Melissa’s Cozy Teacup

CHAPTER FOUR

Devlin watched as the sun came up over the eastern plains. He had been up all night pacing back and forth in front of the fire place in his room. The argument at dinner last night only increased his aunt’s resolve to give everything away to That Woman. How had she done it? How had she been able to wheedle her way into his aunt’s life and into her/ his fortune? What now? He could not stand idly by and risk losing the family estate to a stranger no matter how captivating she was or how beautiful she looked when she was flustered. She seemed to be flustered around him quite a bit. The idea came to Devlin as a surprise at first. Why hadn’t he thought of it sooner? Could he pull it off without getting caught up in her web of lies? His tired body wanted to rest after a night of anxiety ridden pacing. He sat down in the wing back by the fireplace. Not to rest, but to plan. This was something he had done before, he could do it again. The only difference was that the stakes were higher. What of it? He was a man of means, used to being challenged and used to getting his way. He rarely disappointed himself by not getting what he wanted and this would be no different. In fact, his plan would get him everything he wanted and a little more, just because he could.

Feeling energized by his new plan, he rang for breakfast and hopped into the shower. He was done and shaving when Myers knocked on his door with the tray. She set everything up by the window as was his custom and left without a word. Devlin finished his routine and sat down to enjoy his spinach and cheese, egg white omelet with whole grain toast on the side and strawberry jelly. Black coffee and the morning paper helped to greet the morning and make it some what bearable to be awake at this hour after not having slept all night. Despite his lack of sleep, Devlin decided to keep his appointments for the day which meant beginning the day at the Garden of the Gods country club. After dressing in wool slacks and a cashmere sweater over a button down shirt, Devlin went downstairs to don his coat and scarf and headed out the front door and into his vintage DB5 Aston Martin. As he drove to the club he kept thinking about Ruby, his aunt, and about how much had happened in the short amount of time since he had met Ruby yesterday morning. In a little over twenty four hours she had gone from a pretty stranger in the park, and possible conquest, to a house mate but still possible conquest. He shifted the gears a little harder than he intended just thinking about all the trouble she could cause now that she was in residence. She would most likely chop the house up into apartments and rent it to strangers who would steal the fixtures and ruin the floors. He growled at himself, no matter how hard he tried to stay angry at her, his mind kept wandering to the way she smiled, when she had smiled at him, before she started scowling at him, which seemed to be all she did since he first met her in his aunt’s hall.

She was curvy and beautiful, slightly plump, and as he tried to formulate the rest of his plan, all he could do was think about was how pretty she was and how flustered he made her. It made him smile to think about her. He was still smiling at the thought of her when he turned his car into the club’s drive way. He was hoping a good game of racket ball would clear his head so he could think later. He handed his keys to the valet and entered the club and checked in before heading to the locker room. Charles was already there and changing into his shorts when Devlin set his bag on the bench between them and began to fill in his friend on all that had happened since their last match as he changed his clothes and they headed to the court and began playing.

“You’re in love!”

“Charles, don’t be ridiculous.”

“No, I’m serious.”

“So am I. She’s a liability that’s all. Someone I need to deal with if I’m going to keep that house in the family. I’d marry her to do it. I would.”

“What, did you have to invent a reason to marry just so that you wouldn’t look like you had caved?”

“What?!”

“You met this girl. She got to you. You’re thinking, ‘Hey maybe she could be the one.’

But you have such a reputation as a ladies’ man you can’t just do the dating thing and marry her so you invent some drama to make it all worthy of the reputation of the Great Devlin Black. You can’t just go out and find a girl, there has to be a thing. A catch. You can’t just fall in love you have your reputation to think about.”

“You’re so full of it!” Devlin shot the angry words at his friend and hit the ball harder. He had come here to think and to get some support for his plan, not to be picked apart and analyzed.

“No, man, think about it. You have spent time in Europe, Asia, India. You have done business all over the world and you’ve had pretty women in every country but you’ve never needed or supposedly had a reason to marry any of them until now.”

“Focus, Charles, it’s about the house. The house that my great-grandfather built. The house that was supposed to be mine.”

“Please. You have enough money to build a replica of that place ten times over and still have enough left over to keep generations of Blacks happy and gainfully unemployed.”

The growl started deep within Devlin’s chest. Charles never had a chance. Suddenly it was impossible to keep up with Devlin who seemed determined to take his anger at Charles’ words out on the racquetball, and his friend.

“Hey, ease up.” Charles tried to protest but it only drove Devlin’s anger deeper.

Whack, grunt, splat. Devlin looked over to see his friend sprawled out on the court floor, unconscious. He cursed to himself under his breath and pushed the buzzer for one of the club’s first aid techs. A few moments later, Charles was sitting in a club chair with an ice pack on his face glaring at Devlin. It had been serious enough for the tech to call in the club doctor but Charles and declined a trip to the E.R.

“Here, let me take a look,” offered Devlin.

“You’re not going to punch me now are you?”

“Shut up and let me look.” Devlin felt about an inch tall for what he had done but did not know how to make it up to his friend. At the time of the incident, he wasn’t sure with whom he had been more angry, himself or Charles. The fact that he took his anger out on his friend only made it worse when he had been hurt. He had only wanted his friend to lose, not to be injured. He pulled back the ice pack and winced at what he saw. Charles’ eye was now swollen shut and the skin around it was beginning to darken. He would have a nice shiner before too long. Devlin’s heart sank. He offered to give his friend a ride home. When they had changed and were getting ready to leave, the club manager asked to speak to Devlin in private. Charles waited patiently.

“What was that all about?” He asked when Devlin finally emerged from the manager’s office, his face a barely contained storm of anger.

“I’ll tell you in the car. Let’s go.”

Devlin eased his friend into the front seat, tipped the valet and climbed into the driver’s seat and took off, losing himself in his thoughts.

“Dev?”

Devlin smiled at the old nickname. They had come up with them when they were younger thinking their given names were too stiff for a couple of ten year olds. Dev and Chuck.

“I’ve been suspended. Unsportsmanlike behavior. One month.”

“One month! But I’m fine.”

“That’s not the issue. They reviewed the game from the tape. You know they have cameras everywhere. Even though I didn’t deliberately aim for your head, I hit the ball too hard for you to avoid it. I’m sorry, Charles. I only wanted to win. I never meant to hurt you.”

“I know, I know.”

Devlin drove through the familiar streets of downtown Colorado Springs. His friend lived in one of the over priced (in Devlin’s opinion) lofts that lacked the character and charm of the older neighborhoods. Some developer a few hears back, had bought up some of the older buildings, stripped them of their charm and built industrial looking lofts within their historic walls. Devlin hated the exposed heating and air conditioning vents and the fact that you had a really great view of the police communications tower. For almost a million dollars he could find a hundred properties he liked better that had more room, character and no bums relieving themselves on the sidewalk in front of the building. His car bottomed out on the entrance to the under ground parking but he didn’t say a word.

Charles looked at him in disbelief.

“Wow, you must feel really guilty.”

“Let’s just get you upstairs.”

He was sure it would hurt too much to make laughing at his friend worth it, so Charles let it go and they rode the elevator in silence. Once inside, Charles flopped down on his leather sofa and turned on the t.v. looking for a game as Devlin refilled the ice in the baggie for his eye and grabbed them both a bottled water from the fridge.

“Here” he grunted at Charles offering both items to him without much fanfare. He sat down in a chair and focused on the game for a while as they both sipped in silence.

“I think you’re right.” Devlin waited for his admission to sink in and for his friend to react. Charles sat still and waited for his friend to continue. These moments were few and far between so he thought it would be best to just let his friend get it all out at once.

“I do want the house, but it’s more than just that. How can one chance meeting make a man feel this way. It’s more than just wanting a one-nighter with her, but why? Why is she different than the others that I’ve had. And let me tell you, there’s been more than a few.”

Charles rolled his eyes at that one but let it pass. The great womanizer, Devlin Black was having an epiphany. He would have gladly suffered two black eyes not to miss this.

Devlin went on, “She’s tall and red headed. When have I ever gone for a tall red head?”

Charles shrugged knowing it wouldn’t matter but feeling like he need to interact a little.

“I haven’t even really sat down to get to know her. There was dinner last night but that turned into a fight and I left this morning before she was up. She probably wouldn’t want anything to do with me now anyway after all that’s happened and I still have my doubts about her motives.”

Charles cleared his throat. “Maybe you should go home and get to know her.”

Devlin looked at him.

“She may not be as bad as you think. Obviously there is something about her that appeals to your aunt or she wouldn’t have done what she did. I don’t think your aunt was trying to hurt you, Devlin. Look at all she has done for you over the years. She has always been involved in charitable organizations and loves helping other people. Maybe she thought you had proven that you can take care of yourself and she just wanted to help out this woman-”

“Ruby.”

“Ruby, and give her a chance.”

“Well, that is what Aunt Vi said last night.”

“There you go. Why didn’t you believe her?”

“Because she’s getting older and I had been gone for a while and I thought she had been taken advantage of by Ruby.”

“You need to trust you aunt’s judgment.”

“Maybe. Ruby’s not going anywhere and the doctor said you needed to be monitored for twenty-four hours so I’m staying until Becky can come by and stay with you. If Ruby is still at Vi’s when I get back I’ll make things better. If not, well, there’s my answer.”

Charles looked at the clock. It wasn’t even eleven. It was going to be a long day until six when Becky could get there after work. His girlfriend’s boss wouldn’t let her have the day off to look after him but he knew she would be here as soon as she could leave work.

“Why don’t you order some food then if you’re going to stay.”

“Chinese?”

“Chinese.”

Devlin picked up the phone and speed dialed their favorite place.

“They’ll be here in about 30-45 minutes.”

They sat in silence watching the game, waiting for the food.

Posting a day early because of the holiday. Print it out and take it with you to read while the burgers are grilling. I have peppered this post with links. I thought it might be fun to go to other people’s blogs and web sites of places mentioned in the chapter.

CHAPTER THREE

An hour and a half later, Ruby sat up and wiped the tears from her eyes. She would be a fool to turn down such a generous offer. She went into the bathroom that connected to her room, splashed her face to get rid of the salt from her tears, grabbed the compact and lipstick from her purse, and fixed her face the best she could. She was combing her hair with her fingers when there came a soft knock at her door.

“Miss?”

It was Myers. Ruby crossed the room to answer the door. “Yes?” she asked.

“Miss, if you are ready for that tour…?”

“Yes, of course! Come on, Ruby. Let’s go look at our new home!”

Violet had been listening to them from down the hall. When she heard Ruby say she would stay, tears sprang to the corners of her eyes and her smile could have lit up the whole city. She would no longer be stuck in this big mansion all by herself. She now had the Victorian equivalent of a ‘companion’. The house would finally be filled once again with happy voices and activity. Violet loved action and activity and both had been missing for far too long. She stepped out of the shadows as Maxine and Ruby entered the hall.

“I’m so happy,” Vi exclaimed as she gave Ruby an almost bone crushing hug.

Ruby let out a little puff of air. Violet was stronger than she looked. Maxine and Daphne danced around the pair as they hugged. It was quite a sight that greeted Devlin as he came to the top of the stairs. He had been going to his room to change out of his wet clothes from his day at the park. He took a closer look at the woman hugging his Aunt. It was her. The woman from the park that had taken his breath a

away. He blinked his eyes hard once to make sure he had really seen her. She had left in such a hurry he thought he had some how offended her. He smiled at the thought as he remembered how stern she had been with her dog for running off. He, on the other hand, had thought it a most fortuitous event for it had allowed him to meet her. If the dog hadn’t run off and he hadn’t been able to see those exquisite eyes of the woman, what would he have day dreamed about all day? Just then a sharp bark interrupted his musing. A blurry fluff of white and red was bounding its way towards him with another blurry fluff of black and white trailing behind. Devlin waited for the two dogs to come to him. He greeted Daphne with one treat and introduced himself to Maxine with another.

‘Traitor’, thought Ruby as she watched Maxine sell herself for what looked like a piece of chicken jerky.

“Devlin!” Vi’s exuberant greeting of the stranger made Ruby flinch. “How’s my favorite nephew?”

Ruby groaned to herself as her heart sank. It was HIM and he was the great-nephew living with Vi. This changed everything. She couldn’t move in now. Could she?

Ruby felt her face flush as tiny beads of sweat broke out all over her body. Her panic attack was interrupted by their words.

“Hello, Aunt Vi, I see we have visitors.”

“Ruby isn’t just a visitor, Devlin, she’s going to be living with us.”

“For how long?”

“For as long as she likes. She is the newest ‘member’ of our family.” Vi ended her sentence with a look that also ended any further questioning from him.

Ruby hoped he didn’t see her cringe a little at his reaction. Clearly she was not welcomed by everyone in the house. She lifted her chin and squared her shoulders in defiance. She had been welcomed by the

most important person in the house, it’s owner and her friend.

“Ruby, come and meet my Grand Nephew, Devlin Black.”

She walked over to him with what she hoped was more confidence than she felt and extended her hand in welcome.

“Ruby Cross.”

“Seriously? That’s your name?”

Ruby wasn’t ready for such a response and it threw her off guard. He was mocking her!

“Devlin!” Came Vi’s indignant reprimand.

“I’m sorry, Aunt Vi.” Devlin couldn’t believe his ears. He had thought that a woman so beautiful would also have a beautiful name. Not something that sounded as if he were addressing a truck stop waitress. Not that he had ever stepped into a truck stop to know what the waitresses were called, but he imagined it would be something close to what he had just heard.

Ruby’s embarrassment did a quick boil into anger. ‘So,’ she thought to herself, ‘for some, beauty really is only skin deep.’ From now on, Ruby would be doing her best to avoid Mr. Devlin Black.

“Daphne and I are taking Ruby on a tour of the house, her new home. When we get back, I trust you will have found those manners we spent so much money on refining.” Violet’s voice was firm with anger. Devlin managed to looked abashed for a moment but that was quickly replaced by a look of surprise that crossed his face when he heard his aunt call Cummings Manor, Ruby’s home. What wool had she pulled over his aunt’s eyes to ingratiate herself into these new living conditions? Devlin would need to keep an eye on the new comber and ferret out her true intentions.

Devlin walked over to Ruby and extended his hand to her, “ I’m sorry Miss. Cross. My aunt is correct, my manners towards you were appalling and unnecessary. I hope you will accept my apology?”

“Of course Mr. Black,” ‘What choice has he left me?’ She thought. “We all have our moments. Are you ready, Vi?” Ruby was getting uncomfortable and needed to get moving.

The women turned to go and Devlin headed to his room. He shared the opposite wing from Ruby with his aunt.

As the women walked and talked, Ruby’s mind kept straying to Devlin. His reaction towards her made her uncomfortable but that wasn’t the only thing. She felt attracted to him but she didn’t want to be distracted with that now. Not now when she had so much to do and now that she knew he lived there, she wasn’t too sure she wanted to stay. She tried to distract herself from over analyzing the situation by asking questions about the house as they went along. Though she was familiar with some of the rooms on the main floor, she had never before been anywhere else in the house. It was magnificent. Each room was more amazing than the last. Rich wood work, Ming vases, marble fire places some with Van Briggle tiles inlaid into them, original furniture, leaded windows, pianos, bear skin rugs, ivory, the list went on and on. Ruby was concerned. Many of the antiques and artifacts were priceless. How could they both display them and keep them safe from thieves? How much of the house should they open up to the public? Ruby’s head began to spin. Before she delved too far into the planning, she needed to decide if she was going to stay and if she was going to stay what, if anything, needed to be done about Devlin?

Ruby sat down on a stone bench. They had reached the solarium. Tropical plants, orchids and canaries made for a beautiful and peaceful contrast to the weather. Vi had been watching Ruby during the tour. She had seen the conflict on her face and knew she was thinking about Devlin. She wasn’t sure how much to butt in to Ruby’s thoughts, but when Vi saw her sigh heavily and sit down, she felt it was time to put in more than just two cents worth of advice.

“Ruby, I know it is a big decision. Opening and running a tearoom is a great deal of hard work.”

“It’s not just that, Vi,” Ruby paused reluctant to bring up Devlin’s name.

“Is it Devlin?”

Ruby looked up at Vi. She felt guilty and transparent.

“I ran into him at the garden of the gods this morning, Vi. He-he took my breath away and it scared me.”

Vi’s heart skipped a beat. She waited for Ruby to continue not wanting to do anything to keep her from opening up to her.

“Vi, I don’t know if I can live here with him.”

Vi’s heart sank with disappointment but she still didn’t say anything. Sometimes a woman needed to think out loud.

Ruby went on. “I-I guess if he kept to himself and wasn’t around too much it would be ok. I would be so busy with everything anyway I probably wouldn’t notice if the circus moved onto the lawn much less who came and went in the house. This is something I’ve wanted for a long time.”

Vi held her breath.

Ruby sat in silence for a moment.

“Okay, I’ll stay.”

