“Sounds good,” Mum confirmed, leaning over and pressing a kiss on my cheek before leaving me standing there and walking away.
Waiting until the crowd swallowed them up, I turned and headed down to the locker room to do whatever I needed. Unfortunately, it took longer than I’d hoped to get things finished and by the time I was sliding into the car, my family was blowing up my phone. Shooting Bryce a message telling him I was on my way and just to order whatever for me, I dialled the real estate agent.
“You’re sure?” she asked for about the thirtieth time.
“Absolutely. If you can send me whatever paperwork you need me to sign, I want this done as soon as possible,” I confirmed, holding strong.
I wanted to get this sorted before I changed my mind or someone had a chance to talk me out of it. Another five minutes of confirming details and Miranda advised she’d call me back within the hour to confirm the deal was done and when I could get the keys. With the apartment being empty, she didn’t think it’d be an issue, but you never know.
Feeling a little bit better, like there was something in my life that I could actually control, I headed for the restaurant, my stomach growling.
Finding a parking spot was surprisingly easy for a Saturday evening, and I jumped out. As I made my way up the stairs, my heart was pounding. I hadn’t been here in a while, and I had no idea if Claire was on shift today and if she was, would she even talk to me. Look at me. Or would she pretend she didn’t even know me?
At the hostess stand, I came face to face with a beautiful lady with a kind smile and a killer rack. “Can I help you?”
“Uh, yeah. I’m just…my family is already here.”
“Did you just want to take a look around?”
“That’d be great. Thanks,” I answered politely stepping into the busy restaurant, my eyes scanning back and forth.
Quickly I figured out they weren’t inside and headed for the huge open doors. I heard Dad before I got there. His booming laughter and the undeniable snort from Mum. Slowