"You go out all night and now you're going out again?!"
Ruby stomped down the stairs of the inn with Granny trailing right behind her. She rolled her eyes, growling in frustration. It was the same fight every night. She was an adult. She could do as she pleased.
"Ugh! I should have moved to Boston!" she exclaimed, reaching the final step.
"Well, my apologies that my illness screwed up your plans to sleep your way up and down the Eastern seaboard!"
Ruby turned to argue but stopped at the sight of the blonde standing in the lobby. "Oh, hey..." she greeted as the blonde flashed an uncomfortable smile.
"Hi, um ... I would like to get a room please?"
Granny's eyes widened a bit as she pushed passed Ruby. "Really?" she questioned as the woman nodded. "Well, let's get you signed in!"
Ruby blew out a breath and went around the corner to grab her jacket. She was thankful for the stranger that entered. She pulled Granny's attention away from her for a moment. She put on her jacket and heard the faint sound of the bell ringing as the front door opened once again. Her brow furrowed. It was odd that two people entered the Inn back to back. She peeked around the corner to see who it was. Her hazel eyes widened and she quickly ducked behind the wall again.
"Emma … what a lovely name."
"Fucking Gold…" Ruby muttered as she leaned her head back against the wall.
The man who owned all of Storybrooke had a very large problem with her. She had no clue why either. She always did her best to avoid him, but it almost never worked. It seemed as if he was keeping an eye on her. He was worse than her Grandmother.
She could hear him engrossed in conversation with the stranger. This was her opportunity to escape. The front door was definitely not an option. She stepped quietly across the floor and slipped out of the side door.
The night air hit her quickly. She tightened her grip on her jacket to keep some warmth in. Her clothes weren't helping, but at least she looked good. She walked quickly, crossing the street. She glanced back to make sure no one came walking out after her.
With all her focus on the door, she didn't see the person who had exited the old library coming toward her. Their head was down as well, buried in a book. She slammed into them, stumbling back. Her force must have been stronger because the other person fell to the ground, dropping the book in their hand.
"Oh my God! I'm so sorry!" Ruby apologized quickly. She scrambled toward the person, holding out her hand to offer them help up. "Are you okay?"
The woman raised her attention, her deep blue eyes locking with Ruby's immediately. A small smirk crossed her lips. "I'm fine," she replied, accepting Ruby's offered hand. "What are you a football player or something?"
Ruby found herself in a trance. Her voice, her eyes, everything about this woman was beautiful. She shook her head to regain her senses. "A waitress, actually," she joked with a smile. "Here, let me help you up." She pulled her to her feet a little too hard, causing the woman to stumble forward. Ruby's arms instinctively went around her waist to steady her. She swallowed hard at the closeness. "I've got you…"
The smirk spread further across the woman's lips as her hands rested on Ruby's shoulders. "I can see that."
Ruby could feel her heart start to race at the closeness of this person. She had never felt such an instant connection with anyone before, especially another woman. She wondered if this beautiful woman felt it too because she was not moving. She remained staring into Ruby's eyes, the adorable smirk never leaving her lips.
"I'm Ruby," she introduced finally.
"Lac – "
"Lacey!" a stern voice interjected.
The woman rolled her eyes and sighed heavily. She moved her hands from Ruby's shoulders and stepped away. Both women frowned at the loss of contact. The brunette shot Ruby a sideways glance as she bit her lip and took another step away. Ruby reluctantly turned away from her to see Mr. Gold coming toward them quickly. When he reached them, he glared at Ruby and reached out to pull the other woman toward him.
He gripped her wrist and looked sternly into her eyes. "I told you to wait for me in the library," he whispered harshly.
"I was done working," she responded, pulling her arm away. "I'm perfectly capable of walking home by myself."
He exhaled heavily as his jaw clenched. He plastered on his best smile and turned his attention to Ruby. "Good evening, Ruby," he greeted as he wrapped his arm around Lacey pulling her close. "I see you've met my better half."
A disgusted look covered Ruby's face. There was no way this woman could be with him of all people. "I was under the impression that you had no better anything, Mr. Gold," she responded sarcastically.
Lacey placed her hand over her mouth to stifle a chuckle.
His eyes narrowed. He looked her up and down. "Well, let us not keep you from showing the men of Storybrooke a good time," he sneered.
Lacey's jaw slacked as she slapped his shoulder. "That was uncalled for." She returned her attention to Ruby and smiled. "I think she's looks nice."
Ruby smiled at her. "Thank you."
Their stares remained on one another until Gold cleared his throat breaking their stare. He ushered his hand toward the book lying on the floor. "Lacey, pick up your book. It's getting late. We need to get back home."
Lacey rolled her eyes again and leaned down to pick up her book. Ruby decided to be the better person and leaned down as well. They both gripped it, their eyes locking again. "Now I must thank you," Lacey stated softly.
Ruby's smile brightened. "It's my pleasure."
Mr. Gold couldn't take this any longer. He leaned down and pulled Lacey to her feet. "Come along, my dear," he ordered as he walked her away from Ruby. He paused for a moment. He held his finger up. "Wait right here." He went to walk away but quickly turned back to Lacey. "And I mean it. Don't move."
Ruby had already stood and straightened up by the time Gold returned to her. He stepped directly in front of her, glancing back to make sure Lacey remained where he told her to. He gave Ruby a hard stare. She could feel a slight twinge of fear coarse through her body. She did her best not to show it.
"I'll ask you to stay away from her," he hissed. "She's already enough trouble to me as it is. I don't need her influenced by the likes of you."
Ruby's jaw twitched. The feel of fear diminished. Now she was just angry. He glared at her one final time before turning to leave. He grabbed Lacey's hand and pulled her down the street. Ruby watched them leave. She felt her heart sink as the woman disappeared into the distance.
Lacey turned, looking over her shoulder and smiled at Ruby. Ruby smiled back. Then she was gone and she suddenly felt empty. Confusion over took her as she placed her hand on her forehead. This feeling of emptiness over a complete stranger made no sense at all.
"What the hell was that?" she muttered to no one as she shook her head and continued on her way.