Violet let out the air she had been holding and Ruby looked at her in surprise then laughed when she realized how much her friend wanted her to stay.

“Thank you, Vi. Thank you for this opportunity and for letting me work this out on my own.”

“Oh I’m so glad you decided to do this, Ruby,” Vi was hugging Ruby and crying. “You’ll love it here, you’ll see. We’ll work together and have the best tea room in Colorado Springs! We’ll blow the

competition out of the water!”

Ruby stiffened. Cora! What would she do about Cora? She was the one of the competition in town, if you could call her that. Ruby was confident that her passion and Vi’s enthusiasm and their location, would create a tea room that would beat out the rest. Cora was already struggling. This could bury her.

Vi had felt her stiffen and pulled back from the hug.

“What is it, Ruby?”

“What about Cora? She has been there for me, Vi. I can’t just quit then open a business that directly competes against her. I don’t want to not live my dream to protect her either especially when her heart doesn’t seem to be in what she’s doing where for me, opening a tea room is all I can think about.”

“You-we if you’d like, need to sit her down and talk to her about this Ruby. I have enjoyed many good times at Miss. Daisy’s with my Red Hat(C) friends and I would not want it to look as if we were stabbing her in the back. Let’s set up a meeting with her for next week and work things out. What do you say?”

“Yes, I think that’s the right thing to do.”

“Well, I don’t know about you, but I have worked up quite an appetite. Let’s get ready for dinner and meet in the dining room at 7 pm.”

“Good idea, Vi. Come on, Maxine.”

Ruby, Vi, Daphne and Maxine walked together towards the stair case with Myers following discreetly behind. At the top of the stairs, Ruby turned left to go down her hall and Vi turned right. Ruby paused at her door to watch Vi for a moment and saw her stop at Devlin’s room and knock on his door. Ruby went into her room feeling a tad guilty. She knew Vi would be talking to him about Ruby living with them. She stopped and retreated back out her door. Looking both ways down the hall she crept to

Devlin’s door, her curiosity winning over any sense of decorum. She couldn’t hear much but caught a few words here and there. Vi was making it clear that Ruby was welcomed by Vi and that Devlin didn’t have a say in the matter. Ruby winced. While she didn’t want any trouble from Devlin she didn’t want Vi fighting her battles for her either. Ruby wanted to knock and interrupt them but thought it best that she not be caught eaves dropping and there was no other way to explain how she had heard what was said. She would just have to make sure to be kind towards Devlin whenever she saw him. She turned away from the door and ran smack dab into Myers.

“Need anything, Miss?”

The tone was more of an accusation than a question.

“No, Myers, I’m fine.” Ruby turned away and hurried down the hall with Maxine close on her heels making sure not to slam her door shut behind her once inside her room. Ruby explored her room in an effort to calm herself. She hated being caught doing something she knew was wrong. Ruby’s room was large. It had an area which held a writing desk that over looked the garden. The desk was a Mary and William with Waterford crystal doors. It had been well cared for over the years and the wood glowed from being recently oiled. There were pockets and drawers and a tiny key with which to lock everything. There was even an indentation for an ink well. Ruby made a mental note to order a writing set that included an ink bottle if for no other reason than to complete the look of the desk.

Double French doors lead out to a balcony. She would have to explore it more when the weather warmed up. Speaking of warm, she had her own fireplace too. Two wingback chairs and foot stool were facing the fire place and seemed to be waiting for her to curl up with a good book. Ruby would be sure to place Maxine’s bed next to it so that she too could stay warm at night before bed. A wardrobe, nightstand, and various plants completed the room making it seem more like a small apartment than a

mere bedroom. Ruby cold have stayed here for days but knew dinner time was quickly approaching and that Vi and Devlin may already be waiting for her. With nothing else to change into, she went to the bathroom and checked her appearance in the mirror. A few touch ups later and she was on her way to the dining room.

“Ah, there you are Miss. Cross.”

Ruby turned quickly at the sound of Devlin’s voice.

“May I escort you to dinner?”

Ruby could not believe her eyes. He was dressed for dinner. In fact, he was dressed very well for dinner. Devlin was a man who knew how to dress to best accentuate his qualities and tonight was no exception. Ruby gave in to her eyes and let them look. His navy blue jacket was cut perfectly across his shoulders. His shirt, pants, all were made just for him. He looked, stunning.

“Miss. Cross?”

“Oh, yes, of course,” Ruby extended her hand which he took in his and hooked into his arm at the bend in his elbow. Ruby’s other hand grasped the railing of the stairs and they descended together. She was grateful he had interrupted her thoughts before they had a chance to wander too far.

Devlin had expected her to say ‘no’ to his offer. He had not expected to feel, what, happy, pleased?- that she had accepted. Even though his aunt had spent a good deal of time this afternoon trying to convince him it was her idea that Ruby move in with her and that he was to accept her and treat her with civility, he couldn’t help but be suspicious of this women he didn’t know. He loved his aunt and felt she needed his protection. Why would a young woman want to move in with an older woman to whom she was not related if not for the money? He was convinced that Ruby had some how ingratiated herself to his aunt and had talked her into financing the tea room and allowing her to move in to Cummings Manor. Only

time would tell if he were right. He would make sure not to let her out of his sight while she was here until he had determined her true motives.

“There you are,” Violet greeted them from the bottom of the stairs with a smile that appeared to be genuine. Whatever had gone on in Devlin’s room earlier, there were no lingering signs of it now. Ruby greeted Vi and they all walked together to the dinning room.

Vi had graciously remained in the clothes she had worn earlier. After they had been seated and had blessed the food, they attempted to make small talk. It wasn’t long, how ever, until they turned their attention to the tea room and began talking about business.

“Well Aunt Violet, I can’t stay here and not help out,” Devlin said.

Ruby looked up in surprise. This was definitely not in her plans. Ruby opened her mouth to protests but was cut off.

“Devlin, that won’t be necessary. Ruby has experience in this sort of thing and you would only be in the way.”

“But Aunt Vi, I can help with the heavy lifting and direct the workmen.”

Ruby sat back and watched to see how Vi would handle Devlin. She didn’t think his reasons for wanting to help were all that pure. More like he was wanting to keep an eye on her. Ruby didn’t care what his reasons were, she didn’t want him around getting in her way. She had been stuck under a glass ceiling controlled by her male boss at the insurance company and she would never again let a man get between she and her goals. Personally or professionally.

Vi and Devlin continued the debate. The more road blocks Vi put up the more persistent Devlin became and visa versa. Both looked close to losing their tempers. Finally Devlin gave in.

“Alright, alright, Aunt Violet. I can see when I’m not wanted.”

“Devlin, that’s not it.”

“No, no. It’s clear this is something between you and Ruby and I would only be, or be viewed as, a third wheel.”

‘Guilt?’ thought Ruby ‘He’s using guilt?’

“Devlin, we’re not banning you from the project because we think you have nothing of value to contribute,” came Vi’s response “it’s just that this is Ruby’s endeavor. Hers alone. Can’t you understand that?”

Devlin decided to get it all out on the table. “No Aunt Vi I can’t. I can’t understand how you could open up your home to a complete stranger and give her cart blanc over the whole proceedings. What do you know about her, really?”

“Devlin Marshall Black! Ruby is my friend. She is not only a guest in this home but she owns it now which really makes you the guest, now wouldn’t it?”

Ruby watched as Devlin paled. He opened his mouth to speak then closed it. Opened it again and closed it again.

It would have been funny if he had not been so angry.

“What-have-you-done?” He ground out each word as he began to rise.

“Devlin, stop!” Violet rose also and came around the table to stand beside Ruby.

“Stop right now or you will be asked to leave for good.”

Devlin looked at his aunt in disbelief.

“That’s right. I asked Ruby here. I gave her money, the house and I asked her to use them and enjoy them. I never got to do what I wanted when I was her age. My whole life had been controlled by men. I won’t have you coming in here and trying to control her and me, Devlin. You are my sister’s grandson

not mine. Cummings Manor is still mine to do with as I please and it pleases me to give it to Ruby and to let her try out her wings and see what she can really do if given the proper resources to succeed. I’m giving her the opportunity I never had. I hope you can understand that and be supportive, Devlin but if you can’t, then you may move out.”

Ruby held her breath waiting. She didn’t have to wait long. Devlin stood up from the table, excused himself and went up to his room. Ruby turned to look and Vi. If she felt regret, it was not showing on her face.

