Trouble rarely found its way to Ruby. A woman who believed coloring outside the lines could lead to problems, while her instincts played a part in her life, Ruby was a follower. She followed the rules at work. She followed the instructions on a box or a can. She followed recipes, and she followed the laws of the state of Massachusetts. Red lights meant stop. Green lights meant go, and yellow lights meant proceed with caution, much like the expression on Bennett Archer’s face when she exited her apartment and saw Ruby standing near the stairs. Caution was putting it mildly.

“Good evening,” Ruby said in a lilting tone. “It’s a beautiful night tonight.”

Bennett let out an exaggerated sigh, and without saying a word, she strode past Ruby and down the stairs.

“Hey, come on,” Ruby said, trotting down the steps to catch up. “Why are you being like this? All I’m trying to do is get to know you? You’re single. I’m single, so why don’t you take me up on my offer? Most people think I’m really nice, so let me buy you a drink, and you can see for yourself. I’m not that bad.”

Bennett stopped, slowly turning to the woman one step above her. “You are, by far, the most conceited person I’ve ever met. You honestly believe you’re all that and a bag of chips—don’t you?”

“What?” Ruby said, leaning away. “I never said—”

“You have ambushed me in the corridors of this building repeatedly. And repeatedly, I’ve told you in no uncertain terms to bugger off. I’m not interested, and I will never be interested, but you’re so self-absorbed in your own inflated opinion of yourself, apparently, my words aren’t getting through that impenetrable skull of yours. So, let me make myself perfectly clear. While some may find you compelling, I do not. While some may find you entertaining, I do not. And while some may find you attractive…I find you positively hideous.”

When Bennett saw Ruby’s mouth drop open and her cheeks flame, Bennett actually cracked a wry smile. “Oh, I see I finally got your attention, so while the fog has lifted for what will probably be only a few seconds before your supercilious ego drops anchor once again, I will say this one more time. You are flogging a dead horse. Now, good evening, and leave me be.”

***

As Bennett approached the gallery, she slowed her pace for a moment. She was almost an hour late due to an unexpected stop along the way, and Lisa should have left by now. Bennett unlocked the door, and when she stepped inside, her apprehension waned when she heard high heels clicking on the floor down the hallway. A few seconds later, Lisa appeared.

“You’re working late,” Bennett said, dropping her keys into her pocket. “Is there a problem?”