Unneeded Anger

Mayte looked up, gazing at Ruby, and once again felt astonished. Ruby's point of view had never been so sharply—and bravely—expressed in Mia's presence.

"I'm right, aren't I?" Ruby sought Mayte's opinion.

"Mayte and I couldn't choose our fathers or where we were born..." Ruby turned her gaze back to Mia and smiled.

"But you can choose, Tia. You’re free to choose who you marry and who you befriend, but it turns out both choices were wrong." 

Mia flushed deeply, but her lips remained sealed. She had no retort, unable to pick up any crumbs to turn the situation around because Ruby had left no crumbs—nothing. It was too direct to be countered.

"I’d love to stay longer with you both, but AJ’s already home. I have to be with him. See you later, Mayte. It’s been a pleasure meeting you." Ruby smiled warmly and nodded at Mia before leaving the table.

Another bang was heard—Mia slammed the table onc