“Vi, I-,”

“It’s ok, Ruby. I had to live my entire married life in the shadow of a man. I won’t allow it to be lived in the shadow of a man who’s diaper I once changed. It’s never too late for an old dog to learn a new trick. It may have taken me a while but I am going to stand up for myself. Don’t you wait until you are my age to allow yourself the life you have always wanted, Ruby.”

Ruby’s eyes began to fill with tears. She was not used to standing up for herself. She felt a bit uncomfortable that this tiny wisp of a woman was exhibiting more bravery than Ruby had ever felt. All she had done about her life was get angry and feel sorry for herself. She realized that cutting back and making herself and her life small to match her circumstances was not how she should be living or how she wanted to be living.

Timothy 1: 7For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. The verse came racing into her mind. She had been timid. She thought she was being powerful having the ’strength’ to merely exist, but merely existing, is not how God wanted her to live her life and He was clearly doing something about it.

“Excuse me, Vi.” She barely choked out the words and ran up to her room. Maxine was hot on her

heels and made it into the room before she shut the door and locked it. She threw herself down on her bed and gave her self over to the sobs that racked her body until she started choking on the still swollen tonsils at the back of her throat. She sat up coughing and looked for a tissue to blow her nose. Maxine sat beside her looking as concerned as a dog can look. Ruby went to the bathroom and washed her face and undressed down to her undergarments. Sighing, she climbed into bed and drew Maxine close to her enjoying the comfort her friend brought to her though she needed more than Maxine tonight. Ruby turned off the light and began to pray. She praised God for all He had done for her in the past and present and for what He had in store for her future even if she could not read to the end and find out what was going to happen, as she was in the habit of doing with the books she read, to see if it was even a road she wanted to go down. After spending time praising, Him, she repented. She had acted the part of long suffering victim all the while thinking she was living. She had played it safe the last few months. Much, much too safe. Life was full of ups and downs and she had avoided them all. When things had been going well she thought she had been living victoriously. She realized now that being victorious without a battle wasn’t being victorious at all. She questioned Vi’s gift. Was she being handed everything she wanted on a silver platter? Yes, she was getting a huge head start but there was still a great deal of hard work a head of her. She could still lose everything which would not only put her at risk but Vi as well.

“I don’t think there is enough room in the trailer for all three of us, Maxine.” Maxine shifted in her sleep and grumbled a bit. Ruby fell asleep praying.

CHAPTER TWO

Ruby’s interview was short and to the point. The shift manager explained a bit of how things were run and what she would be doing, asked her a few questions then told her she’d call her in the next couple of days to let her know if she had been hired. Ruby smiled and got up to leave. She made it all the way to her car before she let the doubt she was feeling show on her face. She was sure there were many, more qualified applicants than she and that one of them was sure to be offered the job. She headed home and watched, while she drove, as the wind blew around small snowflakes, then big fat, wet, heavy ones that made your windshield wipers work extra hard. She drove slow in the snow and finally made it home 45 minutes later. Maxine gave her her usual ‘happy dance’ when she came in the door. Ruby reached down to pet her and heard her answering machine beep. Wondering who could of called, she pushed the button to listen. ‘Hi Ruby, it’s Cora,‘ Ruby sighed, she knew what was coming, ‘it’s snowing pretty hard so the tea room will be closed tomorrow. You know how much the ladies hate to drive in bad weather. No sense in opening if no one will be there.’

Ruby thought, ‘I’ll be there. What am I, chopped liver?’

‘We’ll see how things go for Saturday,’ Cora was still talking, ‘but I doubt it will melt fast enough to make a difference.’

Ruby knew what Cora did, snow didn’t last long around here. It usually melted in a day or two but for their clientèle, any wet road was a bad road which meant, no matter how much it melted by Saturday, it wouldn’t melt enough to open.

“Well Max, looks like I’ll have a three day weekend. Too bad I don’t have any extra money to go anywhere or do anything. I guess I’ll just have to stay here and find something to do.” Maxine gave

Ruby a grumble and a few happy stamps of her feet. She had been cooped up all day and wanted to play. Ruby went to the toy box and grabbed Maxine’s hedge hog. It was well loved by Maxine and it showed in the way one ear hung on by a thread and both eyes were missing. A good deal of fur had been chewed off in the past two years but that didn’t matter to Max as she waited impatiently for Ruby to play with her. Ruby and Maxine growled at each other and wrestled for a long time before they called it quits for the night. After making dinner for them both, Ruby curled up on the small couch and turned on the t.v.. Maxine soon joined her and they snuggled together under an old afghan. When morning came, they were both still in the same spot. Ruby got up to start her day, Maxine scrunched further down in the afghan. Ruby went over and slid the panel out of the dogie door letting Maxine decide when to let herself out. Walking into the kitchen, Ruby went to the sink and opened the curtains. She caught her breath in wonder as she looked at a world that was completely different in appearance from what she had seen yesterday. Everything was dressed in white-crystal splendor. All the ugly brown of winter was gone and forgotten in the beauty of the snow. Ruby continued to glance out the window now and then as she puttered around the kitchen. She made a small picnic for she and Maxine. Some fruit, scones, cheese and pieces of 70% cocoa dark chocolate in a baggy and a thermos full of Earl Grey tea were placed in her worn wicker hamper as well as a china cup and saucer for her and a small china bowl for Maxine’s water. She dressed herself in warm layers and Maxine in a sweater and headed for the car. The plows had been out all night and she was sure they would be able to make it to the Garden. Ruby had an old digital camera stuffed in her pocket. A left over from days gone by that survived being pawned or sold. She also took a note pad and pen. These next three days would be a good time for her to make some plans. It would be up to God to see if her dreams would become reality. It would have to

be Him because she had nothing else to make them come true but the willingness to do the work necessary to birth those dreams. Maxine danced excitedly in the passenger seat as she waited for Ruby to scraped off all the snow and for the windows to defrost enough so they could see.

Twenty-five minutes later, they arrived at the Garden of the Gods park. The snow was deeper on Ruby’s side of town than the park’s. Even though the roads had been plowed, it had taken much longer than normal to get to the park because of the snow packed and icy conditions. Ruby snapped Maxine’s leash to her halter before they stepped out of the car. The snow almost came up to Max’s belly. It was a good thing she had long legs. The two friends enjoyed having the park to themselves and ran around looking for tracks and taking pictures of the beauty surrounding them.

“It seems like God made this just for us, Girl”, Ruby said to Maxine watching the cold turn her breath into a frosty cloud. When Maxine didn’t respond, or even move, Ruby looked down at her. Maxine was almost completely still except for a slight tremor running through her very alert body. Ruby followed her gaze and finally caught sight of what was holding her interest. Bunnies. Two of them were off to the side digging where the snow wasn’t so deep, looking for a few brown blades of grass to nibble. Maxine let out a small grumble.

“No,” was Ruby’s firm reply.

“Uff,” Maxine shot back a little louder.

“I said, ‘no’ Max, and I mean it!”

Before Ruby could get a tighter grip on Max’s leash, her body jerked it out of Ruby’s hand as she lunged for the rabbits.

“Max!”

Ruby dashed after her but Maxine was too fast for her. All she could do was keep her in sight as she

tried to keep up with her now very- in-trouble dog. Ruby felt a rush of panic as Maxine disappeared around a red rock formation. Anything could be on the other side. Colorado Springs might be a good sized city, but the west side of town still had wild animals that would love a tasty snack like Max. Finally making it to the rock formation, Ruby rounded the corner at full speed and smacked into something hard and fell flat on her back. Panting and gasping, she lay in the snow trying to catch her breath, all the while worried that Maxine would never be found. When she could open her eyes, she looked up not at the sky, but at the most beautiful pair of caramel colored eyes she had ever seen. Before Ruby could say anything, there was a hot wet tongue licking her all over her face and she saw a blur of fur. She turned her head, the tongue and blur of white and red fur belonged to Maxine.

“Here,” said Caramel Eyes, “let me help you up.”

Ruby intended to just let him help her, but it turned into more like him doing all the work while she just leaned on him still trying to remember how to breath. She tried to focus on just about anything at all but him but it was difficult. All she noticed was how good he smelled and how strong he felt under his heavy coat. It was all those muscles that had knocked her down. Not an easy thing to do considering her height. Than again, looking at him, he was no small fry himself. At 6′ 2”-6′ 3” he was just a few inches taller than her. He had a nice tan, not too dark, and a smile that seemed brighter than the snow around them. His dark blond hair set off his eyes. Was she imagining things or had they met before? He looked a bit familiar but she just couldn’t place him. She didn’t say anything to him though about looking familiar to her as she didn’t want him to think she was hitting on him.

