41
By the time Claire shut the door behind her while leaving the training facility, the sounds of the city had dimmed to a low hum.
The med bay chaos had faded into memory, leaving her bones tired and her mind buzzing.
She hadn’t even had time to change out of her scrubs yet.
Tania was diligently waiting, scrolling on her phone, casual and effortless.
She had a giant tote bag with her, and she was ready to have dinner.
Claire laughed softly, appreciating her friend. “I don’t think I’ve moved this many bodies in one day ever.”
“Yeah, I saw the med bay reports. Bloody hell, Noah got roughed up.” Tania rolled her eyes.
Claire shook her head, trying to exhale some of the tension that had built over the day. “Both of them… relentless.”
They walked down the street together, lights casting gold across the dewy pavement. The Italian restaurant was quiet, small, tucked into a side street, the kind of place that smelled like garlic and fresh bread when you walked in. They slipped into a corner booth.
Tania leaned back, picking at the menu but not really reading. “I have a theory,” she said finally, voice low and conspiratorial.
Claire raised an eyebrow. “Uh-oh.”
Tania smiled faintly. “Don’t freak out. It’s just a theory. But… I think Noah and Jack were fighting over… you.”
Claire froze mid-sip of water. She set the glass down carefully, not meeting Tania’s eyes. “Fighting over me?”
Tania shrugged, playful but earnest. “Maybe. Or at least, the scrimmage didn’t start that violent on its own.”
“You’re watching too much reality TV, Tania,” Claire laughed in response.
“I wish I could ask anybody on the team. But you know the boys. Steel traps. They are loyal or whatever.”
“Like puppies.”
Tania laughed. “But something’s gotta explain Noah taking hits like that and Jack smoldering the entire second half.”
Claire let a dry laugh escape. “You’re insane.”
“Maybe,” Tania said. “Or maybe I just know them enough to read them.”
Claire sighed, leaning back against the booth. She couldn’t decide if she wanted to roll her eyes or nod in agreement. “I’m exhausted, Tania,” Claire stated with a sigh.
“Me too.” Tania nudged her shoulder. “Hey, I’m just saying. If I were you, I’d keep an eye on both. Not because you have to choose yet, but… because the boys are idiots.”
Claire laughed again, genuinely this time, tension loosening just a fraction. “Idiots, yes. But sweet idiots who mean well.”
Tania raised her glass. “To surviving idiots, one day at a time.”
Claire clinked hers softly. The warmth of wine and friendship felt grounding after a day of chaos, bruises, and unspoken tension. Outside, the city kept moving, but for a moment, the world was small and safe, and now she will experience beautiful conversations with a friend.