When a taker dreams book.., p.10
When a Taker Dreams--Book II--When Steele Woos Ruby !, page 10
“Said the kind of obvious,” Steele laughed.
“Yeah, I can see through you, and you can see through me,” Stuart said shaking his head. “But now your baby brother Ryker he ain’t happy with our letting the women folk win. I’m just saying.”
Ryker walked back over to where Stuart and Steele were sitting and said. “Now wait a minute Steele, you played with me, brother-in-law Stuart, Ben Davis, Elijah Thomas, Wyatt, and Luke Martinez last Saturday and you were playing like a pro! What gives man? You are throwing gutter balls left and right!”
“Man, Steele’s just trying to help the ladies beat us!” Stuart declared. “Can’t you see he’s trying to stay in good with Ruby?”
Ryker shook his head. “Brother-in-law, I think you’re right!”
Steele chuckled and shook his head, “Come on guys, you know I wouldn’t do that. I just had an off day today; it happens to the best of us.”
Ryker playfully punched Steele’s arm. “Forget it, dude. Stuart is playing the same game as you are and he thinks I don’t know. You both are j just plain whipped by your women.”
“Ryker’s on to us, Steele,” Stuart declared.
“Anyway, at least Ryker you’d have to agree my game has improved,” Steele declared.
Ryker shook his head. “Not today from what AI can see.”
Ruby, who was on the women’s team, overheard the conversation and walked over to them. “Don’t worry Steele, we all have our bad days. But I must agree with you, you’ve really improved over the past few weeks.”
Steele smiled at Ruby’s compliment, “Thanks, I’ve been practicing a lot with you. I’ve really enjoyed our every other Friday bowl nights.”
Cierra, Ryker’s wife, spoke up, “Hey, why don’t we all play a friendly game together? No more men and women teams. Just us all together. It’ll be fun.”
Everyone agreed to Cierra’s suggestion, and they all started to set up the lanes for a new game. As they played, there was a lot of laughter and friendly competition. Steele found himself enjoying the game even more than usual, and he was glad to have such supportive friends and family members around him.
“Hey Ruby, I’m feeling parched, and Ryker wants a beer. Would you like to walk with me to the Snack Bar?”
“Sure, I’ll walk with you, Steele just asked me to grab him something.”
As the two women walked Cierra cleared her throat.
“I hope you don’t mind my putting in my two cents worth. But I think you and my brother-in-law Steele make a nice-looking couple.” Cierra declared. “And I think you are good for him.”
Ruby was shocked and dumbfounded but didn’t have a chance to respond as they had just reached the Snack Bar.
“I’ll have a cold Sierra Nevada Big Foot Ale and Reed’s extra dry ginger beer, two large bags of cashews, and one bag of peanuts,” Cierra declared and turned to Ruby.
“Ruby, what would you like? I’m paying or should I say my hubby Ryker is treating all of us.”
The two women laughed.
“Well, I’ll have Reed’s extra dry ginger beer, and Steele wants a Sierra Nevada Pale Ale,” Ruby said. “You know it shows Ryker and Steele must be family because they both like the same brand name.”
“You notice that too?” Cierra smiled. “Yeah, Sierra Nevada is their favorite brand.”
As they waited for their drinks, Ruby said. “Thanks, Cierra, for the compliment. I mean when you said Steele and I make a nice couple.”
Cierra smiled, “Of course, Ruby. I just couldn’t help but notice how well you two get along. You seem to have a great connection.”
Ruby blushed, “I...I don’t know what to say. We’re just friends, you know?”
Cierra raised an eyebrow, “Are you sure about that? I mean, it’s clear that Steele enjoys spending time with you. And you look like you enjoy his company too.”
Ruby bit her lip. “I don’t know, Cierra. I don’t want to ruin our friendship by taking things to the next level. What if it doesn’t work out?”
Cierra put a reassuring hand on Ruby’s shoulder, “I understand your concerns, Ruby. But sometimes, taking a chance on love is worth it. You never know, it could be the best thing that ever happened to you.”
Ruby smiled, “Thanks, Cierra. You’re a great friend.”
