CHAPTER ONE

The air was charged with anticipation as Ruby set the table joyfully. She had been planning this dinner for months now to celebrate her tenth anniversary with the love of her life. It was a decade of shared dreams and cherished memories, deserving nothing short of perfection.

She arranged the dining ware on the table, lit some candles, and spread rose petals on the floor, giving it the 'love theme'. The candle flickered, casting a warm golden glow. She carefully selected their preferred wine and made a playlist of their favourite songs to create a special atmosphere and commemorate the strong connection they had developed over the years. As Ruby reached out for the gift she had gotten him, she couldn't help but smile—it was a bracelet with charms representing all of their happy times.

Ruby swiftly headed for her bedroom to get glammed for the night. Standing in front of her closet, she contemplated the various outfits available to her. Her aim this night was to look breathtaking, so she reached out for a strapless mini-dress in the most vibrant colour—red. She let her hair fall magnificently on her shoulder. Completing this look, she opted for a matching pair of heels that complemented her legs perfectly.

But as minutes turned to hours, Ruby’s excitement slowly transformed into a growing unease. Her heart sank as she realized that he was running late, and it was unusual. He was always punctual, irrespective of the occasion.

The sound from her doorbell jolted her awake. Ruby couldn’t believe she dozed off while waiting for the love of her life. She reached out for her phone to see if she got any message from him, but there was none, and it was already past midnight. Who could be at the door by this time, Ruby wondered. She sluggishly made her way to her door and looked through the peephole. She was elated as it was someone she had been yearning to see all day. She opened the door, hugged him with excitement, and began to pull him towards the dining area she had set up, chatting about her day and all she had planned. She knew something was wrong when he had a cold, blank look despite all she had told him, and this sent shivers down Ruby’s spine.

“What is wrong, babe? You don’t look like your usual self?” Ruby asked with concern.

“We need to talk,” he said without making eye contact."

"Alright. Let’s sit,” he said.

“I’d rather stand,” Robert replied.

She looked really worried about the unexpected.

“Ruby, you are such a sweet person, and I can attest to that because we’ve been together for so long,” Robert continued.

Ruby nodded in affirmation.

“We’ve shared and done everything together, but I don’t think it’s serving anymore. It’s not you,” he explained.

Tears began to gather in her eyes as she couldn’t believe what she had heard. She struggled to get a word out.

“Please don’t do this. We can make it work; just give us a chance,” she pleaded.

“I’ve thought about it so hard, and this is what is best for both of us,” he responded.

“You alone can’t tell what’s best for both of us. Couple therapy wouldn’t be bad. Please, let’s give it a try,” Ruby implored.

“I’m sorry,” he stated.

“Don’t I deserve a reason better than this?” she asked.

“I’m sorry...I’m sorry,” he said as he exited her house, leaving Ruby shattered.

Her world has come crashing down at her feet. She fell to the ground, screaming out her lungs, holding onto her chest as it was about to get ripped out. She cried her eyes out until she couldn’t cry anymore.

************

It’s exactly eight hours since she got the most heart-wrenching news from the one person she thought she had forever with." Ruby sat on the floor of her room with a bottle of whiskey. Memories were flooding her mind at every gulp she took, which caused tears to escape their house and roll down her cheek. She had no appetite for food nor interest in her usual day-to-day routine. This went on for days until she had a realization that she couldn’t go through this alone. But she doesn’t have anybody here to share in her pain as her best friend since middle school relocated to Las Vegas last summer to take on a new job.

Reluctantly, she dialled her friend’s number, who picked at the second ring.

Immediately, she heard her voice and felt a level of comfort.

“I need to talk to you,” Ruby said in a very sad tone.

“Ruby, what’s wrong?”

Ruby then relayed all that happened between her and Robert, leaving out zero details.

“Oh, baby, I’m so sorry. I know this is heart-wrenching for you, but we will get through it together.”

“How…How do I heal from this hurt? How do I begin to navigate through life without him, knowing we’ve always done things together for so long?”

“Ruby, I think a change of environment would help. You’ve known Robert for twelve years and dated for ten, so you both have loads of mutual friends. You could run into him or any of your mutual friends, which won’t give you the chance to heal.”

“I don’t have anywhere to go to,” Ruby said amidst tears.

“Come to Las Vegas.”

“I don’t want to be a burden to you.”

“Come on Ruby, we are not just friends, we are practically sisters, so you can never be a bother to me. If I can’t be there for you when you need me, then what’s the essence of our friendship?”

