Read Online Greater Than Rubies, a Novella inspired by the Jewel Trilogy by Hallee A. Bridgeman - Free Book Online

I got it under control. And, it’s Maxi, please. I’ve always hated Maxine. Thankfully, only Robin still sometimes calls me that.” Although, she really liked hearing Barry “The Bear” say it.
    Barry raised an eyebrow in his incredibly handsome face and what she could only call a teasing and somewhat mischievous grin appeared there. “Why have you always hated your name, Maxine?”
    “It just doesn’t suit me. I look more like a ‘Stands with a Fist’ than a Maxine.”
    Barry didn’t even grin at her teasing tone. He opened a tea bag, steeped it into hot water, and set his cup out on the counter. Then put his hands in his pockets and leaned against the sink. Using a tone that teachers use when they are hopeful their students already know the answer, he asked, “You know where the name Maxine comes from?”
    “Of course,” Maxi nodded. “My drug addicted mother’s addled brain.”
    Barry shook his head. “Emperor Maximus …”
    “Ooh.” Maxi interrupted. “Emperor! So feminine!”
    Barry smiled a little bit at her silliness. “He stood over eight feet tall. It’s from his name that we get the word maximum. And the term maximal. And the name Maxine.” With a half grin and a teasing tone meant to hook her heart, he announced, “Your name basically means you’re … the most.”
    Maxine cocked her head and slitted her eyes. “Really? No kidding?”
    With an exaggerated motion that really turned out to look quite large considering his stature, Barry crossed his heart with his finger. For the moment, she managed to ignore the wedding ring on his left hand. “Hope to die if it’s a lie.”
    She looked at him as if she remained unconvinced. “How did you know that?”
    Barry’s grin transformed into a smug smile, “I went to law school, Maxine. I know things.”
    She threw her head back and laughed. “I see. Apparently they taught you humility, there, too.”
    “Humility? Oh, absolutely.” Barry nodded and sipped his tea.
    The door opened and Robin came in. “Hi, Barry,” she said, going to the refrigerator. “I didn’t see Jacqui this morning.”
    His lips thinned. “She is not really a regular church attendee. She usually has other plans.”
    Robin’s hands paused. “Oh. Okay. Sorry to bring it up.”
    “No need to apologize. It is what it is.” He lifted his cup as if in a toast. “Ladies. Thank you for putting out lunch. Tony said he wants to make this a regular Sunday thing now that he will have a family here.”
    “I think that’s awesome,” Maxine said, “provided he allows me to find a television with a game on it.”
    Barry put his hand to his heart. “I will ensure that I, I mean you, have access to televised sports.” He laughed. “See what I must sacrifice for my friends?”
    Robin looked between the two of them. “I’m sure Tony won’t mind you turning on the television. I bet Derrick would join you in watching, too.”
    “I’ll go see what I can do.” Barry left the room and Maxine went back to scooping potato salad into a bowl.
    “What’s going on, Maxine?” Robin grabbed a spoon and emptied the cole slaw into the bowl.
    “What do you mean?”
    “Don’t be coy. I know you.”
    Maxine tossed the empty container into the sink. “I’m not meaning to flirt. He’s just so handsome and so –”
    “Married?”
    Maxine sighed. “You’re right.” She picked up her bowl. “I know you’re right. I’ll let up.”
    Robin put a hand on Maxine’s arm, “Was he flirting back?”
    Maxine looked as if she could answer differently. Instead, she answered honestly. “Not even a little bit.”
    Before Robin could chide her any further, Maxine pushed through the kitchen door and set the salad next to the tray of sandwiches.
     

     
    OBIN spun around and Maxine catcalled at her. “Gorgeous, sister.”
    Sarah sat on her knees backwards on the couch, propping her elbow on the back of the couch and resting her chin in her hand. “You look wonderful!”
    Robin ran