Page 26 of Pastries and Promises

Moments after Eva had left, Claire paced around her cozy living room, phone in hand. She knew she needed to call her sister Julia, but anxious nerves were making her hesitate. Finally working up her resolve, Claire sank down onto the sofa and dialed the familiar number before she could overthink it further.

After two rings, Julia's cheerful voice answered. "Hey Claire Bear! How's my favorite sister doing?"

Claire smiled at the childhood nickname. "I'm okay. There's actually something I've been wanting to talk to you about." She took a shaky breath, pulse racing. "So, I've started having feelings for someone. But it's not for a man...it's Eva. From the cafe." The words came out in a nervous rush.

A brief silence followed before Julia replied gently, "Claire, you know I love you no matter what. She's beautiful and sweet and makes amazing food. I knew she probably had a crush on you, but I'm surprised you're falling for her too. I'm happy for you though."

Claire exhaled in relief, suddenly emotional. "I honestly never expected to have feelings for a woman. But when I'm with Eva, everything just feels easy and right." She shook her head with a bewildered laugh. "I know it's new and confusing, but also kind of wonderful? She makes me really happy. I had her over for dinner tonight and it felt so right. Like the kind of right I had with David. Where nothing is forced and there's no awkwardness."

"That's so great, Claire," Julia said warmly. "You deserve to be with someone who brings you that happiness, regardless of gender. Our parents raised us conservatively and maybe it's not how they raised us, but I'm happy for you."

Claire nodded, tears pricking her eyes. "Thank you, Jules. I was nervous to tell you but I should have known you'd react with nothing but love. I can't wait for you to come back here soon, get to spend time with her as the person I'm interested in, not just the owner of a cafe I'm at nearly every day."

"You know I'd love to come back and visit you. Anytime that's good for you works for me too." Julia laughed, making Claire smile.

Claire thought about the meteor shower, and thought it would be a good chance for them to all get together. "There's a meteor shower this weekend, it's apparently a big thing in the town. Would you like to come to that with us?"

Julia's voice brightened even more. "A meteor shower event? That sounds so fun! I'd love to be there. My town doesn't do anything exciting like that. Maybe I should move there. Just joking. But not really."

Claire smiled, already looking forward to the visit. "I wish you would. And Eva offered to show us the ideal viewing spot too."

"Eva seems lovely, I can't wait to spend more time with her and get to know her better," Julia said.

"Me too. I'm sure you'll adore her."

"And we're definitely going to have to find you a dress for the occasion."

"A dress?" Claire asked, puzzled.

"Yes, for the meteor shower! If it's a big event in town, I'm sure people will be dressed up, right? You need to look extra cute for your date."

"Oh, well, we aren't technically dating, but yes, I suppose it's a bit of a date," Claire realized, her cheeks growing warm.

Julia chuckled knowingly. "I don't have time before then to come up and go dress shopping with you, so I'll order you something cute tonight and have it delivered by this weekend. I promise it'll be your style, though maybe just a little flirtier than usual."

"Okay, I trust you."

Julia laughed. "Sounds great. It'll be a lot of fun. I'll see you this weekend."

"Love you, Jules," Claire said sincerely.

"Love you too, Claire Bear," Julia responded warmly.

After they hung up, Claire hugged the phone to her chest, feeling optimistic and grateful to have her sister's support.

Chapter Twenty-Two

The night of the meteor shower Eva could barely contain her excitement as she picked up her phone to call Claire and let her know where to meet her later.

"Hello?" Claire answered after a few rings.

"Hey! It's Eva," she said, unable to keep the eager smile out of her voice. "Just wanted to check if we're still on for tonight."

"Of course we are, and Julia will be with us too," Claire said brightly.

Although Eva had wanted it to be just her and Claire, she was looking forward to getting to know Julia better too since she was important to Claire. "The more the merrier. When you come to the docks I'm by the giant dead oak tree, you can't miss it. The thing should have been cut down a long time ago, but it's so old it's practically a resident of the town at this point. Everyone knows it."

"I think I can do that. Will Michael be joining us too?"

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