Page 81 of Sunset Cove
It crept in on her when she was alone, especially when she was people-watching. It was like she didn’t fit, she didn’t belong. She thought moving would change that, but it only made her feel worse.
“Like what?” asked Margie, grabbing her hand.
Claire debated if she should say any more, but there was no use in burying it. Hiding how she felt hadn’t helped, either. “I feel like I don’t belong anywhere in this world. Like I can’t find my place.”
Margie squeezed her hand. “Oh, Claire. A lot of people feel that way. I felt that way! It’s hard to find your footing when the world keeps on changing.”
“You’ve done so well though, Margie. You met Hank and started your business. I ran off, bought a hotel that I don’t know the first thing about, then found out about a new family member,” she dropped her voice, “and promptly ruined his life and Lucy’s.”
Margie wrapped an arm around Claire’s shoulder. “Come here, my sweet friend. You haven’t ruined anyone’s life. You’re a wonderful mother. You always were, and you always will be. I’m sure that Mar – I mean, your new family member – appreciates everything that you’ve done.”
“What have I done?” Claire shook her head, tears shaking in her eyes. “What have I done for anyone but make things worse?”
“You’ve loved them – really loved them. That means more than you know.”
Claire sniffled. She wished she had some tissues, and as if by magic, Margie pulled two from her purse.
“Why do you think that new family member chose to stick around?”
Claire shrugged. “Desperation?”
“No,” Margie said with a chuckle. “Love. And look at Lucy!”
“Poor Lucy…” Claire said, her voice breaking.
“Not poor Lucy! How many people could withstand questioning and stick to their morals? You should be proud.”
Claire nodded. “I am proud, but...”
“A little FBI raid isn’t going to ruin the hotel. Who told you that? You’ve put so much care and effort into that place already. It’s going to be fabulous. You took a risk, that’s all. Risks never pay off right away. Usually it’s painful to begin with, then rocky all the way through.”
Claire let out a sigh. She could breathe out of her nose again, which was a small victory. “You’re right, but –”
“Not ‘but!’ That’s how it is. If it were easy, everyone would do it. Don’t worry about the hotel. I’m sure that handsome Chip can help you.”
Claire grimaced. “Chip will never forgive me.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure.” Margie said. “I saw the way he looked at you.”
“Margie,” Claire shot her a look. “You say that about everyone. Just because you love me doesn’t mean that everyone does.”
“I’m right this time. I know it.” Margie stood. “Okay, before you go to see Lucy, I’m going to get you a nice, hot cup of tea and something to eat. I’m ashamed to say I didn’t have anything homemade to bring along on short notice.”
Claire laughed. Leave it to Margie to be disappointed for not having a lunch packed into her purse. “That’s all right. I’m fine.”
“This is not a negotiation,” Margie said, shaking her head. “You can either stay here or tag along. It’ll only take a few minutes.”
Claire smiled. “I’ll wait it out. Thanks, Margie.”
After half a cup of tea and a scone, Claire got the call to come see Lucy. The visitation was like something out of a movie, with Lucy behind a plate of glass, in a prisoner fish tank.
The only comfort was that Lucy didn’t seem distressed. Her hair even looked nice.
Claire wished she could give her a long hug. She had to settle with talking to her through the black wall phone. “Hi sweetheart. I’ve been so worried for you.”
Lucy snickered. “Oh, don’t be. I’ve been infarworse prisons than this. This place is nice! It looks like my old dorm room.”
“How many prisons have you been in?” Claire asked, alarmed.
