Disclaimer: See Chapter 1

Careful Planning

Chapter 9

George and Rube came in to the restaurant together after he added the day's appointments to his planner. They sat next to each other at their usual table and waited for the others to arrive. Roxy was the first to arrive. She studied them for a moment.

"You two look like shit. What the hell did you do?"

"We were up all night." George answered for them both.

"Well I know that you weren't enjoying yourselves, otherwise you'd both be fucking happy."

"How would you know? We always look like this, and when are we ever happy?" George fired back.

"Rosie died yesterday." Rube said softly to end their bickering. He knew how much Roxy and George liked to pick at each other. With two very sarcastic women, it was inevitable that they should find some enjoyment in the banter.

"I'm sorry, baby."

"Thanks Roxy." He answered. Roxy turned her attention to the less obvious scene before her. She took in how close George was to Rube, and how both only had one hand resting on the table. Their shoulders brushed against one another with an ease and familiarity that said they were perfectly comfortable with one another on every level.

"When did this happen?" She pointed between the two.

"A few days ago." Rube answered. Roxy smiled, and let out a very un-Roxy-like chortle of glee.

"Man, that is so…. I don't know what. Am I the first to know?' Rube nodded but George shook her head, which caused Rube to look at her in question.

"Delores. I was supposed to work yesterday and had to call in." He nodded in acceptance. Just then Daisy and Mason strolled in, hand in hand. Roxy looked behind her and smirked at the two then shook her head.

"Looks like I'm that odd man out. Guess I'll have to find me someone hot and studly to keep up with the rest of you guys. Rube smiled softly at her and shook his head in exasperation. He waited until everyone was seated, and passed out post it notes to everyone. Daisy barely missed a beat, continuing to chatter away and dominating the conversation, which no one was trying to have. It was almost a relief when Rube was once again alone with George at their table. Daisy had flounced away with Mason in tow. He couldn't quite understand how that relationship worked, but it was no more of a mystery than his own with George. Roxy had merely smirked at them as she put on her hat and walked out the door. And then he was alone with her.

They finished their breakfast and George stood up to leave for her reap. Something she had seen in his planner made her stop and look back at him. She had really comprehended what it was she was seeing, but it was a piece of paper, rather than a post it, that much she knew. She briefly wondered what it said, but didn't make the connection that it could be anything other than a piece of paper.

"You'll be here when I get back, right?" She asked.

"Of course, sweetheart, why wouldn't I be?"

"I don't know. I love you, Rube."

"I love you too, George."

"Forever?"

"Forever."

"Good."

Rube smiled after her. She was such a spitfire and he knew that they would have their share of problems and arguments in the future, but he also knew that nothing would willingly take him away from her. And that was exactly what he was going to tell upper management when he saw them in a few short hours. He didn't care if his quota was filled, he was going to stay with her, and she would never have to know.

"Need anything else this morning, honey?" Kiffany asked, stopping by her favorite customer.

"No, Kiff. I'm absolutely perfect." He smiled up at her, before paying the bill and heading out the door. Kiffany stood looking after him and shook her head.

"Now that he's got someone to share the burden, he can't keep his feet on the ground."