As the weeks went by Ruthie's life went back to normal with the exception of a letter or two from Ada. After about a month she received an invite from Tommy. The family was taking a break from business and would be spending a weekend in London. He had informed her that Shelby Company Limited had booked an extra room and if she liked, she could join them and that the company would be paying for all expenses. Ruthie rolled her eyes, when will they stop trying to give me money? She thought.
Work that Thursday had come and gone and as she walked home, she heard footsteps behind her. As they got closer, she turned around and gave a small shriek as he walked into her.
"Simon! Were you trying to frighten me?" She asked putting her hand on her chest as she tried to catch her breath.
"Oh, no. Sorry Ruthie. I just saw you walking by yourself and thought you might like the company." He responded.
"Oh, you just saw me walking by myself eh?" She knew he had been waiting outside the bakery for her to leave.
"Well…." He shrugged with a coy smile crossing his face. "Actually, I was hoping I could talk with you."
Here we go again. Ruthie thought.
"I would be really good to you, if you would give me the chance." He wasn't beating around bush tonight, it seemed.
"Simon, we've been over this. You are a lovely man but, I don't think I am the woman for you." How many times do we have to have this conversation?
"You are though. Just give me the chance. This weekend, go on a date with me."
"I can't. I will be out of town this weekend." Ruthie replied before she caught herself.
"Out of town? You used to never go out of town. Now it's twice in one month?" Simon gave her a suspicious look.
"Well, it's complicated and not really something I want to talk about. So…."
Simon cut her off. "What? Is.. Is there a man or.. or something?"
Deciding that might make it clear she was not interested in him that way she replied "Yes. I am going to London to see a man."
"Who?" Simon's tone was beginning to sound aggressive.
"Just.. um… Okay I lied. There is no man. I am going to meet some friends. Or potential friends, I guess." Ruthie did not want to go into detail that she had met her long-lost family and that she had just inadvertently decided to spend a weekend with them to get out of going on a date with him.
"So, were you trying to make me jealous?" Simon asked, a strange look coming across his face.
"No, I just….um…" Ruthie was feeling uncomfortable. She wanted out of this conversation and away from Simon.
Simon placed his hand on the door as she tried to open it, stopping her. Fear welled up inside her. "You don't want to make me jealous, Ruthie."
Her breathing began to quicken as she stared in his eyes. There was something mad in there that she had never seen before. "I just want to go inside, please." She said not meeting his eye. Finally, Simon moved and as she walked in her front door, he said "I'll see you when you get back." That wasn't a suggestion, she could tell from his tone, it was a promise.
Bolting the door shut, she tried to calm herself. What just happened? She walked to her bed, pulled her luggage from under it and began to pack. She hadn't planned on going to London, but after tonight's events she wanted nothing more than to get away for a few days.
She slept very little that night. The whole encounter with Simon was so odd. He had never been anything but friendly before. The next morning, she didn't leave her house before dawn as usual. Instead, she waited and walked in the sunlight to the train station, very aware of Simon's gaze on her as she passed the bakery.
