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"Was it a difficult day at the bakery?" she asked gently. When Eva merely shrugged in response, Claire prodded further. "You know you can open up to me, right?"
Eva took a sip of her coffee before answering. "Not so much hard as long. I came in early to get some baking done for an order, then she called two hours before pick up time asking for an extra fifty cookies. That was fine, but just unexpected. So Michael and I were scrambling for a little while to get lunch orders done and to get the cookies made in time. I could have refused her, or told her that the rest wouldn't be ready until tomorrow, but the birthday party was tonight and I hate disappointing people."
Claire took her hand. Eva sank into the gentle contact. "It sounds like a lot. I wish I could do something to help."
Eva offered her a tired but grateful smile. "Just you being here helps more than you know," she replied sincerely, interlacing their fingers and giving Claire's hand an appreciative little squeeze in return.
Eva found her eyes drawn to a loose lock of hair that had fallen across Claire's forehead. Unable to resist, she reached out and gently tucked the stray strands behind Claire's ear. At the tender touch, Claire's smile grew. They slowly leaned in, lips meeting in a soft, sweet kiss.
"Thank you again for the flowers," Eva said as they pulled apart. "They really brighten up the space."
Claire turned her face to press a light kiss to Eva's palm. "I'm glad. I'll bring you a fresh bouquet anytime you'd like."
Their hands found each other again between them. Claire glanced around the quiet cafe. "It's so peaceful here like this. Unlimited coffee and sweets too. I'm jealous."
Laughing, Eva moved in closer beside her. "I love being here when it's just me, or when it's just Michael and I and we're baking or discussing specials for the week. It's quiet and it's our space then. And if you ever want to join us to sketch just let me know. We won't be officially open but there's always coffee and you would be welcome to come in and enjoy the quiet for a little while before we open or, like right now, when we're closed."
Claire's smile turned mischievous. "So we could have more moments like this?"
Eva laughed, echoed by Claire's delighted giggle. "I suppose we could find a few more excuses for moments like this," Eva admitted. She leaned in, nuzzling her nose against Claire's before capturing her lips in another sweet kiss.
Eva gently laced their hands together. Claire's thumb stroked a soft arc over her skin. She wanted to stay right there with Claire for hours.
Dusk was falling as Eva finally walked Claire to the door for a lingering, reluctant goodbye, neither ready to say goodbye just yet.
"I had a really nice time with you this evening," Claire said softly, turning to face Eva in the dim light.
"Me too," Eva said with a soft smile.
"Goodnight," Claire whispered. "I'll see you tomorrow?"
Eva could only nod, wishing they could have more time together but knowing they couldn't linger there in the doorway forever. As Eva watched Claire walk away, she realized how much she missed her already.
Chapter Twenty-Five
The next afternoon Claire sat in her garden. She hadn't used her watercolors in weeks, but she had them out today, painting the lush, colorful blooms before her. The soft breeze ruffled her hair as she mixed shades of red, orange, and purple to create the different hues of the flowers around her.
She was adding some details to the leaves when movement from the neighboring yard caught her eye. Claire looked up to see Abby padding barefoot across the lawn to collect the mail, clad in yoga pants and an oversized sweatshirt.
"Hey!" Claire called out to her, waving her paintbrush in greeting. Abby glanced over, managing a weak smile in return. Claire's own faded slightly, immediately sensing something was off. Abby's eyes lacked their usual bright spark.
Concerned, Claire set her sketchbook aside as Abby came nearer. "How are you?" she asked gently.
Abby hesitated, one hand playing with her bracelet. "Oh, you know...same old," she finally said vaguely. But the shadow haunting her face told Claire there was more weighing on her than she wanted to let on.
Claire patted the empty spot on the bench, inviting Abby to sit. After a moment, Abby sank down with a weary sigh. Up close, Claire could see the dark circles under her eyes that even makeup couldn't quite conceal.
"Abby, what's going on?" Claire asked softly. "You seem really down. Is everything okay with you and Peter?"
Abby tensed slightly at the question. Her eyes darted toward her house as if nervous at being seen talking alone with Claire for too long.
"It's just...Peter thinks he knows what's best for me," Abby finally murmured. "He controls a lot of decisions because he believes it's for my own good."
"I'm sorry, Abby," Claire said quietly, feeling her heart clench with sympathy. "Are you safe right now?"
Abby gave a quick, jerky nod. "For the most part," she whispered.
"Can I do anything to help you? Is there any way I can call someone, or talk to him, or...?" Claire trailed off as Abby shook her head sadly.
