Page 48 of Designing Love
Claire’s expression softens, the teasing dialed down. “Smitten looks good on you, Reed.”
“Maybe. Still early.” I drain half my water. “She has to untangle that business with her ex. Sell her half, or dissolve the business or something like sign stuff, whatever. I’m sure he won’t make this easy.”
Claire pops a chip, chewing thoughtfully. “But she said she’s coming back?”
“Yeah.” The memory warms me from the ribs out. “She wants a clean slate — then back here on her terms.”
She raises her soda can. “To clean slates and smitten developers.”
I clink my bottle to hers. “And to buddies who raid my pantry.”
She grins. “Anytime, Coding Ethan.”
“Anchovy Queen.”
Claire reaches for another chip. “So, what exactly did you text today? I require details.”
I shrug. “Nothing crazy. She sent a photo of a Vancouver screamer — traffic backed up on Granville. I replied with a picture of the Miller House covered in scaffolding and said, ‘Wish you were here to supervise my questionable ladder decisions.’ She sent a laughing emoji and told me not to staplegun my foot.”
Claire sighs contentedly. “Adorable. You realize you’re building inside jokes already.”
“It’s… nice.” I allow myself a small smile. “I don’t feel like I have to translate myself.”
“Which is why you ordered water with me and ranted about uptime?” Claire teases.
“Exactly. You’re tech-fluent. Different rules.”
She rolls her eyes. “I’m honored my friendship inspired rants about load balancing.”
I flick a chip crumb at her. “And you rattled off bird species for twenty minutes.”
“I was nervous, too!” She points a chip at me in accusation. “Besides, birds are majestic.”
“Birds scream at sunrise. At least servers are quiet.”
We fall into an easy silence, munching. I realize how content it feels to have someone here, filling the house with conversation.
Claire leans back, crossing her arms. “Be honest — how freaked are you?”
I consider. “On a scale of one to touching live wires? Maybe a six. I’m excited more than scared. She makes leaving sound temporary, like an intermission.”
“Good.” Claire’s grin softens into something proud. “Because you deserve a real shot.”
I swallow a lump of gratitude. “Thanks.”
She looks down, almost shy. “I’m happy for you. Even if it means my pantry raids might decrease when she’s back.”
I snort. “Promises, promises!”
She taps the hinge box. “By the way — when are you going back to work on the house?”
“We’re meeting with the mayor tomorrow. I’ll know then what’s happening with the plan to move forward.”
“Good. And hopefully Sophia will be back soon to supervise. Someone has to keep you from nailing your sweatshirt to the stud wall.”
“That was one time!”
A comfortable lull settles. Claire stares at her chip bag, then sets it aside, expression turning reflective. “You know, when we almost dated, I worried we’d wreck the friendship.”
