AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Eva blushed and looked down, smiling. "Same here. But I'm not embarrassed about it."
"Neither am I."
The two women gazed into each other's eyes for another long moment.
"Thanks," Claire whispered, looking both dazed and delighted.
Eva simply pulled her close again, head nestled on Claire's shoulder. Together they turned their gaze back to the stars.
Chapter Twenty-Three
The full moon lit Claire and Julia's path as they strolled back to the cottage after the dazzling meteor shower. Claire's mind was still spinning from the intimate moment she'd shared with Eva.
Once inside, Julia turned to her with a knowing smile. "So...you and Eva seem pretty close, huh?"
Claire felt her cheeks flush. "I mean, we're still just getting to know each other." She sat down on the sofa, heart racing. "But there's definitely a connection there that I've never felt before, not even with David. My husband was sweet, and caring, but he didn't give me...well, this."
Julia nodded thoughtfully. "I could tell. The way you two look at each other...it's special."
Claire sighed, looking down at her hands. "To be honest, I have no idea what I'm doing here, Jules. My feelings for Eva kind of came out of nowhere." She met her sister's gaze. "But even though it's new and confusing, I want to keep exploring this and see where it goes. Being with her just feels right, you know?"
Julia squeezed her shoulder supportively. "Then that's all that matters. Follow your heart and don't worry about the rest."
Claire pulled her into a grateful hug. She sighed happily as she and Julia broke from their hug. "I'm so glad you're here, Jules. I don't know what I'd do without you."
Julia waved off the sentiment. "You'd be just fine. You're so much stronger than you know." She paused, looking thoughtful. "Have you told Eva much about David yet?"
Claire tensed slightly at the question. In truth, she had shared only the bare minimum with Eva about losing her husband. The grief still felt so raw. "Not really..." she admitted. "I guess talking about David makes all this feel more real somehow. Like I'd be acknowledging he's really gone forever."
Julia nodded in understanding, rubbing Claire's shoulder. "You'll know when the time is right to share that with her. I know it's a lot, and I know it still hurts. You two were together for years."
"He was my best friend," Claire confirmed, sadness squeezing her heart. She missed him, but she knew he was gone. Finding someone new didn't diminish what she and David had shared.
***
The next morning, Claire made breakfast for her and Julia, feeling lighter after their talk the previous night.
"So, any plans for your visit?" Claire asked as she sipped her coffee and they ate their french toast. "I was thinking we could do some browsing through town, have lunch in the garden."
"That sounds perfect," Julia said. "And maybe we could stop by the cafe?"
Claire blushed, thinking of seeing Eva so soon, but she nodded. "Sounds like a good idea."
After tidying up from breakfast, Claire and Julia made their way outside into the sunny town. As they walked together, Claire felt suddenly nervous about seeing Eva again so soon after their kiss under the stars last night.
Her mind kept replaying the tender moment - Eva's fingers tracing patterns on her skin, their pounding heartbeats drawing closer, the butterflies when their lips finally met. Claire touched her mouth absently, longing to feel Eva's lips again.
Soon the cheerful bakery came into view. Peering inside, Claire spotted Eva filling the pastry case. Her pulse quickened with anticipation.
Beside her, Julia gave Claire's clammy hand a little squeeze. "Ready?" she asked knowingly. Claire took a deep breath and nodded. She shouldn't have felt like such a teenager going to speak to her crush, but the butterflies were the same no matter how old she was.
The cheery bell above the door announced Claire and Julia's arrival. Behind the counter, Eva looked up and her face lit up with a delighted smile at the sight of Claire. A becoming blush rose on Claire's freckled cheeks.
"Good morning, you two!" Eva greeted warmly. "What can I get started for you today?"
When Claire just continued smiling bashfully, Julia chuckled and stepped forward. "Let's do a couple iced coffees and your chocolate chip scones please."
"Excellent choices!" Eva rang up their order, sneaking a wink at Claire that made her blush.
