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<blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 2813786" data-attributes="member: 8530"><p><strong>Chapter 109, “Evening Conversations”, Sunday, March 19th , 1882, 5:30 P.M. </strong> </p><p></p><p>On his way back to the Lucky Lady, the gambler Cook says aloud to himself, "It's about time the cards fell our way." There is a spring in his step as he enters the saloon. He speaks to Henry and asks him to arrange some dinner to be brought in for his friends. Whistling, Jake then ascends the stairs to his room and opens the door without knocking. Ruby is sleeping and Jake stops whistling quickly and starts to go back out the door to let her sleep. </p><p></p><p>Instead he laughs out loud and jumps on the bed. "It's past noon, even alcoholics like us should be up by now." Ruby moans and slowly flops over on the bed next to Jake. One side of her face is red and lined with pillow marks and her hair is flat. She pushes her knees together and stretches her legs. Finally she sets her hazel eyes on Jake. </p><p></p><p>"You look like you're in a good mood," she says with a yawn, "I guess the meeting was ok? Forget that, it can wait..." Ruby rolls over next to Jake and puts her arms around him, squeezing tightly, not letting go. He is quiet at first and then says, "Yes, I suppose the meeting went well." Smiling, he strokes her hair, "They didn't give out hugs there, and if even if they were this is still better." </p><p></p><p>The gambler known as Silver Jake Cook certainly wasn't an overpowering figure. He wasn't particularly tall and he didn't have a bulky physique. No one would remember him for being the strongest man in Promise City. But his arms were strong and powerful enough that when she was wrapped in them this was the only place singer Ruby West ever really felt safe, protected and loved. Ruby nuzzles Jake’s neck, throws one leg over him and continues to squeeze him a while longer. Finally she pulls her face back just a bit and looks him in the eyes. “I’m sorry I was such a baby earlier. I shouldn’t have yelled at you and made a mess.” </p><p></p><p>"For what?" He replies, "Not to worry, we just need to have more fun. That'll cure you right up. Off to Tombstone we go tomorrow." Ruby smiles at Jake, "Yes, some fun should do it." She leans her face closer to Jake's again and kisses him softly for a moment. "I can't wait." Ruby rolls onto her back and stares up at the ceiling. "I suppose you want me to get ready so we can go downstairs and talk with everyone, right?" She turns her head and stares at Jake, then smiles again. "I know I'm right." </p><p></p><p>"Mostly right, but first I need you to talk to Katherine privately about something." Ruby looks curiously at Jake, "What?" "I don't care, make something up. Actually I need to talk to Ginnie and you are my excuse." Jake hangs his feet over the edge of the bed. "The girl needs to know a few things and Katherine would have chickens if she heard me talking to her the way I intend to." </p><p></p><p>"Oh boy," Ruby smiles. "You'd better watch out for that kid," she says climbing off the bed, "She has some bite to her. Of course, she doesn't realize you and I both bite back." She starts unbuttoning Jake's shirt to get herself dressed. She slips it off her shoulder then stops. "First you have to kiss me, then I'll do anything you ask." She gives Jake a huge grin and raises her eyebrow. </p><p></p><p>Jake gladly gives Ruby a kiss, almost long enough to become distracted. "Um, right, we have work to do. Ginnie's probably OK, given what she's been through it's no wonder she has a bite. Hopefully she can figure out who to bite though." Jake adds, "I hardly know her. Not like there is much I know that Katherine wants her to learn." He looks at Ruby for a moment and laughs. "It would be funny though." </p><p></p><p>Ruby finishes getting dressed and the two of them look for Katherine and Ginnie. They find them resting in one of the rooms on the second floor, Ginnie wakes promptly when they enter. Jake takes notice of that but doesn't say anything. "Hey Ginnie, let's you and I leave these two ladies alone to chat for a few minutes. Miss West has something private to discuss with Mrs. Kale. I thought I heard that Mr. Hoover has got a new shipment of sarsaparilla in and we can try it. Or maybe that was Tequila, you know I get confused easily." Jake adds with a smirk. Katherine wakes as well and stretches daintily. </p><p></p><p>"I'm not really ready to go yet" Ginnie responds with her fists balled up. "Now, now trust Jake this one time, it will be for the best." Jake gently but firmly nudges her out of the room. She is about to forcibly resist and Jake adds in a stern tone, "Now young lady." She calculatingly looks at him. She folds her arms across her chest in pretended protest but lets him move her out. They sit down in a corner of the saloon away from others so they can speak quietly. She says "So you have something that's worth my