Chapter 41 – Claire
FORTY-ONE
CLAIRE
The Seabreeze is slammed that night, and all of the tables are pushed to the edges of the room, leaving a giant spot in the center of the room for dancing. Lainey is in charge of music, though she’s not actually on the clock, as per her father’s decree.
She is to celebrate with her friends , though she has found herself behind the bar, albeit a bit tipsy, more times than not tonight to help out her dad since the place is packed and poor Benny can’t keep up.
We don’t need celebration crowns this time because everyone knows we’re champions.
I wince as I throw back another shot then smile at Miles, who is watching me from across the room. He winks at me but doesn’t move from where he’s chatting with Deck.
When I turn to head back to the makeshift dance floor, Helen stops me in my tracks, a soft hand on my arm. “Hey, my girl. I see you’re about to go back on the floor, but I just wanted to tell you you’re off tomorrow,” she says with a smile.
I shake my head, not too far gone to remember that I do, in fact, have work tomorrow.
“No, no. I’m on the schedule.”
“Not anymore, you’re not. Plus, you should sleep in after tonight.”
I cringe, also not drunk enough yet to forget about things like embarrassment. She smiles wider at my grimace.
“I feel like my boss shouldn’t see me like this,” I say with a laugh, but Helen shakes her head.
“What, happy?“ She waves a hand at me like it doesn’t matter.
“I was thinking more like tipsy and headed toward being hammered,” I say with a laugh. “I should probably pace myself, since I’ve gotta be up early.”
“No, no. I told you. You’re off tomorrow. That’s your prize. Enjoy it!” She gives me a smile. "I insist."
I take her in and furrow my brows. "Are you sure?" I ask.
"Yes, yes. You had to work the event, now you're good." I nod, and I make a note to tell Miles that I’m off tomorrow before I completely forget. “But on Monday, I want to talk to you, okay?”
My eyes go wide as my stomach flips with worry. “No one likes to hear that, Helen,” I inform her.
She lets out an entertained laugh before she pats my arm comfortingly.
“Nothing bad, all good stuff." I give her a disbelieving look, and she puts an arm around my shoulders now, pulling me in for a hug before stepping back again. “I promise.”
I continue to glare, and she rolls her eyes.
“Please. Go enjoy your night. Get hammered for me; God knows I can’t do that anymore.”
“Am I fired?” I ask bluntly, and she tips her head back with a loud laugh that draws attention.
“Not even close,” she says, then presses her lips to my hair. “Go. Have fun.” And then she disappears into the crowd.
I take a step toward her, but then Benny is at my side, his arm going into the crook of mine and tugging me toward the center of the room.
“No standing still for champions—it’s time to dance, Blondie,” he says, and I follow him with a laugh, forgetting all of my momentary worries.
* * *
“Having fun?” Miles asks later when I make my way to him. He’s leaning against a wall, arms crossed on his chest, where he’s been chatting with Grant and watching me the entire night like a hawk.
I’m past buzzed and far into drunk, but in that fun, happy way. The way that feels like I could fight an elephant and win, the kind that feels like I could take over the world if I wanted to, but I’m too silly and happy to.
I love this dynamic, the one where I cause chaos, and he lets me, watching from the sidelines, ready to step in if I need him, but not a moment sooner.
I smile wide at him. “The most fun.” I run my thumb over his mustache. “You?”
“I always have fun when I’m around you, Claire,” he murmurs. His hand reaches up, fingers wrapping around my wrist before pressing a kiss to my palm that sends shivers down my spine. “Though I think we would have much more fun at home. Alone.” He presses another kiss to my palm and pulls me closer until my chest is against his. “Preferably naked,” he says into my hair.
My eyes widen, and my pulse races instantly.
“We should—” I start, but then a familiar song starts, and I step back. “I’m so sorry, I have to go find June.” Miles reads my face, and his brows furrow, not understanding. “Thursdays at Pulse!” I yell, ignoring him and looking around the room for June. I see her then, arms in the air and running my way, just as drunk as I am.
Both Grant and Miles seemed to have decided early on to cut themselves off, which bodes well for my night. When she meets me in the middle of the room, we grab hands, then look around for a table, before Lainey calls my name, then pats the sturdy wood of the bar. June and I laugh but move over, somehow managing to climb up without incident.
And then we’re dancing, screaming the lyrics at the top of our lungs to the point that I know my throat is going to be achy in the morning, but I can’t find it in me to care, not even a little.
Bar-goers around us hoot and holler, laughing and singing along, and that same feeling I’ve been feeling all summer long washes over me again.
Home.
Community.
Love.
Family.
My place. I finally found it.
“Claire!” Miles says, and when I look down, I see him standing below me, a smile widening on his lips.
It’s so reminiscent of a few months ago, but this time, I’m not surprised to see him, and he doesn’t look angry at all. And this time, I don’t see my life flash before my eyes because I slip. Instead, I smile, turn, and fall on my own.
He catches me, of course.
I’ve learned he always will.
“Hey, Miles. Long time no see,” I say with a smile, and he turns us, shaking his head at me.
“I think it’s time for us to head out,” he says as my arms loop around his neck.
“You’re right. I think you have a prize to claim,” I whisper against his ear. His eyes go wide before he starts moving toward the door.
“Miles,” I say with a laugh. “We have to say goodbye to everyone!”
“Bye, everyone!” he shouts as he leaves, and a chorus of laughter and “Bye guys” echoes around us as we make our way to my spot outside of the Seabreeze.