“Ruth. I’m not so sure your marriage problem is a problem at all.” Anna says as I pull into the drive way next to the house.
“It is pretty nice isn’t it?” I say unable to complain about the size and style of the house.
“It’s beautiful! I can see why your father picked this one to sell you to.” Anna says brushing lipstick onto her lips before we get out of the car.
“I’d say it was more charity than selling. His father knew mine and apparently they knew each other well enough that his father was willing to do any favor for my Dad. I’ve yet to get an answer of how they knew each other.” I say getting out of Ralph’s car. I lead Anna through the side entrance to the house. As soon as we enter she begins admiring every coaster and wall hanging. I guess she makes enough noise to alert the whole house because as we enter the living room Ralph comes down stairs.
“Ruth, you’re back. How was your trip?” Ralph asks me eyeing Anna.
“It was wonderful, Ralph. Thank you, again for letting me take your car.” I say and he nods then looks directly at Anna.
“I’m Ralph Peterson.” He says holding his hand out for her to shake, smiling at her warmly, not unlike he did to me when we first met.
“I’m Anna Davis, Ruth’s friend.” Anna says smiling widely and shaking his hand.
“Yes. I didn’t know Ruth would be bringing anyone back. I suppose that’s to be expected, though.” Ralph says. There’s a certain edge to his voice that suggests he isn’t too happy with the fact that I’ve brought Anna here.
“Ruth was just telling me about how you two are getting married. We came to ask where she should start looking for a wedding dress.” Anna explains still smiling pleasantly. If you didn’t know her you might think she were an idiot not to notice his tone. In reality she’s playing her charms up so he gets distracted from his anger. She did this many times with teachers and my mother.
“Yes, well, that is a matter for Ruth and I to discuss in privacy.” He looks at me and I know that he means for me to escort Anna out. I squint at him and begin to open my mouth when Anna cuts me off.
“I’ll be on my way then. I wouldn’t want to disturb the two of you any longer.” Anna says and I direct a glare at her in disbelief. She knows damn well I can’t let him get away with talking to her like that. “I’ll call you, Ruth. Today was great seeing you.”
“How are you getting home?” I ask her taking the upper hand. I picked her up and dropped her off.
“I’ll call for someone to take her home.” Ralph says quickly and Anna thanks him. I can’t believe this. “Until then you girls can stay down here.”
“Thank you, very much.” Anna says touching his arm and he pats her hand then walks back upstairs.
“What was that?” I demand once he’s gone. Anna puts her hand on her hip and glares at the staircase.
“He’s not one you want to get mad, Ruth. I can see why you don’t want to marry him now.” Anna says walking over to the sofa.
“No, I’ve never seen him act that way. He’s always very respectful toward me and my Dad.” I say putting my hand to my chin as I sit beside her.
“Well he seems to have a certain hate for me. Not that I really care it just worries me what that means for you.” Anna whispers.
I wonder what that does mean for me. This is his home I suppose I shouldn’t have just brought a friend here without letting him know first. Even if that is the case I am living here too. Why shouldn’t I be able to bring who ever I want to bring over?
“I don’t like the fact that he’s kicking you out.” I say to Anna and she leans back dramatically on the couch.
“Do you think he just can’t resist himself in the presence of such beauty?” she says swishing a hand through the air around her body and face.
“Well I’ve lived with him for over a week now, so I doubt it’s that…” I say pretending to think and Anna hits me with a cushion.
“When is the wedding anyway?” Anna asks setting the cushion down into her lap tracing the embroidery with her finger. I can’t see why she still insists on admiring the things in the house she isn’t welcome in.
“I’m not sure. Ralph and I don’t talk while he’s here. His room is upstairs and my room is around that corner, do we don’t see each other much.” I say pointing out the hallway to the left of the stairs.
“I think you two need to at least talk to each other more. Ruth, I know you’re angry and you don’t want this in the least, but think of what this must be like for him. He has to suddenly share his whole life with a woman he’s never met, and he knows all too well that it’s because he has money. How would you feel if you were being used like that?” Anna says.
It feels like a slap to the face but it’s true. I’ve been moaning and groaning, but what about him? I don’t have to put a penny worth into this relationship, but he has to put everything he has into it. I have every right to be mad, and he has every right to hate me.
“Miss Davis your car just pulled up.” Ralph says jogging down the stairs.
“It’s, Anna. Thank you again, and I’m sorry for intruding upon your home.” Anna says getting to her feet and meeting Ralph at the door. I walk slowly over as he opens the door for her.
“I’m sorry for seeming so cold. I like my privacy.” He says rubbing the back of his head. Anna waves off his apology and apologizes again for entering his home unannounced. What a little kiss up.
“I’ll see you later Ruth. You take care of yourself.” Anna says grabbing me and hugging me tightly. I laugh and hug her back just the same.
“Of course. You do the same.” I tell her and she smiles at me. We wave at each other then she runs off to meet the man holding her door open for her. I watch the white car go, and then turn to go back inside.
I try to hide my surprise when I see Ralph still standing by the door. He nods at me with a closed lip smile and gestures for me to come in. I walk past him careful not to brush against him.
“She seems nice.” He says as we walk further into the house. I stop and turn to look at him.
“You would know for a fact that she is nice if you didn’t kick her out as soon as you saw her.” I say crossing my arms over my chest. He shoves his hands into his pockets and looks down the bridge of his nose at me.
“I have the right to kick anyone I please out of my house. We never talked about you bringing a guest here.” He says gruffly.
“I realize that, but please tell me what harm she was causing you. She’s my friend, and yet I only get to see her so often. Why couldn’t we just sit and talk?” I ask him and Ralph steps closer to me.
“I’m sorry, Ruth, but if I have people in my house I feel the need to entertain them. I can’t just leave you to your own devices and never come down now can I?” He says giving me a sad but stern look. I understand, but I’m still upset at the way he treated the two of us.
“I’ll tell you in advance next time, then.” I say and start walking toward the hall to my room when Anna’s voice echoes in my head. ‘I think you need to talk to each other more.’ I stop and look up at the ceiling hoping it gives me permission to ignore her advice.
“Is something wrong?” Ralph asks from behind me. I close my eyes willing myself to turn and say the words.
“Would you like to have dinner with me?” I turn and ask.
He agrees.
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