Page 58 of Spar
“You scared me half to death,” Tori said over the alarm. “There,” she said more quietly after the alarm was silenced. “What are you doing here?”
“Making sure you didn’t swallow a bottle of pills.”
“Nice.”
Claire walked through the tiny apartment, holding several bags. She dumped them onto the bed. “I’m kidding. Well, sort of. I was a little concerned. You look tired.” She rambled on as she picked through the heap of clothes now discarded all over the bed. “I need help picking a dress for Friday night.”
Tori sat on the edge of the bed. All thoughts of a peaceful shower were shot to hell. “Ah, yes. Your big date with Reed.”
“Yes.” Claire clapped. “I can’t decide.”
“Where is he taking you?” Tori asked as she sifted through the pile.
“He didn’t say.”
“Okay. Not much to go on. Casual?” Tori pulled out a basic black dress and held it up.
Claire’s eyes sparkled as she pulled out a red lace dress. “I was thinking something with a little more wow-factor.”
Tori grabbed the garment and threw it back in the pile. “You know, I’m a little surprised you agreed to go out with Reed. You and Jake… Really no shot of that happening?” “She handed her friend a black, strapless dress she’d seen her wear out before.
Claire held it up in front of her and turned to the mirror. “I’m sorry if it’s weird for everyone. I’m sure the whole thing will blow over soon, and things will go back to normal.”
She eyed Claire carefully, wondering if she believed that. Tori wasn’t so sure that was true, or that Jake and Claire were really over for good.
“Alright, I’m outta here. I’ll drop off the extra signs I made for the fundraiser Friday morning.”
“It won’t be the same without you there.”
“I know. I’m sorry. I’m really proud of you, though. You know that, right?”
Tori nodded and wrapped her arms around Claire, hugging her tight. “Call me after the big date. I want to hear all about it.”
She walked Claire to the door, closing it behind her friend then leaning her back against it. Things were changing. Their tight group would never be the same without Claire. She was the heart of the group, always pulling them all back together.
Loosening the robe, she headed back for the shower only to get one foot inside the bathroom when a knock at the door boomed through her apartment.
“You have impeccable timing, Claire!” she yelled as she walked to the door and swung it open.
“You,” she gasped, her lips pulling into a big smile as she let her eyes wash over Chris’ large form standing on her doorstep.
“Me.”
“What are you doing here?”
“Long story. Can I come in?”
“Oh, right. Yes, come in,” Tori said, opening the door wide and watching in fascination as Chris marched into her apartment. The low ceilings and small space closed in around him.
He looked around like he hadn’t been in her apartment before, which, considering he’d so carefully overseen the special updates, seemed unlikely.
“I was helping Travis move and thought I’d stop in since I was in the neighborhood. The place looks good.”
“Travis moved in where? Here?”
Nodding, Chris sat on the couch. His long legs barely squeezed between the white fabric and the wooden coffee table in front of it. “Charlie got a wild hair to buy this place and put Travis as acting manager.”
“Whoa,” she said, plopping down on the couch beside him.
