BLAKE
I was in disbelief. Claire was actually letting me in. From the moment she hopped into the car, her face was lit up with a grin that I couldnât quite understand, but it made me happy nonetheless.
When we arrived at Mollyâs Diner, her smile grew even wider, and I couldnât help but feel a sense of accomplishment.
It was clear that Molly and Claire were close. I was eager to know more about her. I couldnât resist asking about her past relationships. It was pretty clear that the guy in the picture frame was an ex-boyfriend.
As she spoke about him, I noticed her eyes welling up with tears. I donât think she realized it. And I was certain that Molly knew more than I did.
The worry in Mollyâs voice when she asked about Claireâs parents was a clear sign that they were a sensitive topic too.
But I could tell that I was starting to chip away at her defenses. She might not have realized it, but I saw the internal struggle she was having when I first suggested we play twenty questions.
I didnât expect her to open up as much as she did. But I wasnât complaining. I wanted to learn as much about her as I could.
So, I was taken aback when she began to share her favorite childhood memory.
A smile spread across her beautiful face as she spoke. I noticed some bruises, hidden under makeup, but I didnât ask about them. I didnât think she was ready to talk about that yet⦠if ever.
âI wasâ¦five years old,â she began, her gaze focused somewhere beyond me as she recalled the memory.
âMy parents took me to the mall to buy new clothes. My birthday was coming up, and I wanted a dress for my party.â She smiled.
I have to admit, I loved listening to her. Her soft, angelic voice was like music to my ears, soothing my nerves.
âWe went into a bunch of different stores, trying on all sorts of cute dresses. Finally, I found the perfect one.â She smiled again, a small chuckle escaping her lips. I couldnât help but smile too, enjoying the sound of her laughter.
âIt was a light purple dress. It was form-fitting and fell just past my knees. The bottom was ruffled. The top was covered in perfectly aligned, purple sequins.
âThe bottom was also adorned with purple sequins, but ruffled. There was a purple ribbon on the side, right at my waist. It came with a small black, high-waisted jacket. It was perfect.â She smiled again.
âMy parents bought it for me, and the next day I felt like a little princess. I twirled and posed for all kinds of pictures.â She laughed, closing her eyes for a moment.
âAll my friends were there. They all complimented me. It was, by far, the best birthday ever,â she finished, smiling.
I was glad to hear her voice. I was so used to it being hard and cold. But this, this was a whole new side of her. This was the real Claire Walker.
âSounds like you had a good childhood,â I commented.
That made her snap her head in my direction. She gave me a sad smile and shook her head. âThat was probably one of the only ~good~ memories I have of my childhood,â she whispered.
Just then, Molly returned with our food. After casting a quick, concerned glance at Claire, she left.
I cut into my steak as I took in what Claire had ordered.
She had a chicken sandwich with fries on the side. The sandwich was loaded with crispy chicken, lettuce, chipotle sauce (mild spice), and some other spicy sauce I didnât recognize. It looked delicious.
As she lifted it to her lips, I couldnât help but notice how they parted slightly. Her lips were pink and full. They looked so kissable.
As she bit into the sandwich, some sauce squirted out onto her plate. As she chewed, I took the opportunity to take her in again. She was wearing denim skinny jeans that hugged her legs like a second skin.
A long-sleeved purple shirt clung to her upper body. The shirt wasnât loose, so I could admire the curves that were visible through her shirt. She wore black ankle boots.
Her hair was down, as usual, but upon closer inspection, I noticed a loose curl hanging to the side. It wasnât styled that way, it was naturally wavy and curly.
Her porcelain face had a few freckles on her nose. But they were barely visible under the foundation.
She looked stunning, absolutely breathtaking! But I couldnât tell her that. I knew there was still so much I needed to learn about her.
She looked up, her cheeks flushing a rosy pink when she caught me staring. She shifted uncomfortably in her seat under my gaze. For some reason, that made me happy to see that I could affect her like that.
She cleared her throat awkwardly, the blush on her cheeks fading quickly. âTell me about your family?â she finally asked.
I was surprised by her sudden question but managed to keep my surprise hidden. I took a sip of my drink as she watched me warily.
âIf you want, I mean,â she added after a few minutes of awkward silence.
I shook my head. âNo, no. Itâs fine,â I assured her.
âI have a younger sister, Anya, as you already know,â I began.
âMy dad is a successful businessman. He owns a lot of small companies, so heâs hardly around. My mom is a stay-at-home mom. She supports me in everything,â I smiled.
âAnya is nine years old, and my only sibling. Not much to say really.â I shrugged.
A smile appeared on Claireâs face. âDo you get along with your parents?â she asked.
I shook my head.
âOnly my mom. My dad always says that I should take over his companies when Iâm old enough, but I donât want to. I mean, I just canât see myself becoming a businessman. I mean, could you?â I asked, bewildered.
Claire shook her head. âNope,â she answered honestly.
Just as I was about to ask another question, her phone rang.
She held up a finger as she glanced at the caller ID. A small frown replaced her smile when she saw who it was.
âHello,â she said, holding the phone to her ear.
I could hear a low voice on the other end.
Her eyes widened in surprise, but she quickly regained her composure.
âWhat are you talking about?â she asked quietly, aware that I was watching her intently.
A snort of disbelief slips from her lips as she hears the response on the other end of the line.
âIs that why you set me up?â The way she spits out âset me upâ makes even me wince. Her voice is laced with so much bitterness and anger. It seems the sweet, gentle Claire I know is on hold for now.
âGive me a break. Youâd be dead in seconds,â she retorts. I watch her, intrigued. ~Whoâs she talking to?~
Suddenly, her eyes narrow into slits as she listens to the person on the other end.
âYou bastard! If you try anything, I will hunt you down! Donât think thatâs just a threat! Thatâs a promise!â With that, she ends the call and slams the phone down on the table.
âWho was that?â I ask, trying not to startle her.
She glances up at me, then shakes her head. âIâm not hungry anymore. Besides, itâs getting late, Iâve got to go.â She pulls out her wallet and leaves a five-dollar bill on the table.
I stand up with her. âWait!â I call out.
She turns back to me. âThanks for taking me here, Blake. But I got to go.â Then, sheâs gone.
I curse under my breath for letting her leave so easily.
Then, a thought strikes me: ~Howâs she getting home?~
CLAIRE
Iâm seething as I storm out of the diner without a backward glance. It was nice while it lasted, Iâll give it that.
But then the phone call. The damn phone call where ~James~ was on the other end! That lying jerk actually had the audacity to call me, and then threaten me!
He threatened to expose my identity to everyone if I didnât turn myself into the Deadly Snakes. My anger and hatred for that man have definitely surpassed any love I once had for him.
If he ever hurts my family or me again, Iâll hunt his ass down and beat him senseless! Iâm not playing games anymore! James has just messed with the wrong girl!
As I walk back into the house, I hear my parents' soft snores from upstairs. Itâs around nine oâclock and I canât blame them, Iâm exhausted too.
For a moment, my thoughts drift to Blake. I felt a sudden thrill when he was looking at me, but also a sense of self-consciousness.
The intensity in his eyes scared me. I had to resist the urge to shyly tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. I felt like a giddy schoolgirl with her first crush!
Thatâs exactly how it felt! And right now, Iâm still debating whether I should take the risk and let him in, as a friend, or push him away like everyone else?