Page 66 of Evidence of Deceit

“Why?”

“You look so pensive and lost in thought. I hope the class doesn’t bring back bad memories.”

“No.” Claire smiled. “I’m more than okay. I was just thinking about how great these classes are. And how much it means to the women and your employees.”

Sam looked around at the activity. “Yeah. It’s empowering for the women, gives them a sense of accomplishment, and hopefully, they feel a little safer.” She glanced at her watch. “We’re just about done here. Want to grab a cup of coffee? I have a little time before I have to get back to the office.”

“Sounds good.”

“Let’s meet at the little coffee shop around the corner from my office so I won’t have far to go.”

Claire nodded, gathered her purse and waved goodbye to the group, Sam not far behind her. It had been a while since the two of them could get together, so she was glad Sam asked.

Ten minutes later, Claire walked into the Roasted Bean. The little coffee shop was a neighborhood favorite. The outside was a throwback to the fifties, showcasing an orange and green neon sign of a coffee cup, but inside—wow. It was modern and sleek with high wooden tables and lots of wrought iron. Espresso machines hummed. Milk frothers whizzed, and jazz softly played in the background. Perfect.

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sweet things assaulted her nose. Her stomach rumbled.

Several people relaxed at the coffee bar. She spied Sam sitting at a small table by the window. Claire took a moment to observe her. For sure, Sam knew that she’d arrived even if she wasn’t looking at her. Nothing missed Sam Knight’s attention. But it looked like Sam had already dismissed her presence—she wasn’t a threat. Sam’s eyes perused the shop and the door. She looked so small and innocent sitting there, but Claire knew better. She also knew that she would want Samby her side or watching her back in times of danger. The woman was fearless and lethal.

“Hey.” Claire slid into a chair and looked around. “Gosh, I haven’t been here in a while. It looks like they added another machine.”

“They get quite the crowd during the week. They needed it,” Sam said.

A waiter came over to take their order, and Claire leaned back in the chair.

“We haven’t had a chance to be alone and talk in a while.” Sam reached out her hand and took Claire’s hand. “How are you doing? Is everything okay?”

Claire loved having friends who worried about her. It had been a long time since that had happened. Keith never wanted her to have friends or go out for coffee—or anything.

“Everything is going well. I love my house. I love my job, and I’m loving life.”

“Perfect. I’m so happy for you. So, are you loving Joe?” Sam slipped in and grinned. “Sorry. Joe’s a good guy, and I like seeing him smile more.” She smirked. “Or smile at all.”

“I love being with him. He comes off all crotchety at times…”

Sam raised her brows.

Claire grinned. “I know. But then he does something sweet, like play ball with his neighbors’ son and…” Claire shrugged. “I’ve never asked, but how are things going between you and Mark?”

Sam’s face flushed pink. It wasn’t often Claire could turn the conversation back to Sam and surprise her, but apparently, she had.

Sam looked out the window. “Hmmm, things are going fine.”

“Just fine?”

“Well, more than fine.” Sam picked up thecoffee the waiter had placed in front of her and took a sip. “We’ve been together a while now.”

“Any plans on getting married?”

A sadness passed over Sam’s eyes that, if Claire hadn’t been looking at her, she would have missed.

“Oh, he wants to get married. He’s asked me a couple of times, but…”

Silence.

“But?” Claire was curious as to why Sam hadn’t said yes. She had watched the two of them together, and they complemented each other. Mark was intense but more laid back. Sam was intense but pretended to be laid back.

Sam gave a heavy sigh. “I don’t know. I love him. I respect him. We’re good together.” She took a deep breath and exhaled. “I don’t know why I haven’t said yes.” She took another sip of coffee. “Enough about me. Tell me about work.”

---