"Look at it this way," Nancy continued, her voice trembling slightly but staying firm.
"I was lucky. My first was Julian, and those other men... they didn't touch me. I like to imagine I just had one very bad night. And as for the drugs, I'm fighting every day to resist them. I'm getting stronger."
She reached out and took Ruby's hand, her gaze turning certain. "I want to go back to my hometown. There's a rehabilitation center there, and I'll be close to my family. I need to be home, Ruby."
It felt like a goodbye, sharp and sudden. Ruby felt the sting of tears behind her eyes. Nancy was the only person who had ever seen her as just Ruby, not as a powerful executive or a chess piece in a corporate war.
"Aww, I'm going to miss you so much," Ruby whispered, squeezing her hand. "If you need anything at all anything don't hesitate to call me. You are my one true friend, Nancy. Promise me you'll call."
"I will," Nancy replied.
