Turns out Ruby doesn’t hate the mushrooms, but she doesn’t love them, either. When we finish, she declares them a solid three and a half, with the wine clocking in at a strong eight.
“We’ll split the difference and call it a win,” I say as we push away from the table.
“No, we’ll call it a wine win.”
“If you insist.”
As we go, the woman waves, and the man says, “Thank you for suggesting the sampler. Best thing I’ve eaten in years.”
“Amazing!” Ruby enthuses, grinning as she ducks under my arm and out the door.
Once we’re back on the sidewalk, she nudges me with her elbow. “You’re right, you know . . . the whole trying-new-things stuff is good.”
“Even though you didn’t care for the new thing in question?”
“Yes. I still proved to myself that I can be brave, and something even better than enjoying it happened.”
“What’s that?” I ask, curious.
She nods back toward the restaurant. “Our list seems to be making people happy.”
“Claire would like that,” I say, my throat tight. “You know what she always said. If you—”
“Can only do one thing today, make someone happy,” Ruby finishes. “I remember. I think she was right. Don’t you?”
One look at her, already seeming so much happier than she has in far too long, makes it easy to answer. “I do.”
She’s the one I want to make happy now, while I have the chance.
Since in two weeks, I’ll be gone.
9
Jesse
We wander down the street and around the corner toward the park, the Brooklyn oasis that always seems to call my name.
But instead of turning right to catch the subway to our neighborhood, I glance toward the brightly lit façade of the Brooklyn Art Museum on the other side of the roundabout.
This is another spot in the city that speaks to me.
Ruby too, I’m sure.
“Know what else would make me happy right now?” she asks.
“Tell me.”
She slows her pace, gesturing to the museum. “If the night didn’t have to end just yet.”
I smile. “I’m in no rush to get home.”
She draws a deep breath as if she’s hunting for courage. “And even though tonight is about new things, maybe we can keep doing old things too?”
I arch a questioning brow. “You mean hanging out?”
She nods quickly, seeming relieved. “Yes. That. Exactly.”
“Of course, weirdo.” I put an arm around her shoulders, hugging her to my side. “I’m a friend for life, Valentine. No bucket list or cross-country move is going to change that.”