Page 58 of A Very Merry Mistake

Claire strategically pauses, then lets out a laugh. “Oh, yeah. Of course. All great things.”

The sarcasm could be heard from a mile away. Her words are literally dripping with it.

“Are you two togeth—?”

“Yes,” Claire says, proudly smiling, before Lacy finishes her question.

I’m almost intimidated by Claire’s confidence, but I’m enjoying watching Lacy squirm. When we ended things, I was broken and thought she’d live rent-free in my head for the rest of my life. Thankfully, that passed. Even though I’ve got no love for her any longer, seeing her is still a constant reminder of what could have been. I’ve not dated anyone since the breakup, so I guess she has reason to be surprised. Her cheeks are pink, and I can see her pulse ticking in her neck. I’m sure Claire notices, too.

“Sweetheart,” Claire says, reaching her hand out toward me. I stand, moving next to her, and take it. “I think our table is ready.” She looks up into my eyes and grins widely.

I tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear, my thumb trailing on her cheek. She leans into my touch, but I know this is a part of the act. Isn’t it? Either way, I’m down for this. The couple sitting at our table walks past us, and Chelsea waves us over, pointing at it. “Oh, you’re right. It is. Anyway, nice seein’ you, Lace,” I say, using her nickname as Claire leads me away. “Hope you’ve been well.”

“Yeah, you too.”

I don’t even look back at her. I slide into the booth first, and Claire sits beside me. And she’s close, so close I can feel the warmth of her leg against mine.

I wrap my arm around her and lean in to whisper in her ear, “You know, this is how rumors get started.”

She giggles. “I hope the whole town knows by the time the sun goes down.”

“That’s the thing: they will. I hope you know you’re playin’ with fire. She’s evil and very jealous.”

“I’m not concerned about her,” Claire states. “I’m not easily intimidated.”

“I noticed,” I tell her just as Chelsea slides two menus in front of us. “You have the potato soup today?”

“You know it,” she says. We order two coffees, and she leaves us be.

“What would you suggest?” Claire asks me, flipping the menu over.

“Pot pie. Chicken and dumplings. Potato soup. Tomato bisque and an adult grilled cheese.”

She sighs. “Too many choices, but that last one sounds good. That’s what I’m having.”

I move the menus to the table’s edge and order for us when Chelsea returns. As I’m pouring cream into my coffee, I turn to Claire. “You don’t have to stay on this side of the table with me.”

She bumps her body against mine. “I don’t mind it, actually. You’re warm. Feels good.”

I smile over the rim of my mug. “Keep it up, and I might miss you when you’re gone.”

She raises her eyebrows. “I can toast to that. I’m worried that when I leave, I will miss your company as well. It’s been a while since I’ve detoxed from my life, so it’s been exactly what I’ve needed.”

Moments later, Lacy sits at a booth across from the restaurant, facing us. Claire leans in and whispers, “She’s staring.”

I keep my gaze focused on her lips as she picks up her coffee mug.

“I know. Out of all the people we had to run into today,” I mutter.

Moments later, Glenda walks over. “There’s my favorite holiday couple!” she crows.

“Oh, stop,” I say as a few heads in the restaurant turn.

“Food should be right out. Y’all are cute,” she tells us and then greets another table.

“Yep, my mama is going to be calling me about this. Too many of her friends from church are in here.”

Claire laughs. “You’re too easy.”

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