One thing I figured out from our meeting with Mama Ruth was that the 'Ruth' in her name stood for 'ruthless'.
"Come massage my feet," Mama Ruth beckoned to Reynard as soon as she had settled down in her armchair. "After all, nobody comes by calling for ol' Mama anymore. I had to go all that way to see who was hollering in my house."
Reynard made a face at her which I'm sure she didn't see but I got a case of giggles when I noticed him do so. He sighed and smiled at me and went to sit next to Mama Ruth's ottoman on which she had been resting her legs. He began to press against her soles and Mama Ruth sat back with pleasure. Then she noticed me.
"Y'all didn't answer when I asked who you were," she said suddenly, eyeing me with suspicion like I was a sudden pimple on her face, deciding if it was best to pop it or let it be. "Lass, what's your name?"
I tightened the cloth around my face and replied firmly, "My name's Ashli Rivers, ma'am."
