Page 71 of Inflame

“I stopped paying attention ever since Claire stopped being the agency’s community booty.”

My eyes dart to Ethan who looks to be proud of himself of his clever joke. Ugh. This entire situation just sucks. I motion for Angie to get up with me. I am in a crisis and need a change of scenery.

“What is going on?” she asks, as we make our way to the food area.

I take a clean plate and start filling it with fresh fruit and some of the vegan options. It is nice that everything is clearly labeled. There is something here for everybody.

“Ethan arrived here with a chip on his shoulder. He’s in a mood,” I express. “I won't let him ruin our fun. Promise.”

“Don't worry about me,” she says softly. “I just want you to be okay. It is you who is suffering. And I think you’ve been trying to hide a lot from me. Probably think I’ll get stressed out or something equally false. I’m here for you, Claire. I’m always on your side. Always. You deserve happiness and if it isn’t with Ethan, I need you to know that it’ll all be okay.”

I smile sadly at her kind words. She gets me. “You’re the greatest friend I’ve ever had.”

“I feel the exact same way about you, Claire.”

I wonder how my childhood would have been different if Angie had entered my life earlier. Everyone needs a friend like her in their life. She is that amazing. I know that I would not have gotten through college if I didn’t have her by my side, cheering me on and teaching me lessons about life. She’ll never be able to understand how much she saved me.

I glance back at our table and see that it is empty, except for the centerpiece and a variety of drinks. I need things to smooth out and go back to being easy. This undefined tension that is building with me and Ethan is going to come to a boiling point eventually and explode. I cross my fingers that it is not going to happen during this Vegas trip. We need to get back on familiar soil if we are going to hash this out.

Once my plate is full, I return to the table with Angie and we start eating. The men join us soon after, with Graham and Nic talking among themselves before sitting down.

Nic takes up his spot beside me, passing me the tea, a mimosa, and water. I knew he ordered for us, but wasn’t expecting three beverages.

“Thank you,” I mouth, my words getting stuck in my throat from the emotion. It feels weird to be cared for by the man who isn’t my boyfriend, but it also feels weird not to be cared for by a man whoismy boyfriend.

I slide in closer to Ethan and try to get things back on track. “Ohh, what did you get?” I ask, pointing to some type of stuffed pastry. “Can I take a bite?”

“It is a buffet, Claire. Go get yourself one to try. Food is unlimited.”

I slide back into my chair and close my mouth. My appetite is dwindling, and I have barely taken many bites of my own selections. I take a big gulp of my mimosa, while praying I can survive this brunch without crying.

“I can see you have given up working on your image.”

My eyes whip over to Ethan’s. “What is that supposed to mean?”

“Drinking before noon,” he points out, gesturing toward my orange juice and champagne.

“I’m not even near your son. And when I am, I try my best to be a good role model.”

“Pretty sure that’s a lost cause,” Ethan says in a joking tone.

He must really think he is funny. No one at the table laughs. I am too embarrassed to even look up.

“Claire?” Angie’s voice cuts through the awkward silence. “Want to help me find the restroom?”

I know what she’s doing. She heard the exchange. She probably also saw my reaction.

“Hey you,” she says, pulling me to the side, when we get to the sitting area outside the restroom. “What the hell is going on with you and Ethan? This is more than a chip on his shoulder. He is treating you so badly.”

“Yeah, I agree. I just don’t know what his problem is.”

“What else aren’t you telling me?”

I take a deep breath. My head falls into my hands, as I cover up my face. “Nic kissed me,” I blurt out, not even thinking about the stress I could cause Angie with this revelation.

“Took him long enough.”

My head jerks up. “Wasn’t expecting you to say that.”

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