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He hadn't been, but Eva planned to text him as soon as she was off the phone with Claire. "He should be here. It'll be a lot of fun."
Claire laughed. "That sounds perfect! A nice group outing."
Grabbing a sweater for the cool evening air, Eva headed out the door, blanket tucked under her arm. The sun was just starting to set, but she could already envision the magic the coming hours would hold. She texted Michael as she walked. Want to come to the meteor shower with us?
I thought that was a date... He texted back right away.
Eva sighed. I thought it could have been, but Claire's sister is joining us, which is fine, so you could come too.
I'll meet you at the tree lol.
Laughing, she put her phone away. Trust him to remember her favorite spot. The sky was just beginning to darken as Eva arrived at the docks, woven blanket in tow. Other groups and couples were already scattered along the wooden planks, staking out ideal spots to view the display. As she spread out the blanket, footsteps approached behind her.
"Hey stranger," came Claire's playful voice.
Eva turned to see Claire standing there grinning, with Julia at her side.
"Hey you two," Eva said, quickly embracing Claire in a hug she tried not to have last too long even though she wanted to keep holding onto her. She then hugged Julia as well, though for not nearly as long.
Julia glanced around in awe. "What an amazing little town you have here."
"It can be, yeah," Eva said, deciding not to mention the people in town she would have rather avoided.
Just then, Michael arrived with perfect timing and the group settled comfortably onto the blanket, looking up at the glittering night sky. Eva couldn't stop stealing glances at Claire seated beside her, their shoulders just barely touching. Having her there made the meteor shower even more beautiful.
Sitting together on the blanket, Eva was hyper aware of Claire's proximity. Their shoulders just barely grazed, sending tingles down Eva's spine. She was grateful for the darkness hiding her frequent sidelong glances.
A hush fell over the crowd as the sky continued to fill with stars. Then suddenly, a bright streak of light flashed overhead. "There's one!" Michael called out excitedly.
More meteors began streaking through the sky, dazzling against the darkness. Oohs and ahhs echoed from the spectators gathered along the docks.
Eva snuck a peek at Claire, seeing pure wonder light up her face as she gazed upward. Heart swelling, Eva leaned over and pointed up.
"Make a wish," she said softly, as a large meteor arced overhead.
Claire met her eyes, holding her gaze for a long moment. "I just might have what I wished for already," she replied, her voice soft and full of meaning.
Eva could hardly breathe, frozen in the intimacy of the shared look between them.
Just then Michael jumped up, breaking the spell. "Who wants hot cocoa? I'm making a run to the diner!"
Laughing, the group gave their orders. Soon Michael returned, passing out steaming cups overflowing with marshmallows. Eva wrapped her hands around hers, the warmth penetrating into her skin.
Beside her, Claire giggled and nudged Eva's arm playfully as she tried to steal a melting marshmallow. Eva laughed and held the cup out of reach.
Their eyes met, Claire's hazel ones twinkling. In the lighting, Eva caught the faint smattering of freckles across Claire's perfect nose. Unable to resist, she reached up and gently touched Claire's cheek.
Claire's breath seemed to hitch, lips parting slightly. Heart hammering, Eva began to slowly lean in. When Claire mirrored her movement, eyelids fluttering closed, Eva took it as permission.
The moment their lips met, everything else faded away. The crowd, the meteors, all that existed was the warmth and softness of Claire's mouth against hers. It was a kiss sweeter than any hot cocoa.
When they finally, reluctantly parted, Claire looked breathless. Her eyes searched Eva's, seeming to find something. She reached up and caressed Eva's cheek. "Wow."
"Wow is right," Eva agreed, still dazed from the kiss.
They both glanced over at Michael and Julia who were looking at each other with amusement, trying not to laugh.
Claire blushed and laughed. "I forgot we had an audience."
