She gulps down the rest of her cocoa and sets down the mug just a tiny bit forcefully. “Look, I just don’t want to be photographed, OK? You’re going to have to respect that.”
I do respect her wishes. I never photograph anyone who doesn’t sign a release.
However, I also like to encourage people to change their minds. I like people to gain a little bit of confidence when I show them what I can do. I’m not talking about photoshopping or touch ups. I wouldn’t remove a single freckle from that face.
“Fair enough, Ruby Dees,” I say, enjoying the way her name feels in my mouth. “But I’m sure I’ll see you around. And I’m sure I’ll change your mind at some point.”
She gives me a grudging smirk. “You can try. But if you’re going to keep up with me, you’d better go and get yourself some decent winter gear.”
I point to the pom pom on top of her head. “You mean like that?”
She squints at me as she stands to go, seemingly not sure of the intent of my comment. “I knitted this hat myself. You want one? Fifteen bucks each.”
I grin up at her, noticing her matching mittens as she pulls them on. “I’ll take a set just like that,” I say, nodding toward her hands…hands that I’d very much love to make contact with again, as soon as possible.
Ruby pushes out her lips in an expression of extreme skepticism of my motives. She leaves, saying nothing more.
I watch her walk out the door, leaving me feeling like I’ve just been buried under ten feet of snow and I’m not sure how I’m going to dig myself out.
Smooth, McMaster. Real smooth.
Watch social media for announcements about Snowplowed, part of a brand new holiday collection called Santa’s Coming, featuring Megan Wade, Shaw Hart, Cameron Hart, and Penelope Wylde!
