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“You take care, dear.”
I hang up the phone and lean back against the couch with a sigh. I’m nervous as hell, but I know this is something that must be done.
When I found the letter in the back of Mallory’s journal, there were also two other letters folded up inside. I gave Mitch the one with his name on it, but I still have one more to deliver. I don’t believe the two of them will read it, so I intend to read it to them. I’m just hoping like hell that I’m able to get through it.
“Hey, what are you doing out here?” Clark asks, coming into the living room.
He fell asleep earlier, and I came out to have a conversation with Mitch.
“I had to talk to Mitch. We’re going to dinner with Claire and Spencer.” I sigh.
“Are you sure that’s a good idea? Are you ready for that?” he asks, concern written all over his face.
“No, but I have to be. I need this closure in my life.”
He sits down next to me, grabbing my hand.
“I’m here for you if you need me. You know that, right?”
“Of course I know that. I probably will need you once this dinner is over.”
“Do you need me to come with you?” he asks.
“As much as I’d love that, this is something I need to do with my brother.”
“I understand. I’ll be here waiting for you when it’s all said and done,” he says, pulling me close to him.
I love these moments with Clark when he’s sweet. This side of him doesn’t come out very often, so I cherish every minute of it that I get.
“I’m nervous,” I say, looking over at Mitch.
We just pulled into the parking lot of the restaurant. We decided the best course of action would be to show up first. If they’re being seated by someone, there’s no way they’ll turn around and leave once they figure out what’s really going on.”
“I think it would be weird if we weren’t nervous. We have the upper hand in this situation, so we do have that going for us,” he says.
“You’re right. We can do this.”
We both get out of the car, and I take a quick glance in my purse, making sure Mal’s journal is still there.
Once we’re seated, we both order a drink and sit back to wait.
Naturally, Claire is the first to arrive. She’s nothing if not punctual at all times. Spencer thinks everyone should work on his time, but Claire would rather die than show up somewhere late.
I watch her scan the room, and she doesn’t notice us. The hostess walks her towards the middle of the restaurant, a table we choose specifically, and that’s when she finally realizes what’s going on.
“Mitch, Marley. What a surprise,” she says, through gritted teeth.
I smile at her brightly.
“Hello, Mother. It’s so good to see you,” I lie.
We both sit quietly as she orders herself a drink, and that’s when Spencer walks in. He’s on his phone, so he doesn’t have a clue what’s going on. He doesn’t even realize we’re there until he sits down, and his eyes go wide.
“What’s going on here?” he asks, anger written all over his face.
“It’s nice to see you, Spencer,” Mitch says, smiling.
The two of them look at each other and then back at us, both furious, but both experts at keeping themselves together.