“Are you alright?” he voice was mellow, almost relaxing, but was there a hint of laughter in it? Was he smiling or grinning? Now she couldn’t tell and her temper flared.

“I’m fine! No thanks to you. You should watch where you’re going. You could hurt someone with…”

she stopped, tried not to blush but felt her face get warm. ‘With what’, she thought, ‘with those big muscles that had knocked me to the ground and had almost knocked me out?’

“What a way to go.”

“Excuse me? Go where?”

“Huh?” Alarmed at where the conversation might be headed, she feigned ignorance of what she had let slip from her lips and ducked her head so he could not, she hoped, see her face and tried to change the subject as they walked back to the parking lot.

Ruby grabbed Maxine and practically threw her in the car. Giving her a ‘look’ and a silent promise of a stern lecture later.

“Wait, before you go, let me give you my card. Please call me if your injuries require medical care.”

‘Was Mr. Caramel Eyes serious?’ She thought. ‘Why would he think she would even call him?’

Her eyes followed his gaze. They appeared to be scrutinizing her car and her for that matter. Who was this guy?

“Thank you very much, but I am quite capable of taking care of myself.”

‘Was that a ‘huff’? Did I just ‘huff’ at him? I’ve got to get out of here.’ With her mind racing she didn’t notice him tossing his card inside her car as she quickly got in it and locked all the doors. The side of his delicious looking mouth curled slightly when he heard the door locks click. ‘Delicious?!’ she thought. Small bits of rock and snow went flying as she sped out of the parking space in reverse.

“Maxine-Marmalade-Cross!” Ruby’s anger, more at Mr. Caramel Eyes and her reaction to him than Maxine, made her use all three of Max’s names as if she were scolding a naughty child. “We do not go chasing after strangers! We do not go chasing after men in general!”

Ruby’s breathing was labored and her head began to ache. She realized she was shaking and pulled

over to the side of the road once they were out of sight. She let out a long breath not entirely sure as to why she had reacted so strongly to the stranger in the park. She looked at the view of the park. From where she was parked she could see most of it and a large portion of the foothills and Pike’s Peak gleaming white in the bright sunlight. She thought about the stranger. He was just a man. Two legs, two arms, two eyes… etc. What was the big deal? She looked over at Max who looked as though she were pouting, not too sure how a moment of fun had earned her a lecture. Max let out a little sigh and rested her head on her folded paws. Ruby’s heart sank a little.

“I’m sorry, girl.”

Ruby reached over to pat Maxine who jumped up and began licking Ruby’s face to let her know all was well. Ruby hugged her best-friend and buried her face in Max’s fur. “I’m sorry”, she breathed again. Now Ruby was mad at herself for two reasons instead of one; her reaction to the man in the park and her temper flair towards Maxine.

“Let’s go home.”

During the drive home, Ruby’s mind ran through her chance encounter with the man at the park. What an odd accent he had. He didn’t look or sound like any man she had seen before in Colorado Springs. He was dressed for the cold weather, but not in the rustic wear she was accustomed to seeing. His ‘look’ was more continental, more sophisticated. He didn’t wear a ball cap which immediately gave away the fact he wasn’t from Colorado where ball caps, sweatshirts, long shorts and sandals were a year round dress code. Ruby decided to get him out of her head by going to Vi’s for a visit. Vi had an open door policy with Ruby. She just needed to call first to make sure Vi was home.

Ruby called her friend when she got home and made arrangements to have afternoon tea with her at her house.

“Hey girl,” she said to Maxine, “want to go visit Daphne? Let’s go!”

Maxine bounded to the door and waited impatiently for Ruby who took Max’s leash off the hook and put it on her for the short walk to the car. Once settled inside the car, Ruby took off for the old north- end part of town. Vi’s family had owned a house there for generations. Ruby noticed that the sun had come out enough to clear paths in the snow making driving easier and less dangerous. As long as she didn’t lose track of time tonight and leave after the water from the melted snow turned into ice, she should make it home safely. A few minutes later, Ruby drove down the driveway that lead to the front of the familiar house made from cut limestone. Maxine, recognizing where they were, made little happy noises as she waited for Ruby to let her out of the car. Practically racing each other up the porch stairs, Ruby and Maxine landed on the porch a little out of breath and full of excitement. Both Ruby and Max enjoyed the company of their older lady friends. Violet reminded Ruby of gentler days and gentler ways while dispensing valuable advise, while Maxine and Daphne, Vi’s own black and white pa pillion, entertained one another with seemingly endless enthusiasm. Maxine had even brought along her favorite squeaky toy to share with Daphne.

Violet had a live-in maid/caregiver and it was she who answered the door after Ruby had lifted the heavy brass knocker, a Victorian Lady’s hand with a crystal ring on her finger, to announce their arrival.

“Hello Ms. Myers,” Ruby warmly greeted the woman opening the door, “Maxine and I are here for a visit.”

“Yes, Ma’am.”

Ruby followed Ms. Myers down the hall to the sitting room where Vi waiting for her. Myers announced Ruby and Maxine then headed to the kitchen to perform the task of tea making.

“Hello, hello!” chirped Vi. “Welcome, Ladies,” she said referring to both Ruby and Maxine. Maxine jumped into Vi’s lap to greet her friend with dog kisses and happy noises. Daphne, still on the floor next to Vi, gave an impatient yip and she and Max were off and running to whatever adventure awaited them. Ruby bent over and gave Vi and hug. “Hello to you too, Vi! How have you been? Are you enjoying the snow?”

Ruby started the conversation as they waited for the tea and scones. Just as Ruby was finishing up telling Vi about her encounter in the part with the handsome stranger, Ms. Myers arrived pushing a squeaking tea cart ladened with all sorts of goodies for them to enjoy. Much more than what Ruby had been treated to in the past.

“Goodness, Vi, you’re really pulling out all the stops here today. What’s the special occasion?”

Was Ruby imagining things, or did a look of mischief flash across Vi’s face just now?

“Oh, I thought I would have Myers do something a little different, and special today for a change. Do I need a special reason to spoil a friend?”

“Of course not, I hope I’m not being rude. I love it, it’s very nice.”

Ruby reached for the tea pot and poured a cup of tea for each of them. It looked different then last time when they had sipped a basic black tea, stout and without much flair. Ruby looked at Vi her face asking the question.

“Yorkshire Gold,” said Vi.

One of Ruby’s favorites. Also before they had enjoyed a simple sampling of scones and fruit. Not so today. Today, the cart nearly groaned under the weight of the variety of delicacies being offered. Smoked salmon and cream cheese sandwiches with a hint of wasabi, roast beef with French tarragon mustard, chicken salad sandwiches tinted pink, a variety of scones and pastries and fresh fruit served on

Vi’s best Wedgwood china. Ruby could tell that something was up and that Vi would get to it when she was ready. Before she could open her mouth to ask, Maxine and Daphne burst into the room and came running up to the women sniffing the air expectantly.

Vi laughed, “Look at them! They are making sure that they don’t miss out on anything.”

Ruby laughed and nodded in agreement. She took the saucer from underneath her cup and filled it with a little tea for Maxine but set it aside to let it cool a bit first before placing it on the ground. Vi handed Ruby her saucer asking her to do the same for Daphne.

“I have a surprise for the ‘girls’,” said Vi with a mischievous twinkle in her eye, “look under that silver lid.” Ruby lifted the lid on a small chaffing dish. It was filled with roast beef cooked rare.

Ruby smiled at Vi’s generosity as Vi rang a small silver bell.

The two dogs danced around excitedly as Ruby divided the beef equally between two dishes and set them on the floor for the dogs to enjoy.

As the ‘girls’ ate the beef and drank their tea, Myers came into the room in response to the bell Vi had rung. In her hands was a small covered silver dish which she set on the table.

Vi and Ruby continued to visit and laugh. Vi entertained Ruby with stories from her youth, of suitors who called upon her and her progressive ways of thinking that more often than not got her into trouble with her parents. “Boys just didn’t understand me”, Vi lamented then quickly added, “that’s ok. I got rid of the ones who didn’t know what to do with me and the way I saw the world, and it made room in my life for the man who was to become my husband!”

After hearing about how Vi and Richard, her now deceased husband, had met, Ruby told Vi a few stories about the goings on at the restaurant. Vi waited patiently for Ruby to finish then reached across the cart to the covered dish Myers had brought in and handed it to Ruby.

“What’s this?” Ruby asked.

“You’ll have to open it to find out.” Said Vi with a smile and a twinkle in her eye.

Ruby gasped as she looked inside the envelope and took out the check inside. The amount was big, very big. More than Ruby had or would have managed to save while working her insurance job. She looked at Vi in confusion.

