What's The Plan?

"Finally, you’ve arrived." Esli greeted them with a mixture of concern and joy that felt just right.

He knew exactly what had happened because Ruby had kept him updated, including Ed’s arrival. Esli wouldn’t have forgiven the surprise of Ed showing up if Ruby had kept silent.

"Are you alright? Nothing serious, right?" Esli reached for Ruby's hand, holding it, and then stroked her cheek, playing the role of a concerned father remarkably well.

If Ruby hadn’t remembered that this man had once slapped and trapped her, she might have been moved and cried at this show of affection. She never experienced love from her father, who her mother said had died when she was young.

"I’m fine, Dad." Ruby smiled, managing to suppress the nausea that had nothing to do with motion sickness. She was disgusted by Esli.

For the rest of the journey, Ruby hadn’t vomited anymore and felt better as soon as the car stopped and she could breathe in the fresh air around Esli’s vast garden. This was Ruby’s second