Ruby slid her phone into her pocket and got in her car. It took her only a few minutes to arrive at the library, where she waited for Mateo.
When she saw him pull up, she stepped out of her car and followed him inside. By unspoken agreement they walked to the far back, away from prying eyes and sat down across from each other.
“So what did you find out?” Mateo asked.
Ruby narrowed her eyes at the handsome man across from her. “More than what you told me. Apparently you’ve kissed her”
Mateo cleared his throat and rubbed fingers down his goatee. “Did you really expect me to tell you that I’d kissed Lucy? I barely know you.”
Ruby smirked, then sat back in her seat and folded her arms. “Yet you trusted me enough to ask for my help.”
Mateo chuckled. “So ... was my trust misplaced?”
Ruby’s smiled dropped. “No. I got her to tell me everything, it’s right on my phone if you want to hear it from her. You were right. They are switched.”
Mateo slapped his hand on the table. “I knew it!” He said loudly, then immediately ducked his head, remembering where he was. Glancing around, he nodded an apology at the glares aimed at him.
Ruby leaned on her elbows, resting on the table. “So ... Lucy got sick this summer and couldn’t teach summer school. She never mentioned it in her emails which is why you didn’t know. Of course, Lillith took her place and you ended up getting them mixed up. The only thing we don’t know is why Lillith ran with the misunderstanding. I can guess. I mean the woman is manipulative and drives everyone crazy, but all I have are guesses.”
“What is your guess?” Mateo asked.
Ruby raised an eyebrow. “Seriously? You’re handsome and obviously have money. That’s probably Lillith’s entire list of requirements for a man.”
Mateo shook his head, looking down in embarrassment as he felt heat creep up his neck.
Ruby grinned, enjoying Mateo’s discomfort. “It’s pretty common knowledge that Lillith lives off her father’s money. The woman was raised with a silver spoon in her mouth and I would guess she is looking for someone to provide her with the same lifestyle. Anyway, Lucy followed you after you met in the park, because she suspected you were going to Middleton Prep and after seeing you with Lillith, figured out what was going on. She wanted to tell you, but was worried you would think she was the liar instead of Lillith.”
Mateo growled. “Lillith has always seemed just a little off. Like something wasn’t quite right. Lucy should have just said something.”
Ruby cocked her head to the side. “And you would have believe her just like that?” She snapped her fingers. “You had only met Lucy a couple of times.”
Mateo nodded, his ire shrinking. “You’re right, it would have seemed suspicious. But why has she still not said anything?”
“Well, at the barbecue Lucy decided to confront you when you arrived with Lillith. But Lillith cornered her and threatened her job.”
“What!” Once again Mateo’s voice was too loud for the space and he had to pull himself back down. “How can she do that?” He asked. His voice had gotten quiet, but was hard as steel.
“That’s the whole problem.” Ruby shrugged. “We don’t know. Lillith told Lucy that Principal Grimm had talked about offering her a job come fall and that she could pick any grade she wanted.”
“Let me guess.” Mateo said, sarcasm dripping with every word. “If Lucy tells me the truth, Lillith said she would take over her grade level and kick Lucy out.”
Ruby made a gun with her fingers and pointed it at Mateo. “Bingo.”
“Is there any way to find out if she’s telling the truth?”
“Lucy tried, but Principal Grimm is out of town. She plans to confront him as soon as he gets home.” Ruby eyed Mateo. “She’s really torn up about the whole thing. In fact, I’ve never seen Lucy in love before and this certainly isn’t how I pictured it happening for her.”
Mateo froze, too stunned speak for a moment. “Love? You think Lucy is in love with me?” We barely know each other. I mean ... well, that’s not really true. We wrote letters for months and I’ve never been drawn to a woman like I am to her. Do I love her? I’m attracted to her. I think she’s funny, witty and kind ...
Ruby rolled her eyes. “Why do guys always freak out about the possibility of loving someone? Men and women have been falling in love for thousands of years and you’d think it would a normal thing by now.”
Mateo gave a light laugh. “True enough,” he conceded.
“Right ... well ... I want to know how we’re going to fix this.” Ruby tapped her fingers on the table top.
Mateo rubbed his goatee. “I’m not sure yet. I don’t want to risk Lucy’s job, but I also don’t want to continue dating Lillith. I was ready to break up with her after our second date but held off because things didn’t match up.”
Ruby nodded, her lips pursed.
Mateo stood, “I’m going to think about this for awhile. Can I text you if I think of something?”
Ruby nodded and stood as well. “Yep. If I think of something, I’ll do the same.”
Mateo started to walk away, then turned back for one more question. “When does Principal Grimm get back?”
“Not for another month.”
“Right.” Mateo’s voice was hard and and his face grim. Turning once more, he walked to the entrance of the library, determination in every step.