“W-what?”

“When I was a young woman,” Vi began, “I had more money than you could shake a stick at, only we did not talk of such things as it was considered vulgar. Things change, Ruby and I want to talk to you about it now.”

Ruby had been stunned into silence by the contents of the envelop and thought it best let her friend continue uninterrupted.

“My father had been one of this city’s founders and he had made quite a lot of money in developing the land around us, buying mines and railroad shares, building hotels, polo clubs, and theaters. All places where he and his friends could play and could act as monuments to himself and his over inflated sense of self worth.”

Ruby was a bit surprised to hear Vi speak about her father in such a way but still she said nothing.

“Though, as I said, I had money, I had very little freedom. Oh, at first when Richard and I dated and were married he seemed to be interested in and enjoy my unconventional ways. As time went by however, it became more and more evident that what he had really wanted in his heart was a wife that would stay home and raise his heirs. Not someone to help him run the company my father was giving to him. My father was giving the company to my husband, not to me. I made my decision at the time not to say anything and to involve myself in volunteer work like every other rich house wife in town.

Everyday, though, when my husband would go to work, my heart would go with him even though it was clear I could not. After a few years of trying, it became clear that we would never have children of our own. My father discouraged us form adopting. It wasn’t as accepted in those days as it is now. Twice now in my life I was not to have the desire of my heart and I had to live with the knowledge that my husband had lied to me to get me to marry him so he could get to my father’s business. Even though he ran it well, I always felt cheated and since divorce was unheard of then I kept my mouth closed and lived life the best that I could but always wanting more. I’ve seen you work hard at the tearoom, Ruby. You have the freedom I never did. You have the same drive and desire to make something of yourself but the lack of funding is what is holding you back. I had drive and money but no freedom. Now, take the money I’ve given you and live your dream. If that means you want to open your own tearoom, you can even do that here in this very house. It’s old and has original Victorian furniture and decorations. You can use it all. Every piece of furniture, picture, china, linen, is yours. All I ask is that you allow me to live here until God calls me home. Can you do that? Can you live with an old lady? There’s also a quit claim deed in that envelope giving you this house, now.”

Ruby’s head was spinning.

“But with the house and all the ‘trimmings’ included, there wouldn’t be much to buy.” Said Ruby. “Some paint here and there and some minor repairs, I would need to commercialize the kitchen to bring it up to the heath department’s codes but certainly nothing costly enough that would use up all this money.”

“Oh no, the money is for you whether you open a tearoom or not. I have more than enough and I’m not getting any younger so I may as well give some to those I love and enjoy watching them spend it. You’re my friend, Ruby and I love you and I’ve enjoyed our visits so very much. It’s very lonely here.

Not much ever happens. It’s just me Daphne and Myers, oh and my great-nephew who’s visiting for a little while but soon he’ll be gone and it’ll just be me and Daphne. Oh won’t you say, ‘yes’, Ruby?”

Ruby thought about what Vi said as her eyes looked around the room. Seeing the time on the clock on the mantle, she stood up as she said, “Vi, I’m sorry, I did not realize how late it has got. I need to leave before the roads freeze up.”

“Oh Honey, I hope I didn’t say something to upset you!” Genuine concern washed across Vi’s face at the prospect of having offended her young friend.

“No, no, Vi! Of course not! It’s nothing like that. I had planned to leave by three and it’s almost four. You know how the shady parts of the road get glossed over after the melting snow has left behind all that water.”

Ruby called for Maxine. Maxine came running into the room excited to see her leash in Ruby’s hand. However, once it was on her and she realized they were going home and not for a walk, Maxine’s ears drooped in disappointment.

Ruby looked down at her, “I feel the same way, Girl.”

“So stay,” Vi said.

“Stay?”

“Yes, the roads are getting bad and you can see the part of the house you’d be living in if you decided to take me up on my offer. Sort of a trial run.”

“I don’t know,” Ruby hedged.

Ruby looked down at Max. She was panting and wagging her body. She had obviously enjoyed her day with Daphne and Ruby was dreading the drive home. She could hear the clock on the mantle ticking, waiting, as was Vi.

Though her mind was spinning, Ruby heard herself saying, “Ok, I’ll stay.”

Vi clapped her hands in excitement and rang the silver bell for Ms. Myers.

“Myers! Show Miss. Cross to her room so she can freshen up and have a tour before dinner.”

“Yes, Ma’am. Follow me please, Ma’am.” Myers turned to leave the room.

With sweaty palms, Ruby bent down to hug Vi then followed Myers out of the room and up the stairs to her wing of the house. Her wing of the house?! It was all so unreal. Ruby griped the banister as she ascended the stairs. Max tried a couple of times to rush past her but Ruby held her back. Once she had been shown to her room and left alone, Ruby fell back onto what might be her new bed. She looked around the room without really seeing it then reached into the envelope, pulled out and read the letter and deed that were inside and looked again at the check amount. It was the biggest check she had ever seen. She could take it and pay off every debt she had and still have enough to live comfortably for the rest of her life without even having to think about working. Ruby exhaled slowly then took a deep breath and read the deed. It was straight forward and gave her complete ownership of the house and land on which it sat and every single item within the house. Everything. Ruby’s breath caught in her throat. No one in her whole life had been so generous to her. She had had to work, and work hard for everything she had in the world which as of this morning wasn’t very much. Try as she might, she couldn’t think of what she could have done to impress Vi so much to give her the money and house nor what she might have done to earn such a gift. Isn’t that how things worked? Didn’t you have to work hard and hope you didn’t die before your dreams came true? Who handed someone something so large without them having first done something to prove they were worthy?

It reminded her of the salvation God offered to everyone who answered His knock on the door of their life. Not one could do anything to earn it, it was freely given.

Ruby laid her head down on the bed with her arm across her face and felt hot breath in her ear but not soon enough to avoid the tongue that always followed. Smiling she looked over at Max who lay beside her slowly wagging her tail. Max had wanted to make sure Ruby was ok and this was her way of ‘asking’.

“Well, Girl, should we do it? Should we pull up stake and move in here lock stock and barrel?”

Maxine cocked her head to one side and wiggled closer. Ruby gathered her friend into her arms and prayed.

silverdresserset, originally uploaded by dancingteacup.

I love to browse through antiques shops and imagine how things would have been used. Was this brush set used for a first date? Given to her on her wedding day? Did she gaze into the hand mirror to check her appearance one last time before heading to the church to bury a loved one? Did her children and grandchildren play dress up and use it to pretend they were her?
What images come to mind when you see something like this?

I have recently added my name to an email list with a little over 11,000 other people interested in Helping a Reporter Out. Three times a day, I receive emails giving me information on reporters needing quotable sources for the stories they are writing, from a man in New York by the name of Peter Shankman. Peter is a highly entertaining, IMO, entrepreneur who has a blog, The home of Peter Shankman, and this, HARO-Help a Reporter Out.

You do not need to have written a book, I checked, in order to be considered and expert source. Feel like you may not qualify as an expert and quotable source? Think again. Whether you are an expert at making crafts, painting, motherhood, being single, cooking, cleaning, organizing, running a large corporation, or the owner of a start up, you have something to contribute to HARO. Why not check it out?

You can either leave it here in the comments or let us know you wrote something on your blog. Make sure you put your url in the comments so we can find you.

This is one of those exercises where you write for the sake of writing. It does not need to be perfect.

Ruby rolled over and hit the snooze button on her alarm clock. Six a.m. On the dot. The whining from the box next to her bed, convinced her not to roll over and go back to sleep. She rolled out of bed, lifted the soft bundle of fur out and headed down the hall to the back door of her town home. She set the precious fluff ball down in the grass, ‘potty‘, she commanded. Maxine’s ears had not yet begun to ‘unfurl’ they still bent over towards her face like little flower petals, but she still cocked her head and twitched them at the voice of her new mistress. In a few weeks, they would be standing up tall and proud and when the hair around her ears started to grow and get longer, her appearance would live up to her breeds name, and she would look like her face was stuck between two large butterfly ears. Papillions were notoriously hard to potty train. Maxine was no exception. Ruby knew the minute they went back inside, her little friend would leave a puddle for her somewhere. Ruby was careful not to leave Max out in the open unprotected. She had heard the stories from her neighbors about going into their back yards and finding the only thing left of their pet was its collar. She hadn’t spent all that money on Maxine just to have her end up as a cougar snack. She picked Maxine back up and padded on bare feet into the kitchen and made herself a cup of tea, grabbed a snack, all the while keeping a firm grip on her little bundle of trouble, then headed back outside for another try at, ‘potty‘.

