Again, a look passes from Jax, the need to know but not want to hear. “She’s trying to change the things in her life doing damage, but it’s tough for her.”
“Yeah?”
Jax sets down his drink. “Listen, Jem, I keep out where I need to and help where I can. Don’t push this. It’s complicated and not our business. I’ve tried to help but Ruby won’t let me.”
“She’s your friend.”
“Yeah and how bloody frustrating do you think the situation is? But what can I do? I’m there when she needs, if she needs. You? As soon as her life interferes with your project, step in. Otherwise back off,” says Jax then stands. “I need to help set up before Will gets the shits with me.”
My project. Pull back, Jem. Keep out.
I follow Jax and sit at the back of the small theatre, feet on a chair in front and watch how the band interact setting their gear up on stage. How did Blue Phoenix get so lost? The Ruby Riot easy-going relationship is apparent. The synchronicity performing onstage is always matched by offstage, as the brothers laugh at Jax’s attempts to boss them around. There’s a couple of chicks hanging around today, grungy girls in flowery dresses and sloppy cardigans. No Sara, thankfully. Ruby doesn’t speak to them, and they stay clear of her.
Dan skulks at the edge of the stage; with his muscles he could join in and help set up but I suspect the band tries to keep him at arm’s-length. He’s been at the last couple of gigs, watching over Ruby’s every move. The guys rarely speak to him.
Ruby has trouble tuning her guitar and Jax walks over with his, the pair attempting to get the sounds in sync. Then they kneel on the stage together, looking over a set list and Ruby scrawls through with a pen, rearranging the order. I can’t hear their conversation but see Ruby growing agitated and Jax’s attempts to calm the situation by touching her hand isn’t helping. I straighten as her voice rises. This isn’t going well.
Dan sits forward, elbows on his knees as Ruby and Jax continue their head to head. Jax pushes Ruby’s hair away from where it splays across the paper taped to the floor in front of them, and she freezes, catching his hand. She remains holding it for a few seconds too long for my liking. Is there something between them that I’m not aware of? And if there is, why is my heart sinking?
Jax cheers as Ruby hands him the pen back and calls a triumphant ‘yes’ before he grabs her by both cheeks and kisses her mouth. Ruby shoves him hard in the chest and, as he’s squatting, Jax lands on his back. He lies for a moment laughing and Ruby gets up and storms from the stage area.
Dan follows.