while to listen to?" </p><p></p><p>"Your 'Mam Kate' has become the focus of Johnny Ringo because of those books, because she has a big heart, and Ringo thinks that she'll break and give up the books to save lives of her friends . She did it for Nanuet and Chester, she was trying to do it because Ringo implied he had you hostage. As long as he thinks he can use her, she's not safe, you're not safe, and none of us are safe. I don't want Johnny Ringo to have those books and I don't want the Cowboy gang to have any leverage on us to give them over. Therefore I need your help." Jake let's that sink in a moment. </p><p></p><p>"Ruby didn't have anything to tell Katherine. I needed to talk to you. I know you are book smart and are trying to help understand the books Ringo wants, but I need something else from you too. We either have to put you in a safe place, maybe even far away, or you need to make sure you can't get snatched. You know, don't go around alone, don't go where you can get caught, just don't be an easy target. Even better if you can keep Katherine from being an easy target. You're a street-smart cookie, keep her safe and make her think it's her idea. She is too trusting; she doesn't worry when she ought to worry. With your help maybe we can keep Ringo from even having another chance of asking her for the books. If you can learn something that can be used against him, even better. Hopefully, he'll get his justice soon and we won't have to worry about it after that." Jake taps his forefinger on his lips thinking. "What do you say, can I count on you?" </p><p></p><p>Ginnie replies, “Well I have already checked out the books and I think I might know what he was looking for and have already made sure that they will be where he can't get his hands on them when I'm not dealing with the specific translation. If he demands books again I have already earmarked the ones that he will be given to satisfy him that what he is looking for isn't in these books or at least we don't have them anymore. I also have made plans not to be alone anymore and have made sure that I have a "playmate" with me at all times who won't ask questions and will still provide me with cover.” </p><p></p><p>He says, "Good that you have some safe books to give if we must. I just don't want to see it get to the point where he has leverage and need to fool him with books. Leverage is another word for saying someone we like in danger." Jake scratches his beard and says, "We are all going to have dinner in a little while, stay with us and you'll hear everything we know." </p><p></p><p>She continues, “As far as Ma'am Kate goes she does have a very good heart and is very willing to do what she thinks she needs to protect her friends but she should be very busy with the school being put into place and it's not unusual for students to stick around their teacher when not in school so she should have less alone time herself. I need to know what is going on because if I don't I'm very likely to get killed from a lack of information not because I'm being stupid so it's up to you to keep me informed for the things Ma'am Kate isn't sure of. And by the way the next time you talk to Ruby you want to tell her that I really don't like dogs, Thanks. Is there anything else you feel I've missed?” </p><p></p><p>"Ya," Jake chuckles, "you didn't tell me if you wanted the sarsaparilla or the tequila." She says, “I'll stick with the soda someone needs to be able to walk you all home. But If I'm really good can I get a cookie too?” "Good? To Hades with being good. Stick to being clever young lady, I'll buy you a bag of cookies." Jake goes to see Hoover to get them some drinks. </p><p></p><p>Once Jake gets Ginnie out of the room Ruby falls back on the bed next to Kate. "Jake thinks we're talking about women stuff. I want to talk about Jake," Ruby giggles. "I guess that is woman stuff, huh?" Ruby stretches out her legs again. "Oh my nap was so nice, I wish I didn't have to get up. I feel so stupid, running off like that earlier. Look what I did," Ruby says pulling up her skirt, lifting her legs in the air to show Kate her skinned knees. "Silly, huh? I just got so overwhelmed, me almost dying yesterday, Nanuet almost dying today, and whatever Minerva did, which seems like a miracle." She lets her legs fall back to the bed and looks at Kate, "I guess I'm crazy huh?" </p><p></p><p>Kate replies, "You're not crazy, Ruby. Do you realize how amazing it is that all of us can have days like we've had lately and still keep going? Most people I've known would be falling apart. Yet here we are. Afraid, yes, but still going. That's a miracle too. We all have moments where we need to fall apart, so we can stay together later." </p><p></p><p>Ruby laughs, "This IS me falling apart Kate! Anyway..." Ruby starts playing with her hair, "So Jake and I are going to Tombstone. I want to do something special and fun but I don't know what. It's so rare these days just playing cards and drinking might be special