“We don’t have all day, Little One, we have a busy day ahead of us.” Ruby did her best to hold back the tears. A busy day indeed. In a few hours, everything she owned, that she had purchased on credit, was going to be confiscated by the credit card companies and hauled away. Her town home was being foreclosed upon, and she had already declared bankruptcy. All thanks to Amanda Cuttington and the giant knife she had plunged into Ruby’s back. Not only had Amanda slept with Ruby’s boss, and convinced him to fire her so she could have Ruby’s job, but she had told such an outrageous lie tog et her fired, that whenever a potential employer called her former employer’s h.r. department for a reference, they were always told she was not a rehire candidate spelling instant death for any possibility of being hired. Her Burberry days were over and anything not nailed down was being confiscated and sold to pay off her debts. A slight breeze blew across the small backyard as Ruby sat there drinking her tea from a Wedgwood cup and saucer and munching on a scone. Finally, Maxine gave it up and they both went inside to get ready for the coming events. Right after she got dressed, Ruby took Maxine and a few boxes of things she didn’t want her creditors to get their hands on, things left to her by her grandmother, over to her neighbor’s house. She had already made the arrangements to keep the heirlooms and Maxine safe. Her neighbor had offered Ruby her sofa, but Ruby just couldn’t imagine imposing any more than she already had. She had a cozy, if not ridiculous looking and run down trailer waiting for her on the other side of town. ‘There weren’t any trailer parks on this side of town’, she thought as she walked back to her home, for however brief it was still her home, ‘and if there were, I probably couldn’t afford them. I wonder when they’ll show up?’

She didn’t have to wait long. Soon the trucks were jockeying for position out front in the narrow cul-de-sac. Some of her neighbors came out of their homes to watch. ‘Let them. I don’t care.’ The auction began after the items belonging to the credit card companies had been taken away. Ruby stepped outside and sat on the steps of her backyard deck. The table where she had enjoyed her tea and scone, was already gone. It was hard not to cry, but she bit her lip until she tasted blood. She would not break. Not yet.

Soon, but not soon enough, it was over. Everything she had accomplished and collected, gone. Life as she knew it, gone. She waited a full half an hour after the last person had left before getting up from where she sat. She walked to the front door without looking around, closed it, locked it and tossed the keys back in through the mail slot before turning her back on what had been her life, and walking away. She looked around as she left, making sure no one was watching her. She walked down the hill and two blocks over to an old, beat up Buick with peeling paint. She fished the keys to it form her pants pocket and let herself into her car. It was a far cry from the flashy little thing she had been driving, but she had paid cash for it and it was hers. She needed something to go to work in when she finally found a job, ‘God willing’ she added, a throw back from being raised by her grandmother. She drove up to her neighbor’s house and retrieved Maxine and her boxes she had stashed.

“Thank you Carrie.”

“No thanks needed. Are you sure you don’t need a place to stay?”

“I’m sure.”

“See ya.”

‘I doubt it’, thought Ruby as she walked back to the car.

As she drove to her new home in her new part of town, she was no longer able to hold it together. Maxine stumbled into her lap, trying to jump up and lick away the tears.

If you have written a book but are having a hard time getting it published, please use my contact form or leave a comment, and let me know. I have an idea brewing but I must see how many people there are out there who are facing the same issue of over worked and understaffed, disinterested publishers and agents.

Thanks!

Yes, once again, I have changed my blog’s appearance. I still love tea and will post about it, but I’m feeling pulled in a different direction. More on that coming soon. How do you like the new look? Let me know.

So, who wants to read the first chapter of my first book? Well, here it is. Let me know how you like it or if you want to offer me a publishing contract.

CHAPTER ONE

Ruby Cross struggled through the front door of her trailer avoiding stepping on Maxine, her sable colored Papillon, while dropping grocery bags and her mail in a trail behind her in a rush to answer her phone before her answering machine kicked in. Answering with a breathless ‘Hello?’ she felt her heart sink a bit in disappointment at the prerecorded message from the local thrift store asking for donations. Sighing, she hung up on it/him and went back to her front door to retrieve her strewn mail and groceries. No phone calls or messages again. After putting away the cold items into the ancient refrigerator, she grabbed a box of crackers out of one of the cobalt blue cupboards and put a kettle of water on the stove to heat while she put away the rest of the groceries. When she was done with the groceries, she placed an Irish Cream, tea bag in the white cup with pink and yellow roses that used to belong to her grandmother. When the kettle finally whistled, she poured the hot water over the tea bag and carried the cup and saucer and a box of crackers with her through the kitchen, the floor of which was covered in cheap, yellow linoleum, across the brown shag carpeting, into the small living room where she went through her mail while sitting in her favorite chair.

“Occupant, Resident, Ruby Cross or Current Resident, credit card bill, utility bill- nothing yet from Prince Charming,” she said to Maxine who was now in her lap trying to steal licks of hot tea from Ruby’s cup. “Oh, yes! My new tea catalog came today! Look Maxine,” she showed the cover of the thin catalog to Maxine who showed a respectful amount of interest while trying not to get caught stealing crackers too.

“Gee, Maxie, when the biggest part of a girl’s day is getting a tea catalog in the mail, it’s time for her to get a life!”

Maxine cocked her head to one side and huffed at Ruby in what sounded to her like agreement.

“Don’t be so quick to agree,” she told Maxine as she got up to put her uniform, from the tea room where she waitressed, into the wash with the rest of the dark clothes waiting for new life to be given to them before being doused again tomorrow with tea and covered with bits of scone and assorted sandwich fillings. Ruby felt a poke on the calf of her leg as she finished and looked down at Maxine. “Ready for dinner?” she asked her friend. A huff and stamp of feet was Maxine’s response and Ruby went to the refrigerator feeling thoroughly bossed by her opinionated dog. She opened a can of food for Maxine and placed it in her dish along with a treat. Ruby would have felt eternally guilty if she didn’t spoil her friend. Maxine was only two years old, but they both had been through a lot in that short amount of time. Ruby was more inclined to spend her money on Maxine than her self, and today was no exception.

“Hey, girl, are you ready for your present? It’s your birthday today!”

Maxine had no idea what Ruby was so happy about but she liked the tone in her voice and did a little dance around the kitchen floor ‘huffing’ at her. Ruby laughed at Maxine’s impatience and reached into one of the bags still on the counter and pulled out a plastic container full of something brown and cut into strips.

“Guess what I have? Give up? It’s dried, cut up buffalo livers! Mmmm! Come on girl. Come on!”

Ruby lead Maxine on a brief chase into the living room. Maxine poked her in the leg with her nose the whole way. Ruby pulled a piece off one of the livers and held it up.

“Sit!” she commanded Maxine. Maxine huffed at her and stamped her feet.

“Sit I said,” Ruby tried again. Again, HUFF was the only response she got from Maxine. Laughing, Ruby gave the liver to Maxine.

“I guess no one should have to do tricks to be fed. Even if it is expensive buffalo livers!”

Ruby had bought Maxine from a breeder in town three weeks before she lost her job. Already smitten, she couldn’t bear to give her back. It had been a financial struggle, but Ruby had kept Maxine with her through thick and thin and it had been worth every penny and sacrifice. Ruby sat back in her chair and reached for her bible. She had over slept that morning and didn’t get to do her quiet time before she left for work. The day had not gone well. Her attitude had been off and as a result, her tips had been low. ‘No one to blame but me,’ she thought. As she sat there reading,Maxine’s giant ears flicked and she was up and out the flap of her doggie door. The only thing Ruby had been able to teach her was not to bark at the neighbors, just strangers. When Ruby heard Maxine growling and huffing, she knew it had to be at the people in the trailer next door. Maxine drew a fine line between obedience and getting away with murder. According to the way Maxine thought, huffing and growling weren’t barking and she had refused to give them up. Ruby had finally consented and in the end it had turned out to be a good way to tell what was going on around her. Maxine did her job well. An hour later Ruby had completed the study chapter and was ready for bed. Early to bed and early to rise had not yet made Ruby wealthy, but she was healthy and wise.

“Maxine!” she called out. “Here, Max! Come on girl! Come inside!”

Maxine bounded through the doggie door with a huff and several wags of her body. Ruby slid the panel in the doggie door just in case a skunk or neighborhood cat decided to try and wander in during the night.

“No sense in tempting them,” she said to Maxine.

