Unexpected
1082 Words
"Yes.. My best friend is officially employed by the biggest company in California." Rinna screamed.
Ruth covered her ear. “Quit screaming.“
Rinna walked straight to the wardrobe and threw both doors open.
"I told you we'd get you a job and I was right."
She began pulling dresses from the wardrobe one after another before finally holding up a fitted black dress.
"This one."
Ruth's eyes widened.
"I can't wear that."
"Why not?"
"It's too..." She searched for the right word. "...revealing."
Rinna folded her arms.
"Exactly."
Ruth shook her head immediately.
"No."
"Yes."
"No."
"Ruthie."
Rinna sighed dramatically before placing the dress against Ruth's body.
"We're going to a club, not church."
****
Ruth looked at herself in the mirror.
The dress hugged every curve she had spent years hiding beneath oversized clothes.
Her shoulders were bare.
The slit climbed higher than anything she had ever worn.
She immediately looked away.
"I feel exposed."
"You look beautiful. You've spent five years dressing like somebody's forty year old aunt."
"I was married."
"So?"
"So married women don't dress like this."
"Who made that rule?"
Ruth opened her mouth.
Nothing came out.
Rinna smiled knowingly.
"Exactly."
She walked behind Ruth and rested her chin on her shoulder.
"You've spent years living for someone else."
She met Ruth's eyes through the mirror.
"Tonight..."
Her voice softened.
"...live for yourself."
Something inside Ruth shifted very slightly.
She thought about the job, about finally earning something on her own. But then her mind drifted back to Caleb and his threats.
Maybe... just maybe she deserved one happy evening before everything went sour, even if it will only last a few hours.
Ruth finally sighed.
"Fine."
Rinna squealed so loudly that Ruth had to cover her ears.
An hour later...
Ruth barely recognized herself. Rinna did a full makeover on her.
Her long hair fell in soft curls over her shoulders.
The light makeup highlighted features she hadn't paid attention to in years.
The dress fit perfectly, she turned sideways and frowned.
"I still think it's too much."
Rinna walked around her dramatically like a fashion judge.
"No."
She snapped her fingers.
"It's perfect."
She grabbed her purse.
"Come on."
Ruth slipped into a pair of heels.
"Can I wear something lower?"
"You'll survive."
"Ahh.. I might fall."
"I'll catch you."
“You're impossible.“ Ruth frowned.
Rinna laughed as they left the apartment.
****
Bent-nite Club
The music echoed long before they reached the entrance, the neon lights made everything colourful.
Luxury cars lined the front of the building.
The moment they stepped inside, the bass vibrated beneath Ruth's feet.
People danced under the flashing lights.
For a second, Ruth wanted to turn around but Rinna sensing it held her hands.
"Don't even think about it."
Ruth tugged lightly at the hem of her dress for what felt like the tenth time.
"I still can't believe you talked me into wearing this," she muttered.
Rinna laughed, looping an arm through hers.
"Oh, relax. You look gorgeous."
"I feel bare."
"Exactly! That's how club dresses are supposed to feel."
"You're a terrible influence."
"I've always been."
Ruth couldn't help smiling.
Rinna had always been the outgoing and social one. Ruth still didn't know how they had become such close friends or even clicked. They were complete opposites, yet somehow, it had always worked.
"Come on," Rinna continued. "Tonight is about celebrating. You got a job. Tomorrow can worry about itself."
For the first time all day, Ruth allowed herself to breathe.
Maybe Rinna was right.
Maybe she deserved one evening where she didn't think about Caleb.
Where she didn't think about the photographs or think about prison.
The moment they stepped into the club lounge, several heads turned.
A few men openly admired Ruth.
"The lady in blue, she's stunning."
"I've never seen her here before."
Ruth instinctively lowered her gaze.
"I told you this dress was too much," she whispered.
Rinna grinned.
"They're looking because you're beautiful. Ignore them."
"I don't belong here." Ruth pouted
"You do tonight."
She pulled Ruth toward the bar.
"What are we drinking?"
"I don't drink."
"Common you used to."
"I also used to trust men."
Rinna winced.
"Fair point but a little won't hurt."
She ordered two cocktails anyway.
"Just one."
A few minutes later, the tension in Ruth's shoulders eased as she moved her body slowly to the music.
Rinna's eyes landed on her.
"There she is."
"Who?" Ruth's eyes narrowed.
"The Ruth I've been trying to bring back."
Ruth rolled her eyes.
"I haven't gone anywhere."
"You have."
Rinna's smile faded slightly.
"You disappeared the day you married Caleb.“
Ruth looked down at her glass.
She couldn't argue because it was true.
Before Ruth could reply, A man in suit walked up to her
“My boss wants you for the night.“ He said directly.
Ruth looked at him disgusted.
“I'm not interested.“
“Kindly cooperate.“ The man uttered.
Rinna interfered. “You heard her, so bounce off.“ She seethed.
He didn't listen and gripped Ruth's hands.
Her eyes widened.
Rinna was ready to become physical with him even though she was no match, when two young men approached them.
"Ladies, we were waiting for you.."
One of them smiled politely.
The other man suddenly frowned and left.
“I would have kicked him in where the sun doesn't shine.“ Rinna mouthed.
They all chuckled
“Thank you.“ Rinna said with a smile.
“Yeah thanks.“ Ruth added her eyes on them.
After chatting for a few minutes, one of them gestured toward the private section upstairs.
"We have a table over there."
He smiled.
"Come join us."
Ruth immediately shook her head.
"No, thank you. We're okay here. "
Rinna leaned closer.
"It's just for a few minutes. Loosen up."
"I don't know..."
"They just helped us."
Ruth gave in.
"Ten minutes."
"Deal."
They followed the two men toward the VIP section.
The music became quieter as they climbed the stairs.
The atmosphere changed completely. It was like a different part of the club.
Private booths, soft lighting.
Expensive whiskey and it was obvious it was for the extremely wealthy.
"This place must cost a fortune," she whispered.
Rinna nudged her shoulder.
"Then let's enjoy it before they throw us out."
Ruth couldn't help smiling.
The two men stopped in front of one of the lounges.
Ruth's feet froze.
Doctor Michael? What was he doing here?
- Writer
