by Abigail Grey
“They built a new wing on the high school.” Kayla rolled her eyes. “Everyone’s excited about it, including me, but I’m a little sick of it already.”
“Only because of what they’re calling it,” Marcy taunted, clearly trying to keep from laughing.
Claire looked at Marcy, feigning suspicion. “Do I even need to guess?”
In a nasally, high-pitched voice, Kayla responded to Claire’s question, “The Baxter Hall for Performance.” The table dissolved into giggles and guffaws again. Returning to her usual conversational tone, Kayla continued, “It was desperately needed. Do you remember the disaster stage we used to have? I think Desi actually danced through the stage once, so it’s been a long time coming. I supported the plan, but Chas’ mother has been after me for ages to get more involved. I’m just glad this pet project is done.”
“So she can bug you for the next one?” Aaron replied. “Ow!” Once again he rubbed his attacked ankle then turned the query to Claire again. “Anyway, you’re going, right?”
Claire nodded. “I suppose.”
Kayla gripped Claire’s hand tight. “And you’ll sit with me, right? And keep the dragon lady away from me? Please, oh please?” She batted her eyelashes awkwardly at Claire.
“All right, I will.” Claire extracted her hand with difficulty. “Just no maiming my limbs, Gigantor.”
Amid the laughter from Aaron and Marcy, Kayla glared good-naturedly at Claire. “Fine, big city Barbie, we’ll see you there.”
The three friends departed, leaving the store with cell numbers exchanged and promises to meet up at the event. It was several minutes later that Claire realized she hadn’t smiled and laughed so much in a very long time.
Chapter Six
Matt pulled at his tie, straightening it for the umpteenth time since the ceremony had started. The lights were bright and starting to get hot after the long speeches that had been made by the mayor, president of the school board, the student president of the drama club and now Cherise Baxter. The constant waving and smiling at the audience each time he and the contractor were thanked was getting tedious. Even though he knew he wasn’t really hoping for a disaster, Matt would have given anything to have his responder number called, simply to give him an escape.
The sound of applause brought his attention back to the audience. Cherise was looking expectantly at him, and with a deep sigh, he joined her at the podium. He resisted the urge to once again tug at the tie he wore. He shook her hand carefully, steeling his expression to smile as she tugged him down to press a kiss to his cheek.
She left him at the podium, where he turned to once again face the stage lights. He drew the index card from his pocket, reading the speech the company marketing team had written for him. “Thank you—all of you for your support of this project. With generous donations, our company was able to design and build this performance hall to LEED certification standards. With efficient use of energy and water and by using building materials that have left a minimal impact on the environment, not only will this hall give our youth a superior performance venue, but we can also be confident that it will leave the world better for those children. We are proud to have been a part of the future of West Haven.”
Applause rose as Matt bowed his head briefly to the audience. His were the final remarks prior to the reception in the lobby, leaving him grateful to depart center stage. The heat from the lights and all the eyes on him were making him sweat.
The crowds in the lobby didn’t improve the situation, to Matt’s disappointment. A constant press of people crowded around him, congratulating him on the addition to the school. He smiled through the handshakes and the effusive praise before catching sight of familiar faces over the heads of well-wishers. He lifted a hand in greeting and as his friends made their way toward him between pockets of people enjoying the free drinks and hors d’oeuvres.
“I think you were tough to spot, even in this crowd,” Matt joked to Aaron Derrick. “Those extra four inches didn’t help much.”
“Whatever you say, shorty.” Aaron nudged Matt in the ribs. “Good job here. The place looks great.”
Matt nodded, smiling down at Marcy. “Got a hug for me, Marce?”
“I suppose,” Marcy replied, smiling prettily up at him. She wrapped her arms around his middle for a quick squeeze. “Everyone’s right, you know. You did a great job designing this. I think it rivals some of the concert halls I’ve been to in the city.”
“Aw, Marce, you know that wasn’t the point. But thanks anyway. This is something this school’s needed for a while.”
