Just close your eyes and then remember

 It wasn't until Christmas was well over that Ruby realized that she didn't have any girlfriends. It was something she never thought about, actually. But suddenly, it felt important as if she wasn't very good at making friendships. 

Of course, there was Rafe, which had initially felt highly unlikely. Not once did he say she was too pushy (although she knew she was). Now, it felt like that chapter was over, and she felt as if she was barely treading water in life. And now she would be a mother. 

There was a lot to think about, she knew there was so much to do and to be for the future, but then she met Gabby on a crowded morning at the coffee shop. They ended up sharing a table in the masses. Honestly, she'd never seen the shop so busy on a winter's day.

Ruby mentioned she was pregnant and the thought of ice and snow made her feel uneasy.  "Oh, you'll be fine." After all, she'd told Gabby she worked in the building where she lived. "When it really gets a blast of winter, don't come to the coffee shop."

Ruby knew she was right. It was always good to stay put, especially now. Gabby congratulated her and said she wished she could have a baby. 

"But my boyfriend, has a little girl, already," she said. Funny, Ruby enjoyed talking to another redhead. Someone even walked by and said it was good to see sisters together. They both laughed. That's when Gabby mentioned she had a sister, but didn't see much of her, and she lived here.

"Why is that?" Ruby asked as she cradled a cup of hot herbal tea.

"She has her own family to deal with," Gabby made it sound as if it were full of drama, she'd spent Christmas with her boyfriend's family.

"I mean, it's not official that we are together, or anything," Gabby finally confided. She raked her fingers through her heavy auburn locks. "Who knew finding a guy would be so tough at this age." She said she heading toward thirty. "Although, when I was married before, we never thought about kids."

She was even lipped. "And then I met Oliver, and he's such a good dad." She said she  knew him in high school. "Oh, I think he liked me then, but I never gave him a chance and now, I'm not sure he'll really give me a chance."

"But you two spent Christmas together." 

Ruby looked at her blankly as if that had to count for something.

"Oh, he's just a good person, that's all. He was afraid I would be all alone," Gabby shrugged. 

Ruby had been listening. Gabby and Oliver lived in the same apartment building. She reminded her that it took time to nurture a relationship. "You never know, this might be your year." She told her not to give up.