Page 126 of Almost Love

Clementine tilted her head. “Never looked at it that way.”

Freya bumped shoulders with her. “We got this, Clem. We’re going to have the best stall at the festival and we’re going to knock everyone on their asses.”

“From your lips to everyone else’s ears.” She shook her head and Freya winked, opening the back door. Sighing softly, Clementine added, “Can you send Luna out?”

She never behaved like the head chefs you saw on television, calling people terrible names and making them question everything about their career choices. She believed in dealing with stressful situations as smoothly as possible. None of it was Luna’s fault. Clementine was so on edge and knowing that he was also miserable made her angry. The tiny blonde walked outside, body tense and eyes wary.

“I’m really sorry for snapping at you. You didn’t know what had happened and you were being a good friend.”

Luna shook her head. “It’s okay, chef. I’m sorry too.”

“You have nothing to apologize for, but thank you for being there for him.”

Luna looked like she wanted to ask about it, instead, she nodded. Then she was hugging Clementine and it took her by surprise that she almost didn’t hug her back. With a gentle pat on the back, she released the blonde and offered her a tight smile.

Feeling only a little better, she hopped into her truck and headed to the new shop. James, her contractor, had been there since early that morning and she knew Mack would be stopping by to start working on the mural. Except, when she walked in, she found her best friend smiling at the tiny Asian woman that was her realtor. Despite her mood, Clementine was happy for him. Mack deserved whatever he and Jesse were building. Instead of interrupting them, she joined James in the kitchen where they were installing the walk-in freezer. She was grateful for the distraction and numbers, because it kept her mind off other things. He took her through completed work, gave her a rundown of what they were doing over the next few days and asked a bunch of questions about light fittings and wood to be used in certain places.

Walking into the main shop space, her distraction bubble burst at the sight of people waiting for her. Ginny and Daisy were huddled together with Mack, three of them frowning and muttering under their breath. She knew exactly what was going on and hated every minute of it.

Whistling to get their attention, she crossed her arms over her chest. “Don’t you all have jobs of your own to stay busy?”

Her friends scoffed, but a soft voice apologized before Jesse was rushing out. Mack growled, but Clementine didn’t bother to acknowledge it.

“Clearly you need help,” Daisy said.

“She really does. Extra moody,” Ginny added.

Mack glowered. “What the fuck is going on with you?”

“I'm sorry,” she mumbled, hating that she was spreading her sour mood so effortlessly.

“We’ll talk later,” he said and walked out of sight.

Turning back to the women, she sighed. “What are you two doing here?”

“We’re here to check on you,” Daisy said.

“Why? I’m fine.”

The women exchanged looks before giving her a ‘really?’ eyebrow arch before Ginny said, “Everyone’s talking about the fight.”

Clementine grit her teeth. “It wasn’t a fight. It was a…” she trailed off with a grunt.If not a fight, what do I call it?“A disagreement.”

“But areyouokay?”

Shrugging, she turned to face them. “I’m fine.”

“Clem.” Daisy said it softly, clearly trying to placate her.

“I know people who can help us dispose of a body,” Ginny offered with a straight face. Daisy gasped and Clementine snorted.

“We’re notkillinganyone.” Daisy waved Ginny away. “I know you’re not the asking-for-help kind, but if you need us…you know where we are.”

“Thanks,” she muttered and after a round of awkward hugs, Ginny and Daisy left.

“Areyou okay?” Mack asked once the women were gone.

Shaking her head, she pressed her trembling lips together and hugged herself. She’d projected all of her fears onto Oakleyand hurt both of them in the process. She knew that talking to him was necessary, but Clementine also didn’t want to rush into fixing this. And with the Spring Food Fling just a day away, she felt slightly unhinged.Stop using everything as an excuse to avoid this conversation, her inner voice contributed and she waved her off.

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