Page 39 of Falling for Red
I smile. “That’s a great idea. I’ll make that.” I can already picture Claire sitting at her table, the smell of thyme and garlic filling her home. It feels right. “Love you, Mom. I’ll let you get back to sleep.”
“Oh no.” She laughs. “You can’t tell me you think you’ve found the one and leave it at that. Tell me about her.”
I chuckle, rubbing the back of my neck. “Her name’s Claire. I met her after she called 911—there was a small fire at High Five.”
“Oh. How’s Nicholas?”
“He’s good. The women’s bathroom was out of commission for a couple of days, but it’s back in action now.”
“That’s good to hear.” She pauses. “And Claire?”
“She’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. Red hair, freckles—gorgeous. But it’s more than that. The way she handled herself during the fire … I was instantly drawn to her. We’ve been out a couple times now since her daughter’s with her dad for the weekend. She’s funny, caring, and passionate. I don’t know—I just … it’s different in a good way.”
Mom is quiet for a moment, then gently asks, “How old is her daughter?”
“Four.”
“That’s a big responsibility …”
“I know.”
“Divorce …” Another pause, then a long exhale. “Just be careful, okay?”
I sigh. “I know. Claire is too. She’s cautious—guarded, even. I’m taking things slow.”
“Divorces bring a lot into a relationship.” Mom hesitates. “Make sure you’re not the only one all-in.”
I swallow, rolling my shoulders back. I feel Claire pulling away at times. She’s not jumping in the way I am. But when she looks at me, when she leans into my touch, when she softens in my arms … she wants this. Even if she’s scared.
“She’s worth the wait.” She is. Even if she doesn’t want to be my girlfriend right now. I will wait until she is ready.
“Good. Bring her to family dinner soon.”
I love that idea and can’t wait for Claire and my relationship to be there. And if I’m not getting too ahead of myself, I can’t wait for all three of us to share this tradition.
25
Saturday, July 5th
Ame day. A day for me to do whatever I want, whenever I want. I roll over and tap my phone: 7:45 a.m. My days of sleeping in are long gone. My internal clock since having Gabby is too rewired. I rub my eyes, then type out a quick text to Jake.
Claire Moore
Morning! What time are you coming over to play chef?
I shouldn’t feel awkward that I didn’t agree to be his girlfriend last night, but I do.
Jake Schmidt
Whenever you want. Maybe 4:30?
I tap the thumbs-up reaction and sink into the abyss of TikTok, mindlessly scrolling for too long. Throwing off the covers, I slide out of bed. Hair in a messy bun, oversized athleisure on, I start thinking about where to get coffee until my phone buzzes.
Jake Schmidt
Coffee delivery. Look outside.
What?
