“A partnership that wasyouridea, Jay.Youmade this happen,” Rob praised.
“No,youhad the idea for me to consult Dr.Larson, remember?”Jay said.
“We’re really proud of you, Jay.You could have just let this go, but you stepped up.I think it was good for both of you,” Abby said.
“He must have apologized to me a dozen times.He kept saying,"If your wife hadn’t stopped to help me, she might still be here.Of course, there’s no way of knowing what might have happened.We make a bajillion little decisions every time we step foot out into the world.There is no sure thing.He got pretty emotional at one point.We both did.”
“Jesus H, Jay.I don’t know how you did it,” Rob said.
“I did it because I can’t move forward with Claire until I have fully accepted every aspect of Hope’s death.Also, it wasn’t just me.I owe so much to Dr.Larson.He brought us together.And now he and Calvin are planning to team up on a regular basis, working with patients who’ve experienced similar trauma.He’s gonna make a huge impact just by sharing his own story.”
“I’ve got to say it again.We are so proud of how you’ve worked to come to terms with this.And how you’ve influenced someone like Calvin Butterworth in the process,” Abby added.
"Thank you,” Jay said.“I need him to know I don’t blame him in any way for Hope’s death.It was an accident.I’ve moved on in my personal life, and I encouraged him to do the same.”
"Are you gonna make your flight in time to surprise Claire?"Rob asked.
“Wait.I thought she knew you were coming to New York,” Abby said, confused.
“I’m flying in ahead of schedule,” Jay said.“I’m gonna sneak in, surprise her, and spoil her all week.”
“Didn’t you hear, babe?Jay’sromanticnow,” Rob said.
CHAPTERTHIRTY-TWO
CLAIRE
Flat out exhausted, Claire trudged into the hotel in the heart of Manhattan.She'd enjoyed cocktails in the bar there in years past but had never been an overnight guest.Though she knew she'd be offered every conceivable luxury during her week-long stay, the luxury wouldn't truly begin until Jay joined her at the end of the week.
She crossed the lobby, relieved to find zero weary travelers waiting to check-in.An attendant came to her aid and placed her luggage on a nearby rolling cart.Her cell phone rang twice then stopped.She searched the bottom of her purse for it.By the time she pulled it free, the call had ended.Claire’s insides turned to ice when the call log showed a missed call from Liz.She hadn't spoken to her in over a year.
Why would Liz call me now?After all this time?Has something happened to Calvin?
"Good evening."A gentleman motioned her to the counter with a warm smile.
"Oh, sorry, good evening."Claire dropped her phone back in her purse.
"Name?"he asked.
"It's Jordan—Claire Jordan."
"Thank you."His fingers clicked across the keyboard."I'm sorry, ma'am, but I don't have a reservation under that name.Might it have been made under another name?"
"It's possible," Claire answered, confused and slightly embarrassed."Try Avery—Jay Avery."
He nodded, continuing to type.After a moment, he shook his head and frowned.
"I'm sorry, but I don't have a reservation under Avery either.I did receive a call earlier from a Mr.Nicky Ferrante.He's expecting a guest that matches your exact description.Could you be Terry McKay perhaps?"
Claire laughed.Of course Jay would go all-in on his Affair to Remember recreation.
She shook her head, cheeks tinged pink with embarrassment."I guess that’s me.”
"Thank you, Ms McKay."The clerk smirked and placed a key card on the counter in front of her."Peter will escort you.Should you need anything, just let Twigg know."
"Twigg?"Claire asked.
"Yes, ma'am.All our luxury suites are staffed.Should you need anything, twenty-four hours a day, Twigg is your man.Just dial seven."
