save me - taylor swift

The alarm jolted Ruby awake, its shrill ringing cutting through the quiet of the morning. She exhaled sharply, running a hand down her face before pushing herself out of bed. She moved through her morning routine with an almost mechanical efficiency—pulling on her black jeans and a fitted black shirt, tying her hair back, and slipping on her boots.

When she stepped out of her room, the house was still silent. Taylor was still asleep.

Perfect.

Ruby took the opportunity to step outside, the cool morning air wrapping around her as she made her way toward the beach. The sand was cold beneath her boots, the waves crashing rhythmically in the distance. It was peaceful. Almost too peaceful for someone like her.

She reached into her pocket and pulled out a cigarette, lighting it with a flick of her lighter. The first inhale burned slightly, but it was familiar, grounding. She stood there for a moment, letting the smoke curl around her before she started walking along the shore, her free hand tucked into her pocket.

Her phone rang.

She groaned, already knowing who it was. She took another drag before answering.

"I swear to God, Dominic, if you don't stop calling me while I'm at work, I will personally—"

"It's urgent," Dominic cut in, his voice sharp. "Joana wants it done. Tonight. When she's back in the city."

Ruby exhaled slowly, watching as the smoke drifted into the early morning sky.

She had to stop hesitating.

Had to stop being a pussy.

Guilt wasn't going to pay her bills.

"Fine," she muttered, her voice cold. "Tonight."

She hung up before he could say anything else.

She made her way back inside, brushing some of the salt air off her clothes as she entered.

Taylor was awake now, standing in the kitchen in nothing but a silk robe, her hair slightly tousled from sleep. She was making herself coffee, her movements slow, methodical, like she was still shaking off the remnants of whatever dream she had.

Ruby immediately stubbed out her cigarette against the doorframe.

Taylor noticed.

She sighed, sipping her coffee as she gave Ruby a look. "You don't have to do that just because I'm here, you know."

Ruby just shrugged, leaning against the wall. She wasn't sure why she put it out so fast, but she didn't dwell on it.

"Travis coming today?" she asked, shifting the subject. "I need to know if I'm driving the both of you."

Before Taylor could answer, there was a knock at the door.

Ruby arched a brow.

Taylor sighed again, shaking her head. "Speak of the devil," Ruby muttered, just loud enough for the guy outside to hear.

The door opened, and there he was—Travis, all smiles as he strode in, heading straight for Taylor.

"Babe, I'm so sorry I couldn't come home last night," he said, his voice grating to Ruby's ears. "Practice ran late."

Taylor barely reacted as he wrapped his arms around her, pressing a kiss to her cheek.

Ruby rolled her eyes.

She had enough of this bullshit.

Turning on her heel, she walked out the front door and made her way to her car, giving the couple some space.