Cierra handed Ruby the drinks, “Anytime, Ruby. Let’s go back to the lanes and enjoy the rest of the game.” As they walked back, Ruby couldn’t help but wonder if Cierra’s words were true. Could there be something more between her and Steele?
“Ou!”
“What’s wrong?” Cierra asked.
“Oh, it was nothing. I thought I saw Harriet.”
“Harriet Malandrino?” Cierra asked.
You know Harriet Malandrino?” Ruby asked.
“The question is do you know Harriet Malandrino,” Cierra sternly declared.
“Yes, Harriet, Steele and I played here together, once,” Ruby hesitated. “I mean I do know Harriet had a crush on Steele, and Steele and I asked her to bowl with us so that there were no hard feelings.”
“Really?” Cierra attentively listened.
Ruby looked around. “You know what I find odd Cierra?”
“What?”
“It does seem like Harriet Malandrino seems to appear at odd places,” Ruby exhaled.
“I don’t think it’s odd,” Cierra declared. “Personally, I think, Harriet Malandrino, might be an undercover starker. You and Steele should both be careful of her!”
Ruby’s eyes widened in surprise, “An undercover stalker? That’s a serious accusation, Cierra.”
Cierra shrugged, “I’m just saying, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Harriet’s behavior does seem suspicious, doesn’t it? I mean she’s always showing up at places you guys are at.”
Ruby nodded slowly, “I guess you’re right. We’ll have to be careful around her.”
As they walked back to the lanes, Ruby couldn’t shake the feeling of unease. She had always thought that Harriet was just a harmless admirer of Steele’s, but Cierra’s words made her wonder if there was more to it.
When they got back to the lanes, Ruby noticed that Harriet was indeed there, watching them play. Steele was completely oblivious to her presence, but Ruby couldn’t help but feel on edge.
Cierra noticed her discomfort and whispered, “Don’t worry, Ruby. We’ll keep an eye on her. And if anything seems off, we’ll alert the authorities.”
Ruby nodded, grateful for Cierra’s support. As they continued to play, Ruby tried to push Harriet out of her mind and focus on the game. But she couldn’t shake the feeling that they were being watched.
Almost an hour later, loud raucous laughter exuded from the group as they played. Steele picked up a spare and declared. “I’ve got to make that bathroom run. I’ll be back in time for my turn.”
“No worries, my brother, you take care of business. Stuart is up and you know he’s a perfectionist. He’ll take a while,” Ryker declared.
Steele hurried to the men’s room.
As soon as Steele walked out of the bathroom and walked down the corridor he stopped abruptly, there standing before him was the young girl he had almost hit with his car several months before.
“It’s you! What are you doing here?” Steele asked the young girl.
“Hey Mister, I saw you bowling earlier. You know you are working really hard to throw your game off. I’m proud of you. I know you’re doing for that young lady you’re with.”
“Oh, you have seen that too,” Steele said.
“Don’t worry it’s a good thing. By the way, I heard you call her Ruby. She’s beautiful and she’s perfect for you. But I needed to tell you something. And you need to listen.”
“Why should I listen to a kid?”
“You forgot I told you before that I’m clairvoyant,” the young girl said with a sternness in her voice that made Steele pay attention.
“Okay, go on I’m listening,” he replied.
“The things you hide will come to light; you need to tell Ruby about all your past even the mistakes you made.”
“No way! Look little girl I’ve indulged you enough,” Steele sternly declared.
The girl smiled softly. “The only reason you don’t want to tell her is because you think she will judge you. But how can you know if that is true if you don’t tell her.”
“You mean about my thinking I was in love with my sister-in-law Cierra?”
“Yes, but you’ve already told her about that. But that’s not all,” the young girl said. “You need to tell her everything even about your real father and your stepfather too.”
Steele stared at the young girl in disbelief. How could she know about his past with Cierra and that he had already had the discussion with Ruby? But his other family issues? He couldn’t deny the truth in her words. He had been holding onto these secrets for far too long, and it was time to come clean to Ruby.
“Okay,” he said finally, his voice low. “I’ll tell her.”
