Page 30 of Saving You Losing Me

I turn to him and smile. “Friends is fine by me.”

I point to the right. “We’re here. Now, if you’re searching for a girlfriend, I may have just what you’re looking for.”

We head insideand straight to the bar and, as expected, my close group of friends are in residence.

“Clara, over here.”

Clarissa calls and as we head over, I couldn’t have staged this better myself. Clarissa is your typical Californian blonde. She was head cheerleader and dated the quarterback all through high school. They’ve just broken up because he moved away and she is searching for an adequate replacement, as she put it.

She stares at Michael with interest, and I make the introductions.

“Clarissa, meet Michael. He’s new in town and could use some friends.”

“I’m pleased to meet you, Michael.”

Clarissa bats her eyelashes and I must admit she is one cute girl standing there in her white tennis dress, her hair tied back in a sleek ponytail, her pink manicured fingers holding a glass of champagne.

“I’m very pleased to meet you Clarissa.” Michael is polite, but his smile holds none of the warmth it has when directed my way and my heart sinks.

I nod toward the couch in the corner overlooking the courts.

“We may as well take a seat. Are any of the others here?”

“Grady and Jerome are playing singles and I believe Hen is showering. Louisa is working out with her PT but won’t be long.”

She turns to Michael, interest flashing in her eyes.

“So, Michael. Tell me what brings you to town.”

“My parents moved here and are setting up their business.”

“Which is?”

“Security and imports.”

Clarissa’s eyes glaze over and I laugh to myself. She may as well have asked him about the state of his checking account because that is all that concerns her. We are joined by Grady and Jerome, who smile at Michael with interest.

I make my introductions and as the guys chat, I whisper to Clarissa, “What do you think of Michael?”

“I’m not sure.” She pulls on her lower lip with her teeth. “There’s something I can’t place. It’s in his eyes. They are cold.”

My heart sinks. Hopefully I’ll have better luck with Henrietta or Louisa.

I can’t keep my secret for long and whisper, “I’m seeing someone.”

Clarissa’s hand flies to her mouth and her eyes shine with excitement. “Who?”

This is big news because I’ve never shown an interest in dating anyone before and I can’t wait to see the expression in her eye when I tell her.

“Atom.”

“No way.” Her mouth drops and then she giggles. “Man, you are so lucky. I’m guessing you haven’t told your folks.”

“I have and mom nearly fainted.”

Clarissa bursts out laughing as Louisa joins us.

After introducing her to Michael, Clarissa pulls her aside and whispers, “Tell her, Clara.”

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