and fun. Jake is taking me to the show. I thought maybe a picnic too. I like to ride sometimes just to ride. Do you have any other ideas? Since you lived there for three months?" </p><p></p><p>Kate answers, "Honey, when I lived there, it was in a dark little room. Now and then I would venture out for another bottle of something. I certainly didn't go out and have any fun. It's mostly like it is here, saloons and gambling. A little more fine dining, and the theatre." "Oh yeah, I forgot. Sorry." Ruby puts her hand on Kate's arm. "Well, it's not like that anymore! Our lives are both very different than they were before." </p><p></p><p>Ruby is quiet for a long moment. "You know earlier when we were talking about Jake and his sister? And you said I do have someone like that, to care for me and love me, meaning Jake? I know he loves me, but he doesn't know it. I mean, I think he does..." Ruby says hesitantly. "He's the only man in my life to not say he loves me. Well, besides my father. I don't know how to make him see it." </p><p></p><p>Kate answers, "You remember in January, when you were telling me that you were afraid you were falling in love? Or really, afraid of being in love? Jake is afraid too. He knows first hand that loving someone can make you take risks you usually wouldn't take, and has dangers that you can't always see. I think he sees it, but he's hiding. He's as scared as you were, you were just more courageous." "I remember. What dangers are there that I wouldn't know?" Ruby asks with furrowed brows. </p><p></p><p>Then she giggles, "I was courageous?" She stops giggling and looks up at the ceiling. "I hope you're right, I'm just not sure..." She looks back to Kate, "So tell me, what is so great about getting married?" 'Not specific dangers Ruby. More like your feelings running amok and not being able to control them." </p><p></p><p>Kate sat up on the bed and leaned against the wall, pulling her knees up and smiling. "Being married is.... I won't lie to you, it's not wonderful for everyone. So many people marry for the wrong reasons, and they're miserable. Some people change over the years and grow apart, and they're no longer suited. But for some people... Tom and I... Being married was wonderful. It was a way to make a home together, to say to the world and each other that we were so certain of our love that we were willing to tie ourselves together forever. That we were going to stay by each other no matter what. I know, that can be done without getting married. But there's something.... When you make vows to each other. I can't explain it." </p><p></p><p>Ruby answers, “I already know about the feelings running amok part Kate. My emotions have never been like this, I feel like I am insane sometimes.” Ruby is then quiet while Katherine explains about marriage, with a twinkle in her eye. She stays silent and still, listening intently until she finishes. “I don’t know that I get the marriage thing. I was hoping for some backup in case George Eastman tries to make a speech again.” Silence. “But the being certain about your love part sounds good,” Ruby says as the corner of her lips rise into a soft smile. “And the staying by each other’s side no matter what.” </p><p></p><p>Ruby considers telling Kate how she wanted to leave Promise City earlier but kept quiet. Kate had enough to worry about. Ruby plays with her hair for a while then sits up. “I wish you could explain it because I’m confused about a lot of things lately, stuff I’ve never thought about before. And it’s filling my head with silly thoughts and keeping all the good, fun, naughty thoughts out!” Ruby giggles again, but Kate senses some real confusion in Ruby’s words. </p><p></p><p>Kate smiled. "I'm sure there is nothing that could push the fun, naughty thought from your mind. </p><p>There's one other thing about marriage. You declare to the world that you will stay together, that you're one. It also implies exclusion. Tom was a handsome man, and women noticed. I took a lot of pleasure in being introduced as Mrs. Kale and seeing their faces fall. Marriage is also a way of declaring that your partner is not available to others. That you're not available to others. That's why I was so offended by what Tony Lucky did. Well, by what Mrs. Bauer did, actually. When you marry you make a promise, and she broke it. And Mr. Lucky should know enough to respect that promise." </p><p></p><p>Ruby replies, 'Well, didn't you get bored though, being with the ssaammmmeeee person every day? I mean, eventually I would think you would get bored after a while." Ruby ponders and touches her lips as she speaks softly, "I want other women to know they can't have Jake. He's mine, you know? I was really angry at Tricia Shaw yesterday..." Ruby voice trails off, then she shakes her head her long hair going flying. "I have to stop thinking like this! </p><p></p><p>"As for Mr. Lucky, I don't believe he was at fault at all. He's not the one who broke the promise, now is he? Are you mad