Aaron agreed, “Especially after how big the school’s gotten. I don’t think they could fit the whole band in the gym anymore for their concerts.”
Matt made a ‘hmm’ of agreement, his attention suddenly drawn to an area of the room that had emptied slowly. He didn’t have to see her face to know it was Claire who’d caught his attention. The shape of her trim hips in the straight-legged red pants would have stopped any warm-blooded male in his tracks. He watched, only halfheartedly listening to Marcy and Aaron’s commentary. Claire looked different in pants and with her hair up than she had the previous night. Her top looked soft, the way it moved with her movements. Maybe it was just that effect making her appear gentler, but Matt couldn’t forget the cold expression he’d seen on her face the night before.
“So then he pinned me down on the bed.”
The statement from Marcy made Matt’s attention snap back to the conversation. “I’m sorry… What?”
Aaron threw his head back and guffawed. Marcy smiled sweetly. “You looked a little distracted there. Something on your mind?”
Matt smiled, admitting she’d caught him staring. “Sorry. Just a blast from the past. You know?” Needing to distract himself, he grasped the subject she had broached. “That’s something I’ve been meaning to ask, though. Am I going to see you out at the Sanctuary this weekend? I hear there’s another collaring ceremony going on.”
The look that passed between Marcy and Aaron could only be described as ‘satisfied’. “I think we might be there,” Aaron conceded. Marcy grinned at him in response, leaving Matt looking between the two as he came to understand.
“Hey, congrats, you two!” Matt slugged Aaron in the bicep in brotherly affection. “And you didn’t tell anyone? I just saw Jen and David yesterday, and they didn’t say anything!”
Marcy’s smile drooped. “Oh, well, with Lila moving out, we haven’t seen them much lately. Jen’s been really busy, I guess. I really should call her to make sure they’ll be there. If it hadn’t been for them, Aaron and I might not have gotten together.”
“Yeah, we would.” Aaron edged closer to her, wrapping an arm around the petite woman’s shoulders. “The universe wanted it to happen, remember? But it would be great to have her there.”
Matt nodded. “She wants to do a dinner party. Maybe call her?”
Marcy’s response was lost as Kayla barreled into their midst. “Oh my God, save me! She’s heading my way!” She edged between Matt and Aaron, using her brother’s height to shield her from the view of the room.
“It’s okay, Kayla.” The response came from the other blonde, the one Kayla had been talking to—the one in the red pants. Claire approached from the same direction Kayla had. “Mrs. Baxter walked right past.” Her gaze met Matt’s and went distant. “Hello.”
Matt tugged his tie again and barely got a ‘hi’ in before she turned her attention to Marcy.
“It’s good to see you again, Marcy, Aaron.”
“Claire, I love your pants. Where did you find them?” Marcy gushed. “And are those real Manolos?”
“Thank you, Marcy. Your dress is adorable.” Claire’s response sounded odd and Matt turned to look back at her, noting that she was peering at him as well as she continued. “The trousers are Diane von Furstenberg and…um…yes, Manolo Blahniks.” She stepped closer to Matt. “Um… You have”—she pointed to his cheek—“just there…”
; Confused, Matt put his fingers to his cheek and rubbed. Looking down, he saw the garish shade of lipstick that had been on Cherise Baxter’s lips. “You’re kidding.”
A tissue appeared in his field of vision and he took it with a mortified glance at Claire’s expression of barely hidden mirth. Marcy, Aaron and Kayla laughed as he scrubbed at the mark. Matt glared at them. “You couldn’t have given me a little heads up? I was onstage with this, shaking hands for a half an hour with this. Some friends you are.”
The laughter continued until Kayla’s ended with a squeak. “Dragon lady, eleven o’clock,” she whispered urgently. “Get me out of here!” She tugged on Aaron’s sleeve, dragging him away to the tune of shouted goodbyes. Marcy trailed behind, leaving more sincere congratulations on the success, just as Matt and Claire were joined by Cherise Baxter.
