Page 40

"This is fun," she said, grinning at him. She looked past him to see Eva smiling as she helped a child pick out a cupcake. "She loves this place."

Michael looked too. "Yes, she does. And, I'm pretty sure you're loving it too. It's good to see her happy. I don't know how much she's told you about Liz, but that woman broke her in so many ways and so many times. I haven't seen her smile like she does with you in a very long time. You're good for her."

Claire looked away, embarrassed. She'd had no idea she'd had such an impact on Eva. "Thank you."

Michael squeezed her shoulder. "You're welcome. Have fun drawing."

Claire nodded, but her mind was on Eva. Was it really true? Was she really helping her that much?

Her mind raced as she sketched and sipped her drink. Eva had changed her life in ways she'd never expected. She'd brought color and light back into her life. She'd made her feel alive in a way that had been missing since David's death.

She looked up at Eva, who had just handed over a muffin. There was a soft smile on her face. Claire loved seeing her smile. Maybe it wasn't the best timing, with both of them just recently out of serious relationships, but it felt right. She couldn't stop the words from forming in her mind. She was falling for Eva. It didn't make sense and maybe it was too fast, but she knew how she felt. She was falling in love with her.

Eva looked up and caught her staring. She gave a quick wave. Claire blew her a kiss. A few moments later she was at Claire's table. "How do you feel about pizza and a movie at my place tonight with Michael? You could bring Daisy too, of course."

Claire was absolutely tempted, but she wanted to offer an alternative. "What if we did it at my place instead? It's right down the street. My couch is bigger."

"So is your bed," Eva replied with a grin.

"There is that too." Claire laughed.

Eva hesitated though. "You sure it would be okay? We're not trying to crash in your living room. Michael offered movie and pizza tonight and said we should invite you. I would love to have you there, either at my place or yours."

Claire nodded. "I'm very sure. I like having you in my house. I really liked waking up this morning and having you there. You and Daisy looked adorable together. I'm glad she likes you too."

Eva laughed and blushed a little. "Well, that's good to know. And I liked waking up with her too."

"How about seven at my place?" Claire asked, hoping she hadn't pushed too hard.

"Perfect," Eva said. She squeezed Claire's shoulder. "I have to get back to work. Want to invite Julia? We could make a whole thing of it."

Claire laughed. "You're amazing. You know that right? You want to bring my sister over. To spend time with my family."

Eva looked confused. "Of course I do. She's your sister. She seems like a really nice person. I want us all to be close."

Claire was sure Eva was crazy, but she was also absolutely wonderful. "See you tonight."

"Can't wait," Eva said, giving her a quick kiss on her cheek.

Neither could Claire. She looked forward to a fun evening with three of her favorite people. She took out her phone and quickly texted Julia.

Movie and pizza tonight at my place? Eva and Michael will be there. 7 pm.

The response came back almost instantly.

Absolutely! Can't wait.

"Well, that's that," Claire said, grinning. She went back to sketching, excited for the night ahead. Maybe someday soon they could even make this a regular thing, something that Abby could be invited to as well. That may have just been wishful thinking, right now, but Claire was hopeful.

Chapter Thirty-Two

Working together Eva and Michael managed to close the cafe right on time. Michael carried a tray of brownies as they walked down the street toward Claire's house. She was looking forward to tonight. To getting to spend more time with Claire, but also getting to bring their family together. Liz had never wanted to do things with Michael and she'd barely introduced Eva to her family.

Claire was completely different. She could see building a future with her.

"So, are you going to marry her or what?" Michael asked, interrupting her thoughts.

Eva rolled her eyes, but she couldn't help smiling at his teasing. "You know I'm not going to move that fast."