at me, I've slept with plenty of married men," she says matter of factly. "Why should it make a difference to me if they want to be cheaters? I didn't make anyone come to my bed, believe me." </p><p></p><p>Kate answers, "Can you ever imagine being bored with Jake? I'm sure some people do get bored, but I never did. I don't think my parents are tired of each other. You become so entwined in each other's lives, you can't imagine life without them. And no, I'm not mad at you. Tony Lucky.... he's always frightened me a bit. There's something predatory about him, I don't like it. Conrad almost hit him when he was in jail, we had words and he called me... Well, I won't repeat it. You're right, no one makes someone cheat. As I said, it was Mrs. Bauer mostly." </p><p></p><p>Ruby says, “Hum… Could I be bored with Jake? Mr. Cook is definitely NOT boring. But who knows how I will feel down the road and if he can keep me interested. He might get bored with me.” Ruby stops, then starts laughing hysterically. “Right, get bored with me.” She continues to laugh. “Poor Mr. Cook can’t live without his Ruby West, it’s so sad.” More laughter, that stops suddenly. "But I do love him and want to make him happy and want him to love me too and want him to want to always stay with me." Ruby exhales after that long sentence. "See, there I go being all crazy again! He'll never want to stay with me if I keep acting like I should be put of my misery like a horse or something." </p><p></p><p>“As for Mr. Lucky, I’ve seen his type. He thinks he’s a gift to women, but please. I don’t like him either, he’s given me that look too many times, you know the ‘I want you in my bed’ look but I am used to that so just shrug it off. Just ignore him. Or maybe I’ll tell Jake to fire him when we get a faro dealer.” </p><p></p><p>Kate says, "No, don't do that, unless you want him gone for your own reasons. He's the least of my problems. As far as Jake goes, remember Ruby, it's only been about three months. Give him some time. Let's go down and get some dinner.” Kate then laughs, “Who knows what Jake is teaching my Ginnie.” </p><p></p><p>"Kate, understand something. In my world three months is an eternity." Ruby looks at her friend with a serious expression before breaking into a smile of her own. "Yes I am starving! Let's go downstairs." </p><p></p><p>Ruby takes Kate by the hand and bounds down the steps. She was starting to feel better from the ordeal of the last couple of days, her skin was almost back to normal and the twinkle in her eye had retuned. She sees Jake and Ginnie, eating cookies, and bounces over landing on Jake's lap. She reaches for a cookie, "Oh is this what we're having for dinner tonight? We're going to need some milk then," Ruby giggles.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Silver Moon, post: 2813786, member: 8530"] [B]Chapter 109, “Evening Conversations”, Sunday, March 19th , 1882, 5:30 P.M. [/B] On his way back to the Lucky Lady, the gambler Cook says aloud to himself, "It's about time the cards fell our way." There is a spring in his step as he enters the saloon. He speaks to Henry and asks him to arrange some dinner to be brought in for his friends. Whistling, Jake then ascends the stairs to his room and opens the door without knocking. Ruby is sleeping and Jake stops whistling quickly and starts to go back out the door to let her sleep. Instead he laughs out loud and jumps on the bed. "It's past noon, even alcoholics like us should be up by now." Ruby moans and slowly flops over on the bed next to Jake. One side of her face is red and lined with pillow marks and her hair is flat. She pushes her knees together and stretches her legs. Finally she sets her hazel eyes on Jake. "You look like you're in a good mood," she says with a yawn, "I guess the meeting was ok? Forget that, it can wait..." Ruby rolls over next to Jake and puts her arms around him, squeezing tightly, not letting go. He is quiet at first and then says, "Yes, I suppose the meeting went well." Smiling, he strokes her hair, "They didn't give out hugs there, and if even if they were this is still better." The gambler known as Silver Jake Cook certainly wasn't an overpowering figure. He wasn't particularly tall and he didn't have a bulky physique. No one would remember him for being the strongest man in Promise City. But his arms were strong and powerful enough that when she was wrapped in them this was the only place singer Ruby West ever really felt safe, protected and loved. Ruby nuzzles Jake’s neck, throws one leg over him and continues to squeeze him a while longer. Finally she pulls her face back just a bit and looks him in the eyes. “I’m sorry I was such a baby earlier. I shouldn’t have yelled at you and made a mess.” "For what?" He replies, "Not to worry, we just need to have more fun. That'll cure you right up. Off to Tombstone we go tomorrow." Ruby smiles at Jake, "Yes, some fun should do it." She leans her face closer to Jake's again and kisses him softly for a