"I can’t believe it.It got to be a one in a million coincidence.Maybe one in a trillion,” Harry said.“What are you going to do?"
"The only thing my heart will let me do," she answered softly.
Claire promised Harry she’d call him later with an update.She crawled back inside the cab, feeling much better than she had just a few minutes before.Her father’s voice had quieted her anxiety, as it had countless times in her life.She smiled and sent him a quick text.
Claire: I love you.Thank you.
Dad: I love you too.Follow your heart.
The cab stopped at the edge of the long driveway.Claire texted Liz, informing her that she’d arrived.Moments later, the large iron security gate opened and the cab continued on.Liz stood waiting outside, her welcoming wave as enthusiastic as the smile on her face.Claire wasted no time, bounding out of the cab into Liz’s arms.The two women hugged for a long time, until the cab driver hollered his desire for payment from the passenger side window.Liz was quick with a credit card and settled the cab fare, silencing Claire from any protest with just a look.
"I can't believe you're really here," Liz said.
"It's so good to see you again,” Claire said, her eyes misting.
“I’ve missed you.We both have.”
“Me too.Is everything back to normal?”Claire asked.“Between you and Cally?”
Liz rolled her eyes playfully."Has it ever beennormal?No, seriously, it's better than ever.Forgiven and forgotten.”
“You know, when you told me he fired you—” Claire started.
Liz raised a hand.“Stop.You were right.Totally a heat-of-the-moment thing.I promise everything is fine between us.And not that it should matter…” Liz lowered her voice.“But I’m probably the highest paid PA in this whole fake-ass town now.”
Claire laughed.“Well, you certainly deserve to be.”
She followed as Liz led her through Calvin’s home, making several observations along the way.The absence of carpet.The reconstructed, wider doorways.A wheelchair ramp leading down into the living area.She felt a lump in her throat as she considered the enormous changes that had taken place in his life.In both their lives.
"I didn't tell him you were coming.I hope that's alright."Liz smiled."There are so few good surprises in life."
Claire nodded as they headed toward an elaborate outdoor living space."Where is he?"
"In the garage, only it’s a sleek workout facility now—for rehabbing, of course.He works with a team every day and he absolutely loves it.He's lost the ability to walk but he’s in the best shape of his life.No more drinking.No more late nights.He's even working on a book."
"You're kidding."Claire took a seat on a comfy chair beneath an oversized umbrella."I've never known him to write anything, aside from standard television business."
Liz shrugged."Evidently he's a closet writer.And an artist.Part of the garage is his studio.When he can't sleep, he grabs a paintbrush."
Claire nodded, her chest tightening."I heard something about that."
"A friend of his sent him a silly little paint by number set as a ‘Get Well’ gift.We've tried everything to keep him entertained.You know his attention span—or lack thereof.Anyway, he tried it and loved it.A few weeks later, he had some canvases delivered.He's really talented."
"What does he paint?"Claire questioned.
"People.Landscapes.Animals.He's quite good."
"All those little cartoonlike doodles he left on everything—cocktail napkins, magazine covers.He even drew on dollar bills, but I had no idea…”
"No one did, not even Calvin,” Liz said.“Now, how about a drink?What’ll you have?"
"She'll have a gin and tonic."
Claire whipped her head around at the sound of his voice.Calvin wheeled toward her, his face glowing with surprise and happiness.One look into his deep brown eyes melted her apprehension away.
Don’t cry.Don’t cry.Don’t cry.
"Liz, I don’t know what you put in my smoothie, but I’m hallucinating,” he said.
