly wipe my eyes and open the door.
"Miss Ruby, I am sorry to bother you.  It seems I am unable to sleep.  Would you mind if I come in to talk?"  He asked.
"Not at all.  It seems I have a similar issue."  I said and propel the door widening the entryway.  He sits on the bed waiting for me to fill the empty space beside him.  I close and lock the door then sit close to him on the mattress.
He turns and looks me straight in the eye.
"Marilyn, I know what I said earlier scared you.  I am sorry.  I just feel... I found the missing piece I sought in every relationship.  It is here sitting next to me.  He takes my hand and holds it against his cheek.  I do not fear love; I embrace it.  Though I am cautious with my heart.  I do not allow myself to get close, especially when I do not feel that missing piece.  Yet, at this moment, I want to give you everything.  My heart, my soul, my life.  You are my lifeline, Marilyn.  My love burns for you, and I know passion as never before.  I am compelled to break my vow of celibacy before I marry without regret.  If I could manipulate time, you and I would be together as high school sweethearts so my heart never needed repair.  I want to live and love freely.  I want to be there for you, care for you and give you the best life."  He said as he breaks down in tears.
    I put my arms around him and we both cry together.  I stroke his soft hair and wipe away his tears with my thumbs.  He embraces me tight, and I feel his body tremble and shake as he releases raw emotion.  I feel a sensation in my chest as the hole in my heart begins to shrink.
"May I... Would you... Sleep with me?"  He asked.
"I will not allow you to break your vow, but I will allow you to stay here tonight.  I don't feel either of us should be alone."  I said.
I turn down the bed and shut off the light.  We lie close to one another like stacked spoons and drift off to sleep.

    The next morning, I awake with his arms wrapped around me.  Feeling his warmth and caring means the world to me.  I lie there peacefully, soaking in the sun's gentle rays upon my face.
"Good morning, Miss Ruby."  He said.
"Good morning, yourself."  I said.
"I am famished.  Let's order room service."  He said.
"That's a fantastic idea."  I said.
    While he puts in our breakfast order, I get up and brush my teeth.  I realize I have nothing to wear but the spandex dress I came in and the gown Joey gave me.  I may have to call Kim to bring me some clothes.
He steps into the bathroom and kisses me on the forehead.  Breakfast will be here shortly."  He said.
"Joey, I have a slight issue."  I said.
"Oh?"  He replied.
"I have nothing to wear."  I said.
"No problem.  Leave that to me."  He said and used the adjoining door to his room.

    I sit on the bed thinking about the night before still convinced this is all a dream.  Suddenly, the adjoining door flies open.  Several hangers with white bags descend from his left index finger.  He lays them on the bed.
"For you, Miss.". He said.
"How did you manage this so quickly?"  I asked.
"That is a secret I plan to keep for awhile."  He said.
"Thank you for this."  I said.
Suddenly, there is a knock at the door.  "Room service."  A male voice shouts from the hall.
"I'll get that.  You stay here and choose an outfit."  He said.
I watch him walk with the tray to the small table in the den.  I open bag after bag of dresses, blouses, slacks and jeans.  There are even a couple of bra and panty sets among the pile.  I find a sheer, daffodil print polyester blouse with a sewn-in, yellow camisole and a pair of jeans dyed olive.  I choose a nude bra and panty set and run into the bathroom to change.

"Are you ready up there, Miss Ruby?"  He shouts from the den.
"I'll be there in just a minute."  I yell back.
I finish zipping up my jeans and make my way to the den.  He looks up when he hears me coming down the stairs.  Sunlight reflects in his eyes creating dancing sparkles as he smiles at me.
"You look... like a goddess."  He said.
"Thank you."  I said.
"Have a seat, Miss Ruby."  He said as he pulls out my chair.
"This looks amazing."  I said.
"I did not know your preference, so I ordered some of everything."  He blushed.
"There is no way I will eat even half of this."  I said.
"No problem.  I will share with our neighbors."  He laughed.
"You know our neighbors on this floor?"  I asked.
"Of course.  They are my band mates."  He chuckled.
"Oh, right.  I forgot they were here.  Over the past twenty-four hours, no one else exists but you."  I smile.
"Say that again, Miss Ruby.  I am not sure I heard you clearly."  He said.
"Over the past twenty-four hours, no one else exists but you."  I repeated.
He slides his chair closer and kisses me.
"That is the most amazing thing I ever heard."  He said.