The Big Secret

Ruby

Am I angry? Am I upset? Who knows. I suppose they have every right to say that, there is no room really for both me and a baby. But I thought they would help me some way not take Conor's side as per usual. Of course I text the one person who has stuck by me "know any good estate agents?" With that my phone instantly rang.

"Why do you need an estate agent?" Luke panicked. "I've been kicked out" I started to laugh. If I don't laugh I will cry, again! "Go to the coffee place by the pub and I'll ask Ruby to meet you there" I didnt even question Luke. "I've got to go, I'll see you soon" and with that he hung up the phone. Not really letting me get a word in edge ways.

Luckily, the coffee shop was right by the pub which we met Tom in, so for a change I knew which way to go. "Latte please" the barista smiled at me and instantly started making the coffee. Nothing beats the smell of freshly ground coffee beans.

Luckily, it was quite quiet so I managed to find a comfy spot very easily. "Erin right?" I looked up from my cup"why?" Maybe my voice was harsher than it should have been. "I'm Ruby, Sam's wife, Luke told me to meet you here" I nodded. She took a seat opposite me. "Are you ok?" She looked concerned, guess Luke told her. "Yeah all good, you?" "I love your accent!" I mumbled a thanks. "You look like you could do with something stronger than a coffee" she laughed.

"I wish" I mirrored her laugh. "I shouldn't laugh" she held in a giggle. "but Luke gave me a very detailed description of you and looks like he got it right even with the colour of your scrunchie" is that weird or cute? "I've heard lots about you!" I raised my eyebrow at her "Luke talks about you a lot, its nice to finally put a face to a name" she smiled.

"Sorry I'm not really in the mood for company" I sipped my coffee hopefully she'll get the hint. "Luke said you would say you'd rather be on your own. But he gave me strict instructions not to leave you on your own" I couldn't help but roll my eyes at Luke. "He also said you'd roll your eyes" she laughed. "Clearly knows me too well" we both laughed.

"I know what will cheer you up" she immediately stood up and took the coffee away from me. "Fancy a trip to see the dogs? I've got to pick them up soon anyway" I couldn't help but smile and we both rushed to the car.

Ruby kept asking questions about me and Luke, as Sam kindly filled her in about this morning. "Luke is the only person who puts up with me at the moment" I laughed, of course laughing and joking is my coping method. "You've got me and Sam now too!" Ruby added. Yeah, until we tell you about the secret.

As soon as me and Ruby walked in Elton ran up to us with two other dogs. "These are my babies, Doug" who was jumping up at her "and Nala" who was more laid back. "Shall we go see Dad and Uncle Luke?" Ruby spoke to the dogs like they were babies. "Elton, want to go home?" She looked at Elton who was jumping up me. I couldn't help but play around with him. He truly was the cutest dog. "He really likes you!" I smiled and focused my attention on Elton.

Ruby loaded the dogs in the car, all seat belted. Elton and Doug stuck their heads out the windows while Nala rested her head between mine and Ruby's seat. "They always do this, no matter the weather these two have to have their head out the window" she playfully rolled her eyes and started driving to the training ground.

"Elton has to approve of anyone before they are welcomed in. He did not like the last girl" she laughed. Luke never mentioned anyone previously, but why would he? Am I slightly jealous? Possibly. When we got to the training ground all the players were heading towards their cars.

Luke and Sam started walking over to us. "Thank you for today Ruby" I hugged her, as much as you can in a car. "Erin, you're part of the family now. If you ever need anything just let me know" I nodded and got out the car, Luke greeted me with one of his worried looks. "You alright?" I nodded at him. "Hope Ruby hasn't scared you off" Sam laughed, Ruby shouted back. "Do you want a lift or not?" "Of course babe" the boys laughed as Ruby got Elton out the car.

"Erin!" I turned to see Tom and Ben. "My parents have been asking about your parents. They haven't seen them down the pub for a while?" "Yeah all good. Just getting settled in and back to work. You know busy busy!" Tom smiled "let them know, all of us will be there tonight if you all want to join" I nodded as my stomach sank. "See you soon Erin! Say hi to Conor from us" The twins said as they walked to their cars. I really can't escape Conor.

Luke gave me a concerned look as I walked behind him and Elton. As I pulled out my phone I had numerous missed calls, Conor, Mum and even my dad. Should I be worried?

"Are you going to tell me what happened?" Luke interrupted my running thoughts. "I'm okay" he really disapproved of my comment. "I've got to just find a job and everything will be ok" am I convincing him or me?

"I've spoke to the Sharks women coach today" Luke paused. "They want an assistant coach, the other one left out of nowhere, so I put your name forward and gave them your number" he flashed a smile at me, which soon disappeared.

"I'm not sure I even want to continue rugby anymore"