Chapter 1
Ruby was the first girl nicole ever kissed. She never thought about girls that way but since she made out with ruby thats all she can think about.The way ruby was holding her, How soft her lips were. just everything about it is haunting Nicole. She never liked girls not romantically but thats the first time she felt so completed after a kiss. No guy could make her feel that way, but did that really mean she liked girls? Nicole didn’t want to talk to anyone not because she feels embarrassed but more because she can’t explain how she feels.She would have to deal with this on her own.
Nicole tried to focus on work, but it was impossible. The restaurant was busy as usual, the sound of clinking dishes and murmured conversations filling the air. She weaved between tables, balancing trays of drinks and plates of food, but her thoughts were always somewhere else—always on Ruby.
Ruby stood in the kitchen, her short red hair tucked under a black cap, her tattooed arm moving fluidly as she worked the grill. Nicole stole glances whenever she passed by the kitchen window, her heart doing a little flip each time she caught sight of Ruby’s focused expression.
She couldn’t help but admire the way Ruby moved, confident and sure of herself. The colorful tattoos that covered her left arm only added to her charm—bold designs of flowers, abstract shapes, and a phoenix that curled around her forearm.
“Nicole, you okay?” one of her bridget asked as she passed by.
“Yeah, fine,” Nicole said quickly, forcing herself to snap out of it.
But she wasn’t fine. Every time Ruby smiled at her or called her in that teasing, affectionate way, Nicole felt her resolve crumble a little more. She couldn’t keep pretending these feelings didn’t exist.
Later that evening, as the dinner rush slowed, Nicole found herself lingering near the kitchen. She didn’t have a reason to be there—her tables were all taken care of—but she couldn’t stop herself.
Ruby noticed her almost immediately. “Hey, Nicole” she said, wiping her hands on a towel. “What’s up?”
Nicole hesitated, her stomach twisting in knots. “Just… taking a breather.”
Ruby smirked, leaning against the counter. “Rough night?”
“Not really.” Nicole shrugged, avoiding Ruby’s eyes.
Ruby tilted her head, studying her. “You’ve been acting weird lately. Everything okay?”
Nicole’s heart pounded. She wanted to tell Ruby everything—to confess how much she thought about her, how much that kiss had changed her—but the words felt stuck in her throat.
Before she could answer, nico called Ruby back to the grill. “Hold that thought,” Ruby said, flashing Nicole a quick smile before turning away.
Nicole watched her go, her chest tight. She couldn’t keep doing this—watching Ruby from a distance, pretending like nothing had changed between them.
When the shift finally ended, Nicole stayed behind, lingering near the lockers as Ruby finished cleaning up.
“You waiting for me?” Ruby asked, pulling off her cap and running a hand through her messy red hair.
Nicole nodded, her palms sweaty. “Yeah. I wanted to talk to you.”
Ruby raised an eyebrow, her expression curious but patient. “Okay. What’s on your mind?”
Nicole took a deep breath, her hands fidgeting nervously. “About… the other night. When we kissed.”
Ruby’s lips curved into a small smile, but she didn’t interrupt.
“I can’t stop thinking about it,” Nicole admitted, her voice trembling. “I’ve never felt like this before, and it’s confusing, but… I think I’m falling for you.”
For a moment, Ruby didn’t say anything. Nicole’s heart sank, fear creeping in that she’d said too much.
Then Ruby stepped closer, her voice soft. “You don’t have to figure it all out right now, Nicole. I’m not going anywhere.Ive been there before”
Nicole looked up at her, hope flickering in her chest. “You’re not?”
Ruby shook her head, her tattooed hand reaching out to brush a strand of hair from Nicole’s face. “Nope. I like you too, Nicole. I have for a while. But I didn’t want to push you into something you weren’t ready for.”
Nicole felt a weight lift off her shoulders, a smile breaking across her face. “I think I’m ready to figure it out. With you.”
Ruby grinned, her dimples showing. “Good. How about we grab a drink and talk about it? My treat.”
Nicole laughed, the tension in her chest easing. “I’d like that.”
As they walked out of the restaurant together, Nicole felt a sense of clarity she hadn’t felt in weeks. She didn’t have all the answers yet, but for the first time, she felt like she was on the right path—and she wasn’t alone.