“Matt, darling, what a lovely job!” the woman crowed. “We really have done it! Of course, I still wish we could have done something about these atrocious colors.” Cherise’s pointed stare rose to the band of tiles that showcased the school’s team colors.
“I tried my best, Mrs. Baxter.” Matt shrugged at Claire, who he realized had turned all her attention to the other woman.
“I’m not sure you’ll remember me, Mrs. Baxter,” Claire began, holding her hand out. “I’m Claire Wallace. I went to school here with your son.”
Cherise waved her ring-laden fingers. “Of course I remember you. You ran off to the city to sell something.”
Matt saw the smile on Claire’s face harden slightly then take on the pasted appearance he’d seen the night before. Her smile, stiff and polished, was designed for a sale.
“Mrs. Baxter, I’m in real estate. I have a reputable firm that specializes in luxury properties. Do I remember correctly that you have a home near the city? Chas always loved spending weekends there with you, if I recall.”
The response to Claire’s observation caused a change in Cherise Baxter that Matt could hardly believe. She fluttered and puffed with pride. “Why, we do. And I miss our weekends at the beach house. How lovely of you to remember!”
Matt watched Claire continue the conversation masterfully, talking Cherise into the concept of selling a house that hadn’t been used in years and moving into the heart of the city, where she would be surrounded by comfort and convenience. In awe, he witnessed the practiced ease with which she slipped a card into the other woman’s hand, ending the conversation expertly while making Cherise seem to think it was her idea to depart.
Coolly Claire turned back to face him, scowling at his expression.
Matt realized only then that he gaped at her, his jaw slack and his stare disbelieving. Composing himself, he pointed after the older woman. “How?” he asked simply.
The corner of her lips curled up and she lifted a shoulder. “A magician never tells,” she replied, surprising a laugh from him. “Honestly, it was just years of practice with people like her in the city. I deal with a lot of people who have an inflated sense of self-importance. Comes with the job, you know?”
Suddenly she looked like Claire again, the Claire he remembered. Her tone relaxed, her smile was more genuine and Matt felt that pull at him. “Do you want to get out of here?” he asked, cringing at the repeated sentiment from the night before.
Her expression closed off. “I didn’t think that went well last night, did you?” Her arms crossed over her chest, lifting her breasts and nearly derailing his intention.
“No,” he cautioned, mostly to himself. “Not like that. Just to talk. Coffee?”
She sighed, her narrowed eyes assessing. “Okay, fine. Just coffee. Is B.J.’s still around?”
“Sort of,” Matt replied. “Meet you there.”
Chapter Seven
Claire lucked into a parking place directly in front of the coffee shop that used to be known as B.J.’s. She got out of the car, locking it behind her, then looked up at the new deco sign.
“The owners finally realized they lived in a college town and their shop was a running joke.” Claire turned to see Matt walking up the sidewalk toward her. “They figured Café Diem was a little more academic than a euphemism for oral sex.”
Claire nodded sagely. “I think I would agree. I’m a little sad that they’ve robbed all the frat boys of the joke, though.”
Matt grinned, holding the door open for her.
They sat a table with their lattes, Claire noting that the interior decor hadn’t changed much more than repairs would have required. After a sip, Claire said, “Okay, so talk.”
Matt leaned his elbows on the table. “Nah. I think it’s your turn.”
She threw him a scathing glance. “Fine. Why didn’t you tell me this was the project you were working on? The school one. It was kind of a big deal.”
Stunned silence was his reply for a few long moments. Sighing, Matt leaned back in his chair. “Claire, can we not start there?”
“Why not? Matt, that was a huge project!”
He ran his finger through his hair. “I know, Claire.”
Her frustration seeped through her tone. “Then why didn’t you tell me? We just talked a few weeks ago.”
“Because I didn’t think you’d care. Okay?”
His outburst shocked Claire into leaning away from the table. She stared, her emotions staggering to make sense of his defeated expression. Had she really made him feel that?
