Page 44 of By The Book
“Yeah?”
Claire turned back and waited as Tommy studied her.
“I’m sorry I’ve been a pain. I know I said I was sorry before but…I really am.”
Her heart squeezed from the vulnerability she saw in Tommy’s eyes. “Thank you. That means a lot to me, Tommy.”
She wanted to hug him, but she knew his teenage mind would probably view that as ruining the moment. So instead she smiled and led the way toward the next passageway and eventually made their way out of the ship, passing on the fast-food options available for something more substantial. Claire drove them into downtown Wilmington to the Riverwalk and the waterfront restaurants there, deciding the momentous day needed a little extra splurge.
They chose a waterfront restaurant and lucked into a shaded table.
“Claire? Is that you?”
Claire turned at the sound of her name and spotted Marsali Jones Beck, easily recognizable with her gorgeous curly hair. “Oh! Hi, Marsali. Yeah, it’s me.”
The woman hurried toward Claire and Claire and Tommy both stood.
“Oh, my goodness! It’s so good to run into you,” Marsali said, giving Claire a warm hug.
Claire was aware of the large, imposing man nearby and remembered him as the bodyguard from the shoot the other day. “Marsali, this is my son, Tommy,” Claire said, inordinately proud of her son when he remembered his manners.
“Nice to meet you,” Tommy said.
“And you. So handsome,” Marsali said to Claire. “So, tell me. Are you going to be in town long?”
“Actually,” Claire said, “we’re celebrating. Tommy and I have officially decided to move back. I still have to sell our house in Virginia, but Carolina Cove is going to be home again soon.”
“Oh, that’s wonderful! Your father is probably over the moon. I was so sorry to hear about your mom and…your husband. Claire…”
“Thank you,” she said, wrapping her arm around Tommy’s narrow waist. “We’re doing okay. Right, bub?”
Tommy nodded.
“Here, take my number,” Marsali said, pulling a card from her purse. “We need to get together. You, me, Eliza… She won’t be free until after Mac and V’s wedding, but maybe we can get together next week?”
“I’d like that. And if there’s anything I can do to help, count me in. I’ve always loved weddings.”
“I’ll tell Eliza,” Marsali said. “She may take you up on that.”
“I’d be happy to help.”
“Mom, I’ll be back,” Tommy said, excusing himself.
Claire watched as he made his way toward the restrooms.
“So…you know Denz,” Marsali said.
Claire blinked at the sudden change in topic and nodded. “I do,” Claire said. “He’s renting my father’s apartment while he’s on medical leave.”
“And bringing you to the wedding.”
Claire felt her face heat. “He didn’t want to go alone.”
“Oliver said you two had some major chemistry during filming.”
Claire shook her head. “We are just friends.”
Marsali looked disappointed. “Too bad. Denz is a good guy. Hardworking, dedicated.”
