Page 113 of Until the Sea Runs Dry

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On a recommendation from Logan, Jane and Clare feasted on Eggs Benedict and fruit salads as Loki lay by their feet at a booth in Musso & Frank Grill, the city’s oldest restaurant pre-dating even the Hollywood sign. And it wasn’t only the food that made it special: industry veterans — several with their handprints in the Hollywood Walk of Fame — could still be seen holding court as they thrashed out their latest movie deals behind them.

When Jane had told Logan that she would be meeting with Clare before the session with the hypnotherapist, he had booked them a table under his name, which might be the reason they were experiencing such VIP treatment.

Unable to join them himself, he’d wanted the two to experience a little of the city’s magic, knowing that the appointment ahead might cause some distress.

He was, as she was rapidly learning, a most thoughtful man.

Looking unconsciously chic in high-waisted pants and a sleeveless camisole, Clare was making easy work of keeping her nerves at bay.

“People seek hypnosis for anything in this town, I’m sure he’s only recommending the best. You’ve got nothing to worry about.”

Jane’s fork pushed around a piece of melon on her plate.

“I’m more concerned about what it might dredge up. I called Summers again, before I got here, but he still had nothing to report. It’s like I didn’t even exist before I came here.”

Clare hated to see her so worried.

“Well, you’ve certainly arrived with a bang, haven’t you? And can we please discuss this glow around you today, that, despite all your concerns, you can’t hide.”

She looked over her plate, a knowing look on her face.

“You two have been doing the nasty haven’t you?”

The blush that stained Jane’s cheeks was answer enough. Clare laughed, dropping her fork to reach across the table to grab her hands.

“Please tell me it was amazing.”

“It was. It is,” Jane admitted, unable to stop the goofy smile from appearing. “He’s nothing like they say he is.”

She picked up a piece of bacon, passing it to Loki. Wolfing it down, he bathed her fingers with his tongue until no trace of them remained.

“You don’t have to tell me. I’ve already experienced the man’s generosity, and look at how he gave you a place to stay… unless, it was always his plan to get into your pants. Then that would be pretty bad, actually. The #MeToo crowd would have a field day.”

“He wasn’t interested in me in the beginning. It all grew from us spending time together.”

“Then it’s the real thing?”

“I hope so,” Jane admitted.

Clare squeezed her hands. “Then I’m really happy for you. God knows you could do with some happiness.”

Struck by how much of the conversation she had monopolized already that morning, Jane changed the subject.

“How about you: anything new to report? I swear there was a pep in your step today, too.”

Clare’s eyes widened. “I’m that transparent?”

“Only because you can’t seem to stop smiling too.”

“I might have met someone.” She grinned, pushing her plate away, no longer interested in the food no matter how delicious it was.

“Tell me everything.”

“I met him at my store. He came in to find a gift for his mother, isn’t that adorable? Hopeless about women’s sizes, though. I had to use a line of staff members for us to figure it out. We got chatting and when he paid for the goods, he asked me out for a coffee.”

Her eyes had taken on a glow as she relived the moment in her mind.

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