“I need to fly back to L.A.for a few days.I already planned to go back for business, but something else came up.I promise my trip home willnotaffect our New York plans.Our Nancy Chen date is happening, come hell or high water.”
“Is everything ok?In L.A.?”she asked.
“I think so.Yeah.It’s fine, it’s fine.”
Something in his tone said otherwise, but Claire didn’t press him.
“When are you leaving?”
“Tonight, if I can get a flight,” he said.
Her face fell.“Tonight?”
“I’m sorry.I know it’s last minute, but this can’t wait.”
“I understand,” she said.“I was hoping we’d have a chance to have dinner with my dad, Hamish, and Molly again before my dad flies back home and I fly to New York.”
“How’s this for a plan?I’ll book a flight for tomorrow morning, and we’ll have dinner with everyone tonight—my treat.Think they would mind making the drive into the city?”
Claire smiled."I don't see why they wouldn't.Let me talk to Molly.”
Handshakes and hugs went around as Claire and Jay arrived last at the restaurant.The five of them sat in a small room at the back of the eatery, their laughter spilling out so freely that the wait staff closed the doors to contain them.Claire stayed mostly quiet, watching, completely absorbed by the rapport between Jay and the two men in her life.Several times, she met Jay’s gaze across the table and found his eyes bright with enjoyment.
"If you gentlemen will excuse us."Molly placed her napkin on the table."When the server comes back, tell him we'll have chocolate ice cream for dessert."She gave Claire a knowing look as Hamish stood and pulled out her chair.
"I, uh, guess we'll be right back," Claire whispered to Jay.
Inside the ladies’ room, Molly checked to make sure they were alone before throwing her arms around Claire in jovial celebration.
"I win!I win!"Molly squealed.
"What are you talking about?"Claire pulled away.
"The bet," Molly said.
Claire’s eyebrow arched."What bet?”
"The bet I made with Hamish."
"Which was?"
"Don't play coy.I knew it the minute you walked in the restaurant.It's written on both your faces in bold print."
Claire fought to back a laugh."I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
"Let me see if I can recapture the scene."Molly cleared her throat."It was just going to be another innocent evening of dinner and a movie.You laughed and talked just like you always do.You had some wine.He had some wine.Then, there was a moment when you both looked at each other, and you knew."She clapped her hands several times.
"Molly…” Claire shook her head.
"That'sMadamWise.Children's book editor, cigar aficionado, and fortune teller extraordinaire."Molly bowed."And now, a little ice cream celebration, just like the good old days."
"Can we make it gelato?"Claire asked, taking Molly's arm and leading her back to the table.
Though they could have lingered all night, Harry signaled for the bill and announced it was time to wrap up the evening.An argument followed between the three men over who would have the honor of paying.In the end, Harry won, reminding them with a wink to obey their elders.With the tab settled, Hamish called for the valet while Jay ordered an Uber.He had managed to secure an early flight to L.A.and would be leaving for Heathrow at dawn.Hamish and Molly still faced a long drive back to the country.Harry, struggling with chronic leg pain, made a last-minute decision to stay in town at Claire's urging.Well wishes passed between them before the group split into two cars and headed off in opposite directions.
When the Uber driver turned onto her quiet street, Claire’s heart sank.She had worked hard all day to push the thought of being without Jay for a week—or longer—out of her mind.Now, standing on the sidewalk in front of her flat, she couldn’t avoid it anymore.
Jay smiled and extended his hand to Harry, which the old man brushed away in favor for a hug.