Ruby carefully went through her nightly routine. She shook her long auburn hair out of its chignon and brushed it smooth. Slipping into her shorts and t-shirt combo with the monkeys on it, she sat on

the edge of her bed with Maxine next to her and said her prayers. When she was done she snuggled under the covers. Maxine looked at Ruby and then crawled over to her own side of the bed and laid down.

“I don’t know why you bother,” said Ruby, “we both know where you will be before too long, tucked in and snoring next to me!” Ruby reached over and grabbed Maxine pulling her next to her and snuggling her close. Planting a kiss between Maxine’s ears, Ruby told her ‘goodnight’ and turned out the light.

Morning, as it always did for Ruby, came much too early. She disturbed Maxine as she got out of bed and was rewarded with a familiar grumble of protest. Knowing Maxine wouldn’t get up on her own, Ruby picked her up and carried her to the front door, opened the door, set Maxine down and closed the door without undoing the panel so she couldn’t sneak in when Ruby wasn’t looking. Maxine sat there for a couple of minutes still trying to wake up. Ruby left her little friend to her own devices and went into the kitchen to start her day. She filled her small tea bell full of loose leaf Earl Grey tea and waited for the kettle of filtered water to boil. By the time the water had boiled and the tea had steeped it’s 5 minutes, the scone she had taken form the freezer to cook was done and she was ready for her quiet time. She stopped by the doggie door to let in Maxine and was greeted with an indignant huff as Maxine trotted past her and went back to bed.

‘She’s even worse at mornings than I am,’ Ruby thought to herself.

Thirty minutes later, Ruby closed her bible with tears in her eyes. Proverbs 24:16 was the last thing she had read, ‘for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again, but the wicked are brought down by calamity.’

“You are so good, Lord,” she said out loud. “Your hand lifted me up and carried me each time I fell.

Thank you, Lord. You are so merciful and good.”

She put down her bible and got up to finish getting ready and leave for work. Rushing to the bathroom, she scooped up her hair into a clip and sprayed it into obedience with her cheap drug story hair spray. Next came the face washing and makeup. She did a full scale application of foundation, blush, lipstick and eyeshadow and even curled her eyelashes before applying her mascara. Even when in ‘corporate America’, Ruby felt it was important to look her best which for her included makeup, hair done and jewelry, even if she was just waitressing. Next came her uniform. The most ridiculous thing she ever had to wear in her life. Since Miss. Daisy’s Tea Parlor tried to mimic an old fashioned Victorian era tea room, all the waitresses were required to look the part. This meant mutton sleeves and long hot skirts in black with white caps and aprons, even in the summer. Despite the silly get up and serving tea all day, Ruby had grown to love tea and everything about it. She especially liked it when some of the customers would dress in period clothing. Their outfits were colorful and exotic while hers was merely functional and drab. Her one small act of individuality in her costume,was the bright red lipstick she always wore.

Placing some dry kibbles in Maxine’s dish and checking to make sure she had plenty of fresh water for the day, Ruby walked out the door.

Getting into her very worn out car, Ruby closed the door being careful not to slam the skirt of her dress in the door jam. Just as the car had warmed up, she pulled into the parking lot of the garishly painted Victorian house that had been converted into Miss. Daisy’s Tearoom and Millinery, in Old Colorado City. Using her key, she opened the door and started the morning prep. A little while later, she heard a car outside. Looking out the window, she saw the cook pull up. Ruby had arrived her usual half an hour early. Betty, the cook, was always on time and Kate, the other waitress, was always late.

Today was going to be a big day. They had two Red Hat(C) parties coming plus three separate

reservations, all within a half an hour of each other. The tea house opened at eleven. It was seven ’til.

Betty took over the kitchen, leaving Ruby free to vacuum and check the tables to see if they needed wiping down and if the salts and peppers needed topped off. She finished just as the first Red Hatter (C) came through the door. A 90 year old cutie, she had that beautiful white hair that looked like spun sugar. She wore a red hat with a generous helping of feathers and sequins, a lovely purple dress with long sleeves, and a red and purple feather boa wrapped around her neck. She, too, had put on makeup this morning and topped off her look with some great sparkling earrings and a brooch.

“Good morning, Violet!” Ruby greeted her enthusiastically. She was a regular and Ruby had enjoyed getting to know her. Many of the ladies were a joy to be around. Some were cranky and cheap with their tips, but for the most part, they were like Violet, glad to be alive and still full of life. Vi, as she liked to be called, came over to give Ruby a hug.

“How are you doing, Ruby-girl? Got a handsome rich man yet? One that’ll spoil you and buy you the world?” Vi asked with a chuckle.

“No, not yet, and besides, I wouldn’t want the whole world, it would be too much to clean!”

The two women exchanged pleasantries for a couple of minutes then the conversation turned to their dogs. Vi also owned a Papillon.

“Daphne sure did enjoy Maxine’s visit last week. It took her another week to recuperate, but it was the liveliest I’ve seen her in a while, Ruby.”

Ruby remembered the play date she had taken Maxine to over at Vi’s house. The two dogs had romped in the backyard for most of the time Ruby had been there. Vi had served Ruby the most delicious scones while she was there. Better than that, Vi had given her the recipe. They, like her friendship with Vi, would always be a heart treasure for Ruby. Ruby settled Vi into a seat by the window. Ruby knew

she liked to look out the window and see what was going on out on Colorado Avenue. She liked to ‘people watch’ the tourists.

“Foot traffic is a little thin today,” Vi said, “do you think it will pick-up?”

“It better. If it doesn’t I just might have to rob a bank!” came Ruby’s standard reply.

They the official tourist season was still to come, when the streets brimmed with people. Ruby was confident it would pick-up here in the next month or two, especially the closer it got to summer. Miss. Daisy’s always opened a few months earlier than the other Ave. restaurants, just to make her presence known. Ruby excused herself and went to get Vi some ice water with lemon.

“Here you go, Vi,” She said as she set the glass down.

“Oh! I didn’t hear you come in,” came Vi’s startled reply. She had been deep in thought but now she looked away from the window and up at Ruby. Just then the door opened and laughter followed the slight breeze in as three more ladies joined Vi at the table. Ruby left them to their ‘hellos’.

Back in the kitchen, Betty was pulling hot scones out of the oven.

“Ten more minutes on the quiches,” she told, Ruby, “how we doin’ out there?”

“Great! All but two of them are here.”

They worked in silence for a few minutes.

“What time did Kate say she was coming in today?” asked Betty

“She didn’t. Does she ever?”

They both chuckled at the joke. They loved Kate, what wasn’t to love? They just didn’t like her unreliability. Ruby finished spreading the cold curry chicken salad onto the croissants. She cut each sandwich in half and neatly arranged the pieces on the serving tray. Next she took the chocolate covered strawberries off the wax paper they had been sitting on and placed them on the bottom tray.

The cooling scones were last and placed on the middle tray. Each table was also treated to a tray with three wells in it filled with cream, lemon curd and jam, one each in each well. Checking on the ladies again, Ruby saw they were ready to begin. Each of the tables of four had a three tiered tray of delectable finger foods on it for the ladies to enjoy with their tea. The menu for today was chicken curry sandwiches with grapes, celery, apples and almonds added, lavender scones, chocolate covered strawberries, and Earl Grey tea with lavender flowers. Herbal teas were also available upon request. She took the last of the trays of food and tea out to her ‘guests’ and after a little explanation about the food, she let them be so they could enjoy themselves without interruption. She always referred to the customers as her guests. She would have loved to be the owner of Miss. Daisy’s. Ruby had tried several times to get Cora to jazz up the menu or serve an exotic tea or plan a special chocolate tea. All her ideas had been shot down. However, since Cora was rarely at the restaurant, Ruby would sneak in some of her ideas whenever she could. They had all been a hit with her customers except for the most stubbornly unadventurous. Ruby was always pouring over tea books for new recipes and tips on how to do things better or to add variety.

Ruby helped Betty clean up in the kitchen while the ladies were having their meeting. The occasional sounds of laughter would find it’s way down the hall and into the kitchen. Ruby loved it. Being single and alone, she was sometimes lonely too. Remembering the voices and the laughter from the day helped her at night when she was feeling blue. All she had to do to feel better sometimes, was to think about the day. The happy faces of the customers, the smells from the kitchen and especially the laughter, helped ease some of the emptiness in her life. All that, plus Maxine, made her feel blessed but there were some things missing in her life that friends, food and pets couldn’t replace. Ruby wanted her own business. She desperately wanted something to call her own. Her friends at work thought she

needed a man. THAT was the furthest thing from her mind. She put the dishes in the sanitizer a little too hard earning herself a raised eyebrow from Betty.

“Something on your mind, Kid?” Betty asked.