Alterworld Book 1-Ruby's Choice

Rayna's Return

    In a little under forty-eight hours, I will be on a plane to London, England.  From the time I was a little girl, I dreamed of visiting Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and Straton Upon Avon, Shakespeare's birthplace.  I imagined seeing cottages in the countryside and having drinks at one of the many English Taverns.  I always wanted to walk the streets in the country and smell the lush green in the hills.  I am excited and anxious at the same time.  Since, the band is touring does that mean I will be sightseeing alone?

"Good morning, Miss Ruby."  He said and kisses me on the cheek.
"Good morning."  I said.
"Are you hungry?"  He asked.
"Yes.  There isn't much in the house to cook.  I should go shopping today."  I said.
"I was thinking, maybe I should give Rhiana some time off."  He said.
"I think that is a great idea."  I said.
"Permanently."  He said.
"What?  You mean to fire her?"  I asked.
"Well, I am sure an independent woman such as yourself likes to drive her own vehicle."  He said.
"Well, yes, but Rhiana will have no income.  That would be devastating for her."  I said.
"Hmm... I suppose you are right.  I could ask her to drive for my parents.  They are getting older.  What do you think?"  He asked.
"I think that is a terrific idea."  I said.
"I don't mind driving myself, but I had to fly so much for rehearsal that it was easier having a driver."  He said.
"That makes sense.  I hate leaving my car parked at the airport.  But, if Rhiana drives for your parents, you will have to buy a car."  I said.
"Come with me."  He said.
He takes my hand and we walk through the large foyer to the door.  He opens it and there sits a ruby red, 1970, Chevrolet Chevelle with purple racing stripes.  On the side, are the numbers four-fifty-four.

"Duke told you about this, didn't he?"  I asked.
"Once again, you guessed right."  He laughed.
"When did you do this?  When did you have time to do this?"  I asked.
"I will just say, I had help."  He said.
"From whom?"  I asked.
"Just some friends."  He said.
"Joey, I don't know what to say."  I said.
"The smile in your eyes is enough."  He said.
"Here are the keys."  He said.

    I am so excited, I run out in my robe.  I don't care who sees me, this is the car of my dreams.  I unlock the door and feel the softness of its black, vinyl seats.  The steering wheel is covered with black leather.  I marvel at its antique speedometer, eight-track tape player and large bench seat.  I sit in the drivers seat and turn the key.  I love the sound of the low rumble coming from the beefy engine.  I shut it off and decide to get dressed.

"It is perfect, Joey.  Let's go out for breakfast."  I said.
"I think that is a fantastic idea."  He said.
"I want to go shopping after so I can cook a real meal for you."  I said.
"We can do that, too."  He said.
"Fantastic.  I can't wait to show Duke."  I said.
"Why don't you invite your parents to have breakfast with us."  He said.
"That's a good idea.  I'll get dressed and call Mom.  Oh, I need to talk to you about something.  It can wait until I am out of the shower, though."  I said.
"How about you ask while you are in the shower?"  He grinned.
"Oh, will we be conserving water?"  I laughed.
"Yes."  He said.

    I pull an outfit out of my cherry-finished walk-in closet, grab a wash cloth and towel before I make my way to the bathroom. I love living in the Victorian.  It has a cathedral ceiling in the foyer and hardwood floors throughout.  The walls are made of plaster, and the kitchen is as big as a five-star restaurant complete with an island and breakfast nook.  There are five bedrooms and an office space each trimmed with cherry-finished furniture, closets and cabinets.  The master bedroom is purple and has two walk-in closets.  The master bath has a seamless, walk-in shower with marble tile and a two-person jacuzzi tub.  The best part of the shower is a long bench and rainfall shower head.  I turn on the shower and start washing my hair.  Joey walks in and starts washing my back.
"What is it you wanted to ask me?"  He said.
"I've been thinking about London."  I said.
"What is on your mind?"  He asked.
"If you're busy with the band, does that mean we won't have time to go sightseeing together?"  I asked.
"I never had to think about that, but you are right.  I may not have a fair amount of time to spend with you.  Would it be helpful to have a travel companion?"  He asked.
"That's what I wanted to talk about.  I was thinking about taking my mom, but I wanted to ask you first because of the added expense."  I said.
"No issue at all.  You ask her at breakfast, and I will handle the rest."  He said.
"Thank you.  It would mean the world to her."  I said.
"I know.  It means the world to me that you considered my time as well."  He said.