moment. "I can't wait." Ruby rolls onto her back and stares up at the ceiling. "I suppose you want me to get ready so we can go downstairs and talk with everyone, right?" She turns her head and stares at Jake, then smiles again. "I know I'm right." "Mostly right, but first I need you to talk to Katherine privately about something." Ruby looks curiously at Jake, "What?" "I don't care, make something up. Actually I need to talk to Ginnie and you are my excuse." Jake hangs his feet over the edge of the bed. "The girl needs to know a few things and Katherine would have chickens if she heard me talking to her the way I intend to." "Oh boy," Ruby smiles. "You'd better watch out for that kid," she says climbing off the bed, "She has some bite to her. Of course, she doesn't realize you and I both bite back." She starts unbuttoning Jake's shirt to get herself dressed. She slips it off her shoulder then stops. "First you have to kiss me, then I'll do anything you ask." She gives Jake a huge grin and raises her eyebrow. Jake gladly gives Ruby a kiss, almost long enough to become distracted. "Um, right, we have work to do. Ginnie's probably OK, given what she's been through it's no wonder she has a bite. Hopefully she can figure out who to bite though." Jake adds, "I hardly know her. Not like there is much I know that Katherine wants her to learn." He looks at Ruby for a moment and laughs. "It would be funny though." Ruby finishes getting dressed and the two of them look for Katherine and Ginnie. They find them resting in one of the rooms on the second floor, Ginnie wakes promptly when they enter. Jake takes notice of that but doesn't say anything. "Hey Ginnie, let's you and I leave these two ladies alone to chat for a few minutes. Miss West has something private to discuss with Mrs. Kale. I thought I heard that Mr. Hoover has got a new shipment of sarsaparilla in and we can try it. Or maybe that was Tequila, you know I get confused easily." Jake adds with a smirk. Katherine wakes as well and stretches daintily. "I'm not really ready to go yet" Ginnie responds with her fists balled up. "Now, now trust Jake this one time, it will be for the best." Jake gently but firmly nudges her out of the room. She is about to forcibly resist and Jake adds in a stern tone, "Now young lady." She calculatingly looks at him. She folds her arms across her chest in pretended protest but lets him move her out. They sit down in a corner of the saloon away from others so they can speak quietly. She says "So you have something that's worth my while to listen to?" "Your 'Mam Kate' has become the focus of Johnny Ringo because of those books, because she has a big heart, and Ringo thinks that she'll break and give up the books to save lives of her friends . She did it for Nanuet and Chester, she was trying to do it because Ringo implied he had you hostage. As long as he thinks he can use her, she's not safe, you're not safe, and none of us are safe. I don't want Johnny Ringo to have those books and I don't want the Cowboy gang to have any leverage on us to give them over. Therefore I need your help." Jake let's that sink in a moment. "Ruby didn't have anything to tell Katherine. I needed to talk to you. I know you are book smart and are trying to help understand the books Ringo wants, but I need something else from you too. We either have to put you in a safe place, maybe even far away, or you need to make sure you can't get snatched. You know, don't go around alone, don't go where you can get caught, just don't be an easy target. Even better if you can keep Katherine from being an easy target. You're a street-smart cookie, keep her safe and make her think it's her idea. She is too trusting; she doesn't worry when she ought to worry. With your help maybe we can keep Ringo from even having another chance of asking her for the books. If you can learn something that can be used against him, even better. Hopefully, he'll get his justice soon and we won't have to worry about it after that." Jake taps his forefinger on his lips thinking. "What do you say, can I count on you?" Ginnie replies, “Well I have already checked out the books and I think I might know what he was looking for and have already made sure that they will be where he can't get his hands on them when I'm not dealing with the specific translation. If he demands books again I have already earmarked the ones that he will be given to satisfy him that what he is looking for isn't in these books or at least we don't have them anymore. I also have made plans not to be alone anymore and have made sure that I have a "playmate" with me at all times who won't ask questions and will still provide me with cover.” He says, "Good that you have some safe books to give if we must. I just don't want to see it get to the point where he has leverage and need to fool him with books. Leverage is another word for saying someone we like in danger." Jake scratches his beard and says, "We are all going to have dinner in a little