Max felt Eva gently nudging her along with her foot

Max felt Eva gently nudging her along with her foot. Eva assumed the lead and walked over to the table where Ruth sat. Max followed silently.

"Hey Ruth. This is a friend of mine."

"Eva. I didn't know you were back."
"Not back. Passing through. That's why the weird meeting place."

"Not a problem. How was Seattle?"

"Rainy."

Ruth turned to Max. "Nice to meet you."

Max struggled to find her voice. "You too."

"So anyway, I missed you around Eva."

"Same. How are things in Gillette?"

"Your mom's gonna be mad when she finds out you stopped through and didn't call."

"Oh, come on Ruth. You know how it is. If I go home, I won't want to go back out, and I'm right in the middle of a project."

"Yeah, I get it, but does she?"

"You won't tell her, will you."

"I can't promise. You know, I finally picked a color for my new carpet."

"Really? Which one?"

"It's called 'sand dune', which is a stupid name for a carpet color if you ask me. It was that kind of beige-y one with the flecks…"

Max drifted back into her own mind. Ruth was very animated, gesturing with her slender hands and French-tipped nails. Logan was right - she was very pretty. Her glossy, dark hair was pulled back with a leather wrap, and her willowy frame was covered with grey pants and a dark sweater. Ruth was likeable, even. But Max was disappointed. She felt no rush of emotion for this woman - she was another stranger. But Logan was right; At least now she knew for sure.

The waitress interrupted Max's thoughts. They went around the table, ordering, then Ruth pushed her chair back, making a harsh scraping sound.

"I'll be right back," she said. "I'm gonna go wash my hands."

"Well?" Eva hissed, excited. "Are you going to tell?"

"I don't know. I don't think so. I mean, I had all these expectations, and I just don't feel right. It doesn't feel right."

"Are you okay?" Eva's face grew concerned. "Are you gonna be okay? You're really not going to say anything?"

"I don't think so."

It didn't matter though. Max didn't need to tell. Ruth walked back towards the bathrooms and fished her cell phone out of her purse. She flicked it open and punched up a speed dial number.

"Deck? I think I've got an X-5 on my hands."