Re: Ruby and Clint
He knew that he’d screwed up a good thing with a nice girl that he’d really liked, but Clint knew it wouldn’t have lasted anyway. Long distance was too hard, even with modern technology, and he would be off to college pretty soon. Maybe in some twisted way it was better for Ruby -- she could make a clean break and hate him instead of going through all of that wishy-washy pain when he moved away. Or maybe that was a dumbass excuse his mind came up with, Clint didn’t know. It was hard to know much of anything when he felt so drained and haunted all the time. He just hoped these witches would help him like they’d helped Ruby. “Nah, not going anywhere but home tonight,” Clint agreed, giving a small nod. By that time he hoped he was drunk enough to just go to sleep and not dream at all. “But okay, uh ... thanks again. Have a fun night.” Feeling awkward, Clint lifted his beer to Ruby in a little salute, then turned to go.
Ruby almost made a snarky comment about him not feeling up to picking up another girl, but managed to hold her tongue. She’d never seen Clint so subdued and for just a moment she wanted to pretend it was because he was sorry and not because he was exhausted. She knew he was exhausted. She’d been there herself. Chances were high that the next time they saw each other, he’d be back to his old self, and then she could get in all the digs she wanted. But tonight she would play nice. If he felt indebted to her after what he’d done, even better. “Thanks,” she said, giving him a small, tight smile. “You too.” As soon as she said it, she turned away, not sure if she meant it or not and unwilling to find out.