Matt leaned forward again. “It had just been a really long time, Claire. I mean, yeah, I called, but we didn’t talk. Not really. I guess I figured you had just outgrown me, you know?”
“Oh,” Claire replied on a soft exhalation. She thought back to the conversations they’d had in the past. “I guess I just got busy.”
“Yeah.” Matt stared down at the table while Claire tried to remember the last time they had spoken for any length. With a feeling between horror and dismay, she realized it had been before the accident that had taken her parents. The subject would need to change and quickly.
“So are you dating anyone?” Claire kicked herself mentally for her cheery tone and the question itself. She shook her head and held up her hand to cut off his answer. “Sorry, stupid of me. Of course you aren’t.”
Matt looked up at her, his offense glaring in his eyes. “Why do you say that?”
Claire brought her hand forward sharply, starting to explain her statement, then knocked into the paper cup that held her coffee. The lid popped off, letting the cream and caffeinated beverage pour out in a wave that quickly soaked Matt’s suit pants and splashed onto his shirt and tie. “Damn!” They both jumped up, Matt in shock and Claire to gather napkins. While they mopped up the spill, Claire breathed out heavily.
“I know you aren’t seeing anyone, Matty. If you were, you wouldn’t have gone to my room last night.” She looked up at him. “You’re still a good guy. I’m positive that hasn’t changed.” Again he stared at her, making Claire shift a little uncomfortably with the intensity.
An employee came over with rags and a mop to finish cleaning the mess. She nodded her thanks. “I owe you a clean suit,” she joked, trying to break the tense silence.
Claire had to strain to hear his response.
“You could come with me, wait while I change? Maybe we’ll take a drive?”
“I don’t know, Matt.” Claire chuckled in self-deprecation. “I haven’t been a great friend lately. I should probably just go.” She turned to leave, feeling a band of tension around her chest at the memory of how she’d brushed him off so many times over the years.
She could feel him follow, a few steps behind her. His words stopped her beside her car.
“So, fix it.”
Claire faced him, stifling the laugh that came at the sight of his soaked pants. “I really do owe you. I’ll get them dry cleaned.”
A flash of heat in his gaze surprised her. He stepped closer, stopping only when she could hear his low tone. “Are you trying to get me out of my pants, Claire?” She looked up, seeing the teasing in his eyes
fueled by something darker.
“No.” She shook her head slowly, her thoughts suddenly focused on the softness of his lips. “It’s just— It would be the right thing to do.”
“Follow me home?” She watched his eyes drift lower and shivered as his fingertips traced down her bare forearm. Her breath caught in her throat when their looks met again. “We didn’t get much of a chance to talk. I’ll change. You drive. Okay?”
* * * *
Claire must have nodded or agreed somehow. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be sitting at the curb outside Matt’s place, the engine idling, waiting like he’d asked before he’d sprinted into the house. She still wanted him, like she had last night, and yet not like she had. He hadn’t changed. He was still easy to like, open and friendly. He still exuded something she couldn’t identify, something that definitely hadn’t been there all those years ago. Taking deep breaths to clear her mind, Claire tried to focus on what effect he must have on her. Convincing herself it was just the mystery and he would be out of her system soon, like the guys she’d gone out with in the city, Claire breathed a little easier when Matt lowered himself into the passenger seat.
Claire pressed her lips together, watching him try to push the seat farther back, his knees bent in a steep angle. “You all right there, Matty?”
He gave her a scathing look. “Just drive.” He pulled at his jeans, adjusting the fit in the cramped space.
“Where to, boss?” Claire asked as she pulled away from the curb. She glanced over at the man beside her, confused by his grin.
“I’ll let you know where to turn and see if you can figure it out. How about that?”
Claire nodded, liking the concept of the whimsical game of memory lane. Her mind raced to anticipate where he would want to go. At their first right she said, “So not Max’s?”
Matt laughed. “Nope. Would hate to get grease on the von Furstenberg. Head over the bridge.”