AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Chapter Thirty-Six
Claire loved having coffee in the morning in the garden, but it was made even better by having Eva there with her. The gallery had been an amazing success. Two paintings had sold and her email inbox had multiple commission requests. She couldn't wait to get started on some new pieces.
But first, coffee and a quiet morning in the garden with the woman she loved deeply. They sat together on the bench, Daisy nearby, blinking up a bird in the tree above her. "You're not going to get that bird, darling," she said. Daisy ignored her. Beside her Eva chuckled.
Their peace was disrupted by the angry slamming of a truck door nearby. Claire looked over to see Peter stomping around, throwing boxes haphazardly into the bed of his pickup. His face was twisted in a scowl.
Eva shot Claire a questioning look, keeping her voice low. "What's got him so upset this morning?"
"No idea, but let's just ignore it," Claire whispered back. "This is our time together."
Eva nodded, lacing her fingers through Claire's.
Claire tried to keep her focus on Eva as Peter noisily packed up his truck next door. But his angry energy was palpable even from a distance. "I feel bad for Abby having to deal with that," she said under her breath.
Eva nodded in agreement, rubbing her thumb over Claire's knuckles. "Hopefully he leaves quickly and she gets some peace."
Soon they heard Peter's truck roar to life and peel away down the street. Claire let out a soft sigh of relief.
The stillness that followed was short lived as Abby's back door creaked open. Claire gave Eva's hand a little squeeze before calling over, "Abby! Come join us for coffee?"
Abby crossed the yard looking visibly upset. "Actually, do you mind if I talk to you both for a minute?" she asked timidly.
"Of course, what's going on?" Eva asked gently. Claire moved over, giving Abby plenty of room on the bench as she joined them in the garden.
"Well, Peter left today...for good this time," Abby said slowly.
Claire reached out and put a comforting hand on her arm. "Oh Abby, I'm so sorry. Are you doing alright?"
Abby gave a little shrug. "Honestly, I'm more relieved than anything. Our relationship has been strained for a while, as I'm sure you know. Last night we had a big argument. I wanted to come to your gallery, Claire. I heard it was amazing though and I wish I could have been there. He said absolutely not. And then this morning, I just finally found the courage to stand up for myself," Abby continued, a note of pride entering her voice. "I told Peter I wouldn't tolerate his controlling behavior anymore. Demanded he treat me as an equal or leave."
"That must have been so hard," Claire said. "But you should feel proud for putting your foot down."
"You absolutely deserve better than him," Eva added.
"I thought I would feel more heartbroken," she admitted. "But the strongest emotion is relief, along with being a bit scared of what comes next. I haven't been on my own in a very long time."
Claire grasped her hand reassuringly. "It's totally normal to feel overwhelmed. But you have allies who are here for you." She gestured between herself and Eva.
"Absolutely," Eva chimed in. "We'll be by your side for whatever you need during this transition."
Abby offered a watery yet grateful smile. "Thank you both, truly. Just knowing I don't have to face this alone means so much."
Claire got Abby some coffee and the three of them sat together in the garden enjoying the quiet.
Eventually Abby sighed and said, "Well, I should probably get back home. Start the process of...packing up Peter's things." She paled slightly at the thought.
Claire and Eva exchanged a look. "Let us help with that," Claire offered gently. "It's too much to take on alone right now."
Abby nodded gratefully, her eyes glistening. "I would really appreciate that."
Together they walked next door to Abby's house and helped her get started on the next phase of her life.
Epilogue
One Year Later
Claire slowed her bike to a stop and gazed out at the ocean, taking in the familiar view she had come to love. The waves lapped gently against the cove's rocky shore as gulls cried overhead. This little seaside town had become her home in ways Claire had never expected she she first arrived heartbroken and in need of a fresh start a year ago. Now her heart overflowed with love and belonging.