while, stay with us and you'll hear everything we know." She continues, “As far as Ma'am Kate goes she does have a very good heart and is very willing to do what she thinks she needs to protect her friends but she should be very busy with the school being put into place and it's not unusual for students to stick around their teacher when not in school so she should have less alone time herself. I need to know what is going on because if I don't I'm very likely to get killed from a lack of information not because I'm being stupid so it's up to you to keep me informed for the things Ma'am Kate isn't sure of. And by the way the next time you talk to Ruby you want to tell her that I really don't like dogs, Thanks. Is there anything else you feel I've missed?” "Ya," Jake chuckles, "you didn't tell me if you wanted the sarsaparilla or the tequila." She says, “I'll stick with the soda someone needs to be able to walk you all home. But If I'm really good can I get a cookie too?” "Good? To Hades with being good. Stick to being clever young lady, I'll buy you a bag of cookies." Jake goes to see Hoover to get them some drinks. Once Jake gets Ginnie out of the room Ruby falls back on the bed next to Kate. "Jake thinks we're talking about women stuff. I want to talk about Jake," Ruby giggles. "I guess that is woman stuff, huh?" Ruby stretches out her legs again. "Oh my nap was so nice, I wish I didn't have to get up. I feel so stupid, running off like that earlier. Look what I did," Ruby says pulling up her skirt, lifting her legs in the air to show Kate her skinned knees. "Silly, huh? I just got so overwhelmed, me almost dying yesterday, Nanuet almost dying today, and whatever Minerva did, which seems like a miracle." She lets her legs fall back to the bed and looks at Kate, "I guess I'm crazy huh?" Kate replies, "You're not crazy, Ruby. Do you realize how amazing it is that all of us can have days like we've had lately and still keep going? Most people I've known would be falling apart. Yet here we are. Afraid, yes, but still going. That's a miracle too. We all have moments where we need to fall apart, so we can stay together later." Ruby laughs, "This IS me falling apart Kate! Anyway..." Ruby starts playing with her hair, "So Jake and I are going to Tombstone. I want to do something special and fun but I don't know what. It's so rare these days just playing cards and drinking might be special and fun. Jake is taking me to the show. I thought maybe a picnic too. I like to ride sometimes just to ride. Do you have any other ideas? Since you lived there for three months?" Kate answers, "Honey, when I lived there, it was in a dark little room. Now and then I would venture out for another bottle of something. I certainly didn't go out and have any fun. It's mostly like it is here, saloons and gambling. A little more fine dining, and the theatre." "Oh yeah, I forgot. Sorry." Ruby puts her hand on Kate's arm. "Well, it's not like that anymore! Our lives are both very different than they were before." Ruby is quiet for a long moment. "You know earlier when we were talking about Jake and his sister? And you said I do have someone like that, to care for me and love me, meaning Jake? I know he loves me, but he doesn't know it. I mean, I think he does..." Ruby says hesitantly. "He's the only man in my life to not say he loves me. Well, besides my father. I don't know how to make him see it." Kate answers, "You remember in January, when you were telling me that you were afraid you were falling in love? Or really, afraid of being in love? Jake is afraid too. He knows first hand that loving someone can make you take risks you usually wouldn't take, and has dangers that you can't always see. I think he sees it, but he's hiding. He's as scared as you were, you were just more courageous." "I remember. What dangers are there that I wouldn't know?" Ruby asks with furrowed brows. Then she giggles, "I was courageous?" She stops giggling and looks up at the ceiling. "I hope you're right, I'm just not sure..." She looks back to Kate, "So tell me, what is so great about getting married?" 'Not specific dangers Ruby. More like your feelings running amok and not being able to control them." Kate sat up on the bed and leaned against the wall, pulling her knees up and smiling. "Being married is.... I won't lie to you, it's not wonderful for everyone. So many people marry for the wrong reasons, and they're miserable. Some people change over the years and grow apart, and they're no longer suited. But for some people... Tom and I... Being married was wonderful. It was a way to make a home together, to say to the world and each other that we were so certain of our love that we were willing to tie ourselves together forever. That we were going to stay by each other no matter what. I know, that can be done without getting married. But there's something.... When you make vows to each other. I can't explain it." Ruby answers, “I already know about the feelings running amok