Ulysses Paradox (a Will Lenney fanfiction.)

chapter seven

Routine was nice. It was welcomed and expected, and Ruby greatly enjoyed knowing what her day held. This new routine though, where Will showed up almost every day, was not what she'd expected.

Tonight was the first of three parties she'd been invited to, and Jake's last night in town before leaving with his parents for their vacation. They were both still undressed, lying next to each other in Ruby's bed, and Jake turned to look at her.

"I'm excited for you to go out with friends tonight," he said. "I think it'll be good for you." Ruby rolled her eyes, but still wiggled closer to Jake.

"You don't have to play the role of concerned parent, you know," she told him. "My parents already have that covered."

"I'm just saying, it'll be fun. You deserve this." She pressed a kiss on his lips, trying to get him to be quiet. He had been talking about this party more than she had, and he wasn't even going. She'd offered to inquire about getting him in, but he had insisted that she spend an evening with friends. He had to leave early the next morning anyway.

"I love you," She hummed, finally sitting up. She pulled the covers up over her bare chest, and Jake leaned in to kiss her side.

"I love you too, Rubes. I'll miss you while I'm gone. Glad we got a little time to ourselves so I know what I'll be missing out in the Italian countryside." She laughed as she went into the bathroom, staring at her body in the big mirror. She had a few reddish blotches around her hips, Ruby wouldn't forget Jake either.

"I'm going to take a quick shower, you can stick around for a bit if you want." She called into the bedroom, where Jake was pulling his jeans back on. "I'll just be getting ready."

"Yeah," Jake walked toward her, still shirtless, "I'd like to see you all dressed up," he murmured, kissing her again. She felt surprisingly vulnerable as he pressed her against the doorframe, her still naked body covered in goosebumps as Jake pushed his way in between her legs. She broke away from their kiss to let out a nervous giggle.

"Okay then, that's fine by me." She shyly stepped back into the bathroom, and gave Jake one last peck before shutting the bathroom door.

It was dark out when Ruby stepped out of her room, finally ready. Jake was in the kitchen, and his eyes lit up as he took in her appearance. She was all velvet and deep red in a simple dress, with thin straps accentuating her décolletage. Her hair was loose and the same mess as always, despite Ruby trying to fuss around and make it look a bit more presentable. She held her favorite coat, a black Belfast, in her arms, and still had bare feet.

"How do I look?" She asked Jake, spinning in a circle.

"You, wow. Ruby. You look beautiful." Jake let out a low whistle and walked over to where she stood. "You look like an actual ruby." She laughed, and Jake reached up to brush all her hair behind her shoulders.

"Thanks babe, I'm finally feeling... excited." She commented.

"I'm happy for you."

Ruby's phone lit up as she was slipping into her heels. Will.

Buzz me in? She looked at the time and saw it was already seven thirty. She saw Jake standing beside her, holding his own coat, ready to leave when she did. Ruby felt jittery and anxious as she buzzed Will into the building. Jake had never met him. For just a flash she saw her and Will in the open doorway, and wondered if he could see it too.

The outline of her imagination still lingered when Will knocked.

"Oi mate let's get goin, got a cab waiting." She swung open the door and Will's eyes went wide. "Wow, Ruby..." He didn't have time to collect himself before Jake stepped forward and offered his hand.