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In the living room Eva sat down on the couch. She had her phone out and was browsing through a couple of menus, trying to decide what they should get when Claire joined her.

They settled on Thai and cuddled on the couch together as they waited for it to be delivered.

Thunder crashed outside, making them both jump. Eva held Claire a little closer, rubbing her arm.

"I'm a little afraid of thunderstorms," Claire admitted quietly.

Eva kissed her. "Me too."

"You are?" Claire asked, sounding surprised.

"I am," Eva confirmed. "I grew up hearing horror stories of tornados in the Midwest, so thunderstorms are a little frightening."

"Tornados are terrifying," Claire said, shuddering.

"They are," Eva agreed.

Claire got up and went to the window. “It’s really starting to come down now.”

Eva came over to join her, looking out at the storm.

Lightning flashed and a loud crack of thunder shook the building. Claire clung to Eva.

Eva wrapped her arms around her. "It's okay," she said, holding her tightly.

Seconds later the lights went out.

"Damn," Claire said.

Eva laughed. "Guess we lost power."

They lit candles and listened to the storm until dinner was delivered. They ate in the living room. The food was good, and the company even better.

Eva knew she could have easily gotten used to being with Claire at her house all the time. It felt natural, like she belonged there, even though they hadn't known each other for long.

"Are you staying over tonight?" Claire asked when they were done eating.

"If you'll have me," Eva replied.

"Of course," Claire said.

"Then yes, I'll stay."

"Good."

They curled up on the couch together as the storm continued outside.

Chapter Thirty-Five

On the morning of the art gallery showcase, Eva woke up buzzing with excitement hours before her alarm. There was too much nervous energy coursing through her to continue sleeping.

In the quiet pre-dawn hours, she busied herself with tidying up every corner of the bakery and rearranging displays to perfectly frame the space for Claire's artwork. She wanted the cozy cafe to feel like a professional gallery for Claire's big debut.

Michael arrived right before they opened for the day, looking tired but still smiling.

"How are you doing?" he asked her.

"Really good. You look exhausted."