part Kate. My emotions have never been like this, I feel like I am insane sometimes.” Ruby is then quiet while Katherine explains about marriage, with a twinkle in her eye. She stays silent and still, listening intently until she finishes. “I don’t know that I get the marriage thing. I was hoping for some backup in case George Eastman tries to make a speech again.” Silence. “But the being certain about your love part sounds good,” Ruby says as the corner of her lips rise into a soft smile. “And the staying by each other’s side no matter what.” Ruby considers telling Kate how she wanted to leave Promise City earlier but kept quiet. Kate had enough to worry about. Ruby plays with her hair for a while then sits up. “I wish you could explain it because I’m confused about a lot of things lately, stuff I’ve never thought about before. And it’s filling my head with silly thoughts and keeping all the good, fun, naughty thoughts out!” Ruby giggles again, but Kate senses some real confusion in Ruby’s words. Kate smiled. "I'm sure there is nothing that could push the fun, naughty thought from your mind. There's one other thing about marriage. You declare to the world that you will stay together, that you're one. It also implies exclusion. Tom was a handsome man, and women noticed. I took a lot of pleasure in being introduced as Mrs. Kale and seeing their faces fall. Marriage is also a way of declaring that your partner is not available to others. That you're not available to others. That's why I was so offended by what Tony Lucky did. Well, by what Mrs. Bauer did, actually. When you marry you make a promise, and she broke it. And Mr. Lucky should know enough to respect that promise." Ruby replies, 'Well, didn't you get bored though, being with the ssaammmmeeee person every day? I mean, eventually I would think you would get bored after a while." Ruby ponders and touches her lips as she speaks softly, "I want other women to know they can't have Jake. He's mine, you know? I was really angry at Tricia Shaw yesterday..." Ruby voice trails off, then she shakes her head her long hair going flying. "I have to stop thinking like this! "As for Mr. Lucky, I don't believe he was at fault at all. He's not the one who broke the promise, now is he? Are you mad at me, I've slept with plenty of married men," she says matter of factly. "Why should it make a difference to me if they want to be cheaters? I didn't make anyone come to my bed, believe me." Kate answers, "Can you ever imagine being bored with Jake? I'm sure some people do get bored, but I never did. I don't think my parents are tired of each other. You become so entwined in each other's lives, you can't imagine life without them. And no, I'm not mad at you. Tony Lucky.... he's always frightened me a bit. There's something predatory about him, I don't like it. Conrad almost hit him when he was in jail, we had words and he called me... Well, I won't repeat it. You're right, no one makes someone cheat. As I said, it was Mrs. Bauer mostly." Ruby says, “Hum… Could I be bored with Jake? Mr. Cook is definitely NOT boring. But who knows how I will feel down the road and if he can keep me interested. He might get bored with me.” Ruby stops, then starts laughing hysterically. “Right, get bored with me.” She continues to laugh. “Poor Mr. Cook can’t live without his Ruby West, it’s so sad.” More laughter, that stops suddenly. "But I do love him and want to make him happy and want him to love me too and want him to want to always stay with me." Ruby exhales after that long sentence. "See, there I go being all crazy again! He'll never want to stay with me if I keep acting like I should be put of my misery like a horse or something." “As for Mr. Lucky, I’ve seen his type. He thinks he’s a gift to women, but please. I don’t like him either, he’s given me that look too many times, you know the ‘I want you in my bed’ look but I am used to that so just shrug it off. Just ignore him. Or maybe I’ll tell Jake to fire him when we get a faro dealer.” Kate says, "No, don't do that, unless you want him gone for your own reasons. He's the least of my problems. As far as Jake goes, remember Ruby, it's only been about three months. Give him some time. Let's go down and get some dinner.” Kate then laughs, “Who knows what Jake is teaching my Ginnie.” "Kate, understand something. In my world three months is an eternity." Ruby looks at her friend with a serious expression before breaking into a smile of her own. "Yes I am starving! Let's go downstairs." Ruby takes Kate by the hand and bounds down the steps. She was starting to feel better from the ordeal of the last couple of days, her skin was almost back to normal and the twinkle in her eye had retuned. She sees Jake and Ginnie, eating cookies, and bounces over landing on Jake's lap. She reaches for a cookie, "Oh is this what we're having for dinner tonight? We're going to need some milk then," Ruby giggles. [/QUOTE]
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