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Eva nodded. Her chin trembled. "It was good, honestly. I've wanted to hear her say those things for so long. But I'm also just in shock. I never expected to see her again, let alone have her apologize."
Michael gently wrapped an arm around her. "You'll have time to process everything. It's a lot. And you have me."
"I do," Eva said. She squeezed his hand tightly. Tears tracked down her cheeks.
"Oh sweetie..." Michael rushed over and pulled Eva into a hug as she finally let the tears fall. He gently stroked her hair.
"I think you need some time after that," he said. "Take the rest of the day for yourself, I can handle things here."
Eva nodded gratefully into his shoulder, too overwhelmed to protest. After a few more minutes composing herself, she grabbed her purse and keys.
Michael gave her hand a squeeze. "Call me if you need anything. Take care of yourself today."
Eva wasn't thinking clearly when she got in her car. She just started driving, emotions swirling wildly. Somehow she ended up at Claire's house, her heart knowing where it needed to be even if Claire wasn't home. Eva parked haphazardly in the driveway, not even noticing if Claire's car was there. She rushed to the front door, knocking insistently even though no reply came. Resting her forehead against the solid wood, Eva choked back a sob. She needed Claire right now.
Eva ended up among the sprawling flower beds of Claire's garden. She found a stone bench set back under a massive tree and nearly collapsed onto it. Closing her burning eyes, Eva breathed deeply, willing her hammering heart to slow. The fresh floral air filled her lungs.
Surrounded by the quiet haven Claire had created, Eva slowly felt the tension begin seeping out of her bones. She focused on the rhythmic songs of birds nesting above, letting her anxious mind rest for a precious few minutes. Eva gently ran her fingers over the velvety petals of a nearby hydrangea.
Somewhere nearby, wind chimes echoed in the breeze, a delicate soundtrack mingling with the birds' songs. Eva closed her eyes and just listened, feeling her inner turmoil quieting as she waited for Claire to find her.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Arms laden with grocery bags, Claire stopped short on her way to the front door as she spotted Eva on the bench in her garden.
"Eva?" she asked, hurrying over.
"Claire," Eva breathed, jumping to her feet.
She looked like a wreck. Claire immediately set the bags down and gathered Eva into her arms. "What happened?"
"Liz came by the cafe this morning," Eva said into Claire's shoulder. "She apologized for everything. It was exactly what I've been wanting to hear from her but seeing her hurt so much. Michael is taking over today. I needed time to breathe. So I came here, to see you."
Claire nodded in understanding. "Let's go inside. I'll make us some tea." Curled up together on the plush sofa a few minutes later, Claire handed Eva a steaming mug of chamomile tea. "Drink this. It'll help."
Eva sighed heavily. "I'm still processing everything. Seeing Liz always rattles me. We didn't break up well, of course, and there are years of pain to deal with. The hurt, the anger. Part of me is glad that she apologized. But also, I kind of wish that I had never seen her again. She wants forgiveness but that's not something I'm going to jump into, and if it ever does come it's not something I'm going to call her up to tell her. Never seeing or speaking to her again would be just fine by me."
Claire rubbed gentle circles between Eva's shoulders. "Just take your time. I'm right here listening."
"I wanted to yell at her but, in the end, I just felt overwhelmed by everything," Eva admitted. Her eyes glistened with unshed tears. "Does that make me weak?"
Claire quickly shook her head. "Of course not. You're so strong. Let yourself feel whatever you feel."
"I've missed out on so much time and energy because of her. I've had to rebuild my life, my trust. All while she goes on living. It's not fair." Eva's voice cracked with emotion.
"You're right. It's not," Claire murmured. "You deserve so much better than how you've been treated. You've already come so far. Remember that."
Eva nodded slowly. She took another deep, cleansing breath. Then she said, "I just want to focus on my life now. With the cafe, with Michael, and now with you."
When the mugs were empty, Claire took Eva's hands in hers. "How about a movie? I think a bit of distraction might be a good idea."
"A movie sounds perfect," Eva agreed.
"I love The Princess Bride," Claire said. "Are you up for a little Dread Pirate Roberts?"
Eva laughed through her tears. "I will always be up for some of that. I don't love the kid talking parts, but the rest of it? Pirates, romance, magic? That's perfect. It's a little early for lunch maybe, but I could order us some delivery?"
"Chinese food and a movie, the perfect cure," Claire agreed.
