Page 31 of Pastries and Promises

"Peter doesn't believe there's anything wrong with the way he is. And we live in such a small, conservative town..." She looked down, a glimmer of shame in her eyes. "I know he means well, but sometimes I wish I had more choices of my own. More freedom."

Claire's heart ached for her neighbor and new friend. She reached over and gave Abby's hand a supportive squeeze. "You deserve that freedom, Abby," she said gently but firmly. "Compromise is one thing, but control isn't love."

Abby's eyes suddenly shimmered with tears. "You're so kind, Claire. I don't know what to do..." she whispered, a hint of fear in her voice.

Seeing Abby on the verge of tears, Claire put a comforting arm around her shoulders.

"It's okay, you don't have to figure everything out now," she soothed. "I'm always here if you need to talk more or just need a friend. You shouldn't have to go through this alone."

Abby nodded, dabbing at her eyes with her sleeve. "Thank you. I'm sorry for unloading all this." She managed a self-conscious chuckle. "It just helps so much to voice it out loud."

"Don't apologize!" Claire insisted.

Abby's smile held more warmth now. She stood, glancing anxiously back at her house. "I should get back before Peter wonders where I am. But thank you, Claire. For everything."

Claire rose from the bench to hug her tightly. "Anytime. If you ever need a break or just need to talk, you know where to find me. I'm always either here or at the cafe."

Abby squeezed her gratefully in return before hurrying back inside. Claire's thoughts were troubled as she went back to her sketch. If she could help her friend in any way, she would. With a heavy sigh, Claire turned her attention back to her garden. She could only imagine how trapped Abby felt. It was no way to live, and certainly no way to have a marriage.

When Claire finally stood to stretch and take a break, she glanced up to see Peter standing on their front porch. He'd brought out his watering can again. Claire gave him a wave then headed inside.

Claire was finishing washing the dishes when she heard the doorbell ring. Hoping it was Abby, Claire quickly dried her hands before heading down the hall.

But when she opened the door, her smile of greeting died at the sight of Peter standing on her doorstep, arms crossed. His mouth was set in a hard line, eyes cold and calculating.

"Can I help you?" Claire asked, unable to keep a slight edge of hostility from her voice.

"Your flowers are invading my lawn. You can cut them back. That would certainly help."

Claire bristled at his tone. "You're welcome to trim any of the flowers that cross over to your yard up to the point that they're back in mine."

Peter's scowl deepened. "Then I will."

"Please do," Claire responded. She held the door, waiting for him to leave. But he continued to glare at her, his stance unwavering.

"Anything else?" Claire prompted, her impatience growing.

Peter's eyes narrowed. "Abby is not a lesbian. Leave her alone."

Claire stared at him in disbelief. "You've got to be kidding. Abby and I are friends."

Peter snorted. "I've seen the way you two look at each other. She doesn't need you influencing her."

"What I feel for Abby is platonic. And I don't think it's up to you to decide who Abby does or does not speak to," Claire shot back. She took a deep breath. She did not need to get worked up over this man. "If there's nothing else, Peter, please enjoy the rest of your afternoon."

Before he could say anything more, Claire shut the door and locked it. She leaned against the wall, taking a few slow breaths to calm herself. It wasn't her fault if Peter was insecure, nor was it her problem. But that didn't make him any less frustrating or intimidating.

Mostly she just felt badly for Abby though.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Claire paced her cottage living room, cellphone in hand. She hadn't been on a real first date in over a decade but after the meteor shower, she wanted to see Eva outside of the cafe, and after Peter, she wanted to see her publicly. Drawing a deep breath, Claire dialed her number and after two rings, she heard Eva's friendly voice. "Hey you," Eva said. "Did you need to place an order for pick up?"

"Actually, I was hoping you'd go on a date with me."

There was a brief pause before Eva replied. "You're asking me out?"

Claire smiled. "I am. On a proper date. So...how does dinner sound?"

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