Chapter 24
24
C laire’s nervous to make this official, and I can’t believe I’m thinking she could be the one.
I’ve never felt this way before.
I know she’s on vacation from her day-to-day life, but I see us.
I see our life together.
And I want it.
As I drive home, my thoughts race, replaying all of our time together.
I tap my mom’s contact.
It’s late, but I need to cancel family dinner.
She picks up after a few rings, her voice groggy through the car’s Bluetooth.
“Jake?”
“Sorry for calling so late. I’m not going to be able to make it for dinner tomorrow.”
“Everything alright?” She’s more alert now.
“Yeah. Everything’s great, actually. I’ll be cooking dinner for someone special.”
“Oh?” Her voice lifts, the sleepiness fading.
“Her name is Claire. I think she could be the one. ”
Silence stretches for a moment.
Then another.
“The one?” she echoes.
“Jake, I’ve never heard you say that before.”
I nervously adjust my grip on the wheel.
“I know.” No one has ever made me feel this way.
I started telling myself that maybe I was looking for a feeling that wasn’t real, that was only told in stories, but then I met Claire.
Mom exhales.
Then her tone softens.
“So, what are you cooking for this special girl?”
“Haven’t decided yet.”
“Something easy for conversation. Maybe garlic herb chicken with vegetables in a slow cooker—something you can set and forget.”
I smile.
“That’s a great idea. I’ll make that.” I can already picture Claire sitting at her table, the smell of thyme and garlic filling her home.
It feels right.
“Love you, Mom. I’ll let you get back to sleep.”
“Oh no.” She laughs.
“You can’t tell me you think you’ve found the one and leave it at that. Tell me about her.”
I chuckle, rubbing the back of my neck.
“Her name’s Claire. I met her after she called 911—there was a small fire at High Five.”
“Oh. How’s Nicholas?”
“He’s good. The women’s bathroom was out of commission for a couple of days, but it’s back in action now.”
“That’s good to hear.” She pauses.
“And Claire?”
“She’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. Red hair, freckles—gorgeous. But it’s more than that. The way she handled herself during the fire … I was instantly drawn to her. We’ve been out a couple times now since her daughter’s with her dad for the weekend. She’s funny, caring, and passionate. I don’t know—I just … it’s different in a good way.”
Mom is quiet for a moment, then gently asks, “How old is her daughter?”
“Four.”
“That’s a big responsibility …”
“I know.”
“Divorce …” Another pause, then a long exhale.
“Just be careful, okay?”
I sigh.
“I know. Claire is too. She’s cautious—guarded, even. I’m taking things slow.”
“Divorces bring a lot into a relationship.” Mom hesitates.
“Make sure you’re not the only one all-in.”
I swallow, rolling my shoulders back.
I feel Claire pulling away at times.
She’s not jumping in the way I am.
But when she looks at me, when she leans into my touch, when she softens in my arms …
she wants this.
Even if she’s scared.
“She’s worth the wait.” She is.
Even if she doesn’t want to be my girlfriend right now.
I will wait until she is ready.
“Good. Bring her to family dinner soon.”
I love that idea and can’t wait for Claire and my relationship to be there.
And if I’m not getting too ahead of myself, I can’t wait for all three of us to share this tradition.