The young girl smiled, a sense of relief washing over her features. “Good,” she said. “I know it’s scary, but trust me, it will be worth it.”
Steele nodded, and the two of them walked in silence for a few minutes before he spoke again. “But how do I even start?” he asked, feeling overwhelmed.
The young girl thought for a moment before replying. “Start with the truth,” she said. “Tell her that you have things in your past that you haven’t shared with her yet, but that you want to be honest with her. And then just take it from there.”
Steele nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards the young girl. “Thank you,” he said. “I needed to hear that.”
“Wait!” The girl said. “There is trouble coming and you need to get ready. Everything is not always as it seems. The little girl bowed her head and said. “I tell you this because the storms of life show up differently for each person. Sometimes a coming storm can take on the body of a human. You must be careful because “there is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end, it leads to destruction.”
“Destruction?” Steele replied studying the girl. Her words meaning were not lost on him.
“I have to go now,” the young girl said. “Be careful! And be watchful for you will know your storm when it comes.”
Steele’s mind was racing with thoughts of how to approach the conversation with Ruby, is that the storm the little girl told him about he wondered? He didn’t even notice when the young girl left.
But for the first time in a long time, he felt a sense of hope that things might work out. Maybe, just maybe, he could finally let go of his past and start building a future with Ruby.
Chapter 17
Colbert Granger Birthday Party
Isabella heard the distant rumble of music and chatter as she made her way down the red carpet and walked through the entryway under the massive profile photo of the birthday man, Colbert Granger, her father.
Everyone was here. From local television newscasters to models she’d seen wearing runway designer dresses, in San Francisco, to even a San Francisco society queen wearing a seductive strapless dress she herself had seen at Neiman Marcus for $5000.
Isabella smiled when she heard a guest say.
“That Colbert really knows how to give a classy Birthday Party! I want a large photo of me at my next birthday!” A guest declared pointing to the photo as he entered the ballroom.
The photo had been her father’s idea and she knew it fed his ego.
The large imposing ballroom had been decorated boldly and boisterously just the way Isabella knew her father liked. The tables were decorated with tall goose-neck glass vases holding white gold and purple feather plumes cascading to the table below.
Four large prism chandeliers lit the dance floor at the end of the massive room.
Isabella’s eyes scanned the room beaming with pride at how well her decorative ideas had made the large ballroom elegant and inviting.
Isabella knew her father’s 60th birthday party was one of the year’s most major events in Silicon Valley. Everyone was here. She made her way down the corridor leading to the appetizer buffet that had been set up off the main hallway.
She watched as guests eagerly devoured the vast array of appetizers.
The appetizer buffet was filled with delicacies from Beef Wellington Appetizer bites to Philly Cheesesteaks, Egg Rolls, Mini Shrimp Rolls, Coconut Shrimp, bacon wrapped Shrimp, bacon-wrapped scallops, bacon-wrapped carrots many more mouthwatering scrumptious delicacies. The bacon-wrapped carrots were her father’s favorites as well as most of the other bacon-wrapped appetizers.
Abruptly Isabella stopped dead in her tracks. Standing at the Buffet table was Desiree Martin. An old girlfriend of her brother Ryker.
“Desiree...” Isabella called out.
Slowly Desiree turned around. “Isabella, girl is that you?” She said before quickly popping a mini quiche into her mouth.
“I had no idea you were invited,” Isabella nervously laughed.
“You know Daddy Granger still loves me enough to invite me,” Desiree declared smugly. “Unlike other members of your family,” she replied before helping herself to more appetizers.
“Well, I’m glad my father felt the need to invite you. Though I don’t know why?”
“Don’t you? I can’t believe your father hasn’t told you. I’ve been helping out in the community with your Dad’s men’s group. I organized their Scholarship Luncheon this year and I supervised the mailing and return of all scholarship applications. By the way, how’s my cousin Ivy working out at Steele’s place?” She asked but didn’t wait for a response. “You know, Isabella, I’m also on the Board of Directors for Josephine’s Temp Agency.”
Shocked, Isabella blurted. “Ivy... Ivy Hernandez is your cousin?”
“Yes, that’s my family’s flesh and blood. Blood kin. You know how it is. You always have to help someone get a job. And well after Ivy’s mishap with the law and all, her mother contacted my mother, and you know how it goes with family. I had to get her a job.”
Isabella looked at Desiree seriously. “Wait a minute is that your cousin Ivy Martin? The one who went to jail for stealing a man’s semen from a condom and selling it to some woman for ten thousand dollars,” she exhaled. “As I recall the man took her to court after being hit with a paternity suit for twins.”
“Oh, you remember that. I was hoping folks had forgotten,” Desiree nervously laughed. “Well, it was a few years ago and well Ivy is totally reformed now,” Desiree nervously laughed.
Isabella looked sternly at Desiree. “She’d better be and if I find out she does any hanky panky stuff with my brother’s condom semen or anything! So, help me, Desiree! I’ll kick the living sh—...”
“Whoa! I hear you! Isabella!” Desiree interrupted her. Looking around hoping no one was listening to their conversation. “No worries. In fact, I’m going to make it my mission to double-check on my cousin when I leave here tonight and I’m going to reassign her. My cousin isn’t going to mess with my relationship with the Granger family. You can best believe that!”
Isabella made her exit in a huff. She headed for the main dance floor. Determined to find Steele.
She scanned the dance floor and admired all of it. She was proud of how things had turned out. Even if it meant she had to run into Desiree Martin. She saw her brother Steele and smiled. He and Ruby were dancing. The two of them looked so happy together that she decided not to mention what she talked to Desiree about.
Steele and Ruby saw Isabella and danced near her.
“Hi Isabella,” Steele said. “You did a wonderful job putting Dad’s birthday bash together.”
“Yes, you did,” Ruby agreed.
“Thanks, you two, that means a lot,” Isabella grinned. “Look seeing you guys’ dancing makes me want to find my husband and do the same.”
“You do that. Go and find my brother-in-law! Stuart would love spending time with his wife,” Steele replied. “Oh, and by the way! Thanks for finding Ruby for me. I just can’t say it enough. You gave me the best gift of my life.”
Isabella smiled lovingly at her brother.
“Yes, I thank you too for my gift, as well, Isabella. You’re hooking me up with your brother Steele. Tell Stuart we said hi,” Ruby added.
Steele and Ruby danced together for over a half-hour when a voice said.
“Ruby Trudeau? Is that you? I haven’t seen you in ages!”
Ruby looked up and yelped. “Lily O’Connor, girlfriend I haven’t seen you in ages too! What are you doing here?”
The two friends hugged.
“I’m here with Monroe Elmhurst, he’s friends with Enzo Rawlins, he invited me,” Lily declared. “I’m his date for the evening.”
“Wow! Small world,” Steele declared. “Enzo Rawlins is friends with Monroe Elmhurst. Didn’t he run for some kind of state office?”
“Yes and no!” Lily said. “Monroe has dreams of a state office, but he won a councilman position, in the central valley. Anyway, since he’s a single man and a politician. I’m what you call the “good” girl he brings on a date or when he goes to an event with old family friends, like this one.”
Astonished. “Really?” Steele replied.
“Don’t look so shocked,” Lily said. “In case you don’t know Monroe can be just like Enzo. They are both a bit of a hand full when it comes to getting in trouble. If you know what I mean. Besides, my family knows Ciearra’s mother and aunt. Did I mention Cierra and I took piano lessons together as kids? Though Cierra can play a whole lot better than I can.”
“Lily, I’ve heard you play! You are very good,” Ruby declared.
“Then I guess you haven’t heard Cierra play the piano,” Lily said. “Well, when that happens, we’ll see what you say then.”
“Oh, really!” Ruby smiled. “You know I might just take you up on that. But right now, I really need to run to the lady’s room.”
“Hey ladies, I have an idea,” Steele said. “Why don’t the two of you run to the ladies’ room and maybe find Cierra after and do that piano challenge thing? I saw a piano in one of the rooms down the corridor where we entered.”
