Chapter Ten. Accusations.

Ruby:

"You're late," Danny remarked with a disappointed tone as I entered through the back door of the restaurant.

I let out a sigh, glancing at my watch, to discover that I was twenty minutes behind schedule. It was a rare occurrence for me, as I usually prided myself on being punctual and composed, regardless of the challenges life threw my way.

"Yeah, I'm sorry. I had some issues to settle," I replied, the dryness in my voice reflecting the tension I carried. I reached for the blue net on the table, draping it over my hair.

Danny looked at me with a touch of sadness in her eyes. "It's so unlike you; do you maybe want to talk about it?"

"I'd rather not," I replied flatly, and I winced at the harshness in my tone.

"I'm sorry; I'm just not in the mood to talk about it."

"I understand, dear... Well, better late than never, then," she said, handing me an apron.

I mustered a thankful smile, appreciating her understanding as I prepared myself for the challenges of the day ahead. The resta