“Can I think about it?” Ruby asked.

“Yeah sure, always remember I’m here for you,” Naomi assured.

Ruby managed to get up from her bed and headed for the bathroom. She took off her clothes, littering them on the floor. She turned the shower on, and as the water flowed seamlessly on her body, she began to think of Naomi’s offer to relocate to Las Vegas—a city where she could leave her past behind and find purpose. She assured herself she would be fine with Naomi and that her friend would be of tremendous help in her healing process.

"It’s time for a new beginning, although she isn’t interested in love or men." She texted her friend, agreeing to relocate to her city before she lost herself to alcohol and endless thoughts.

In the days that followed, Ruby and Naomi made preparations. Ruby packed her bags, carefully choosing the essentials. Each item symbolized a step towards healing and a commitment to embracing the unknown.

On the day of her relocation, Ruby began to fill the trunk of the cab with her bags. When she was sure she had packed everything, she locked up the apartment and handed the keys to her landlady, who bid her goodbye. As the car engine came to life, driving down the corridors of her city, she felt a rush of sadness down her spine.

Ruby arrived at the airport, followed all the necessary protocols, and boarded the plane. Immediately, she settled into her seat. A mixture of sorrow and excitement enveloped her as her journey to a fresh start began. During the flight, she had ample time to think and assess herself and all that had been going on with her.

********

Naomi’s car pulled up to the airport, and she eagerly scanned the arrivals, anticipating the moment she would be reunited with Ruby. Spotting her familiar figure among the crowd, Naomi’s face lit up with a beaming smile. She rushed forward, embracing Ruby in a tight hug.

“Ruby! It’s so good to see you,” she exclaimed, genuine excitement radiating from her.

As they settled into the car, Ruby’s usually vibrant eyes were tinged with a hint of melancholy. The weight of her recent heartbreak still clung to her, casting a shadow over her usual cheerfdemeanournor. Naomi couldn't help but notice the subdued atmosphere, and she reached over to gently squeeze Ruby’s hand.

“Ruby, I am aware that this is a very tough time for you,” Naomi began, her voice filled with empathy. But being here will help a whole lot.” She offered a reassuring smile, hoping to lift Ruby’s spirits.

The drive to Naomi’s house was accompanied by a mix of conversation and comfort. Naomi shared stories and the exciting places they could explore in Las Vegas. She pointed out landmarks and recommended places they could visit together.

As they arrived at Naomi’s house, Ruby felt a bit of comfort envelope her. She was happy with her friend’s presence and her new beginning, which she was about to embark on. She was determined to make Las Vegas her city and also make the best of it.

That evening, as they settled into Naomi’s living room, the atmosphere was one of friendship and support. Naomi was determined to bring a smile back to Ruby’s face, suggesting activities and places they could go to lift her friend's spirits. They talked and laughed, the familiarity of their bond acting as a balm to Ruby’s wounded heart.

As the night wore on, Naomi gently broached the subject of going out to a club, hoping to introduce some joy and excitement into Ruby’s life. "Come on, Ruby," she urged. "A little fun might be just what you need, and I happen to know the perfect place for that. Let's make some memories together." She held out her hand, inviting Ruby to take a chance on this new adventure.

Ruby mustered a grateful smile. She wanted to turn down the invite, but she knew Naomi had her interest at heart. A little drink and music might help uplift her, so she decided to go clubbing. “Alright, let’s go clubbing, but don’t expect me to loosen up immediately,” Ruby said with a smile on her face.

Naomi nodded understandingly, her concern for her friend evident in her eyes. “I get it, Ruby, but once the booze hits you, you will loosen up, trust me,” she said mischievously. “Let’s get ready,” Naomi added as she got up to prepare.

Naomi helped Ruby pick the perfect outfit, did her make-up, and curled her hair.

“Don’t you think this is too much?” Ruby asked.

“No, it’s not. You need to send the right signal. Who knows? You might just get laid tonight and forget about that jerk,” Naomi said.

“Naomi, I’m not looking to get laid, and it will take more than a night of pleasure to forget Robert. We dated for ten years,” she said, trying so hard not to go down memory lane.

“I know, but that doesn’t mean you should walk around with the 'I just got dumped' placard on your forehead,” Naomi said while using her hands to make air quotes.

“I give up... do your thing,” Ruby said resignedly.

“Yippee!!! You won’t regret this, Ruby,” Naomi jumped with excitement visibly showing on her face.

“I am already regretting it, so hurry up before I change my mind,” Ruby threatened