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The bell chimed again and Michael left her to go tend to their customers. It was just as well, Eva needed to focus on the cookies, not how much she liked Claire's smile.
Chapter Nine
The antique store was tucked away at the end of a narrow alleyway, its windows filled with all sorts of treasures from different eras. Claire and Julia stepped inside and were immediately hit with the smell of old wood and musty fabrics.
"This place is so cool," Julia said, walking over to a display of vintage cameras. "I could spend hours here."
Claire smiled, scanning the shelves of trinkets and knick-knacks. She couldn't help but feel distracted, her mind still preoccupied with thoughts of Eva. "I knew you'd like it. Your apartment is full of fun old things."
Julia laughed. "That's true. I love collecting old things, and finding new stories for them."
As Claire followed her sister around the shop, she couldn't help but wonder if she'd misread Eva's interest. Had she just been projecting her own loneliness and grief onto the situation?
She mentally shook herself and pushed the thought aside. No, she was certain that Eva had been flirting with her. There was no denying the warmth in her gaze, the gentle tone in her voice, the way she'd stood so close. It was clear as day.
But that didn't mean Claire had to do anything about it. She was still grieving David, and Eva deserved someone who was able to give her their whole heart.
They left the antique store and headed toward the docks Claire found herself drawn to the sound of the seagulls and the smell of the salty sea air. She and Julia found a quiet spot by the water's edge and watched as boats floated lazily by. David would have loved this place. She was sure of it.
"Earth to Claire!" Julia waved a hand in front of her face, snapping her out of her thoughts. Claire hadn't realized that her sister had been talking.
"Huh? Sorry, what were you saying?"
"I was asking if you're okay. You seem a little distracted."
Claire shook her head. "I'm fine. Just lost in thought."
Julia nodded, but Claire could tell she wasn't entirely convinced. She decided to change the subject. "Hey, let's go find some ice cream."
Julia's eyes lit up. "Yes, please!"
As they made their way down the boardwalk, Claire found herself once again lost in thought. She missed David and wished that he was here. She never thought that she would be having feelings for another person again or even flirting with someone else after his death. When he'd died she had thought that was the end of it. She had been fine with the idea that she would never date again, or ever love again. And even though she wouldn't be dating Eva, the interest Eva seemed to have in her was making Claire question what she had been so sure of after her husband's death.
When they reached the ice cream stand, Claire's thoughts were still swirling. She couldn't help but feel a hint of guilt at the idea of moving on from David, even if it was only some small flirting with an attractive woman.
"Hey, let's get one of those double scoop cones," Julia said, pointing to the menu board. "I want to try the mint chocolate chip and the strawberry."
Claire laughed. "You're going to get a brain freeze with all that ice cream."
Julia shrugged. "It's worth it."
"Hey, Claire, what flavor do you want?" Julia asked, jolting her out of her thoughts.
"Um, I think I'll just have chocolate," Claire said absentmindedly.
Julia rolled her eyes. "Boring. But okay."
After getting their ice cream Claire and Julia headed back to Claire's house. On the way they spotted Abby, and the man with her Claire assumed was her husband since they were holding hands. "Hey, Abby, I'd like you to meet my sister, Julia," Claire called out, waving to her.
Abby turned at the sound of her name, her hair catching the sunlight. "Hi, Claire! Hi, Julia!" She gestured to the man beside her, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled. "This is my husband, Peter."
"Nice to meet you, Peter," Claire said, extending a freckled hand. Peter's large, calloused hand enveloped her own in a firm handshake. Julia also offered a polite greeting, her brown eyes warm and friendly.
"Nice to meet you both too!" Peter replied. "So, where did you get your ice cream?"
Julia pointed behind them with her cone, drips of mint chocolate chip running down the side. "We just stopped at that stand back there. It's pretty good."
Peter nodded, the feathered gray at his temples catching Claire's eye. "Very good. If you're looking for breakfast in town, you should check out Arnold's, it's about a twenty minute walk, but very worth it for their scones."
