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Friends & Neighbors

Every star needs a supporting cast. Ruby's is the best booth in the house.

Dax Rind

The watermelon-headed picnic champion and Ruby's festival duet partner. He calls her "your Berry Highness"; she calls him "Melon." He drags her to picnics; she makes him dress for them. Their Moonlight Duet closes the Sock-Hop every year.

Marlow Mango

The mango-headed cocktail gentleman who supplies Bellamy's maraschino cherries and most of its gossip. Marlow and Ruby have a standing Tuesday booth where they "review" the week's desserts. The reviews are rigorous. The desserts never survive.

Georgia Melba

Peach-headed pie-baker; Ruby's dessert supplier and emergency counselor. Georgia's pies hold up the Bellamy's menu; Ruby's pep talks hold up Georgia during jam season.

Roxa Pitaya

The dragon-fruit socialite — Ruby's fashion rival turned best friend. They once competed for the Sock-Hop crown; now they coordinate entrances. Roxa's gossip column calls Ruby "the Boulevard's best-dressed institution." Ruby lets it stand.

Old Bellamy

The retired grapefruit gentleman who found Ruby in the strawberry patch and gave her his name and his shop. He visits every Blossom Parade, orders one Ruby Special, and cries into it. Everybody pretends not to notice.

Honorable mentions

• The Starlight Cinema usher — saves Ruby the balcony seat, no questions asked.
• The Tuesday booth regulars — a rotating court of neighbors Ruby has adopted.
• Every sprout on the Boulevard — free sprinkles on birthdays, Ruby's law.