Alterworld Book 1-Ruby's Choice

New Beginning

    "I want you to be happy, and I know you want to be close to your parents. What are your thoughts on the matter?" Joey said.
"Looking at it in a logical sense, both of our parents are here in Michigan. What would you be going back to in Arizona?" I said.
He strokes his chin with his thumb and forefinger and paces the floor.
"I am the only member of the band who lives in Arizona. The rest of the guys live on the east coast. Michigan is not far from the rest of the band, that could mean less travel to rehearsal. I have an idea." He said.
"Oh?" I said.
"I need to call Leo." He said.
He sits on the bed next to the night table and dials the phone.
"Hi, Mom. May I speak with Leo for a moment? If he is free, of course."
"Hey, Leo. When is the lease up on the vacation house?"
"Okay. Great. Marilyn and I will stop in for dinner."
"Fifty and my place? Okay. I'll make sure to bring it."
He ends his call only to make another.

    "Rhiana. I need you to go to Tuscan Sun and pick up something from Leo. He is expecting you." He ordered.
He hangs up the phone and beams at me.
"May I have a word with you, Gorgeous?" He said.
"Of course." I said.
I sit beside him on the bed and he takes my hand.
"What if I told you we are moving today?" He asked.
"I'd say that's terrific - where?" I said.
"I cannot tell you, but my parents own many properties in Michigan. I thought of one in particular, and Leo says the tenants who were staying there moved out yesterday. He said he has been thinking of selling it and I gave him an offer. He said it probably needs some fixing up, but it is ready to move in. He has accepted my offer and said I can send Rhiana to pick up the keys now." He explained.
"Really? We will have a house today?" I said, jumping up and down.
"Yes, Miss Ruby, we will have our very own place within the next few minutes." He said.

    We both turn because there is a knock at the door. Joey gets up to answer it.
"Rhiana, did you get them?" He asks.
"Here you are, Mr.Fritz. He also gave me an envelope. He said not to open it until you reach the house." She said.
"Thank you, Rhiana. Will you help Miss Ruby get her things downstairs? I need to make one more call." He asked.
"Of course, Mr. Fritz." She said.
Rhiana and I begin removing clothes from the closet and carry them to the limo. What little I have is packed neatly in the trunk. She turns to me looking frustrated.
"What is it, Rhiana?" I asked.
"It's just... Oh, come here and let me hug you." She said.
She pulls me into a bear hug and begins to cry.
"What's wrong, Rhiana?" I ask.
"Once you two are settled, my job here is done. The real Rhiana will be your driver not me. You and your mum are like family to me. What I am trying to say is I will miss you." She sobbed.
"Didn't you say I can summon you anytime? Is that still true?" I asked.
"Yes." She said, smiling and hugged me once more.
"Is it possible to meet at the shed once a week so I can visit with you and Mom?" I asked.
"I suppose I can fit you into my queenly schedule." She smirked.
"That makes it truly a new beginning." I said.
Rhiana and I go back to the room and Joey was hanging up the phone.
"Are we all ready to go?" Joey says and smiles.
"Mr. Fritz, let me help you with those." Rhiana says.
"Thank you, Rhiana, but I can carry my own bags." He says.
We comb the room making sure nothing is left behind and take the elevator to the lobby.

    Rhiana and I go out to the limo and she opens my door. I slide in the seat and lean back with my eyes closed. I think about this new life and what it will be like. I already know that it will be better than the former, but there is still something missing. I have only one hour left to reflect on the life I am leaving, will it be worth it in the end?

    I see Joey running toward the car through the window. He slides in beside me and takes my hand.
"Are you okay? I know this is happening fast. I cannot believe it myself. Do not be afraid to let me know if you need anything." He said.
"I won't." I said.
"Marilyn, we do not have to get married right away if that is not what you want." He said.
"I have a time frame in mind, but I want us to agree. When were you thinking we should?" I asked.
"If I had my way, it would be today." He said.
"I thought you might say that. I want a traditional wedding, and with your tour coming up it will take some time to make that happen." I said.
"You have a point, Miss Ruby. I was not thinking of a traditional wedding. But since you mentioned it, I do want our families and friends to be with us." He said.
"I am glad you feel that way. I don't want a princess wedding, just something small. At a little wedding chapel, perhaps. No fanfare, just us and our friends and family. I don't need fifty bridesmaids; I'd just like Kim to be my maid of honor." I said.
"It would not matter if you did want fifty bridesmaids, as long as I know I will be spending the rest of my life with you." He said.
"How did you get to be so sweet?" I asked.
"I am sure my mother had something to do with it." He laughed.
"You should know that I am a simple woman. I grew up in a small town, and I appreciate the smaller things. I am sentimental just like my mom. So, even if you weren't in a world-renowned band I would still love you because of who you are." I said.
"That, Miss Ruby, makes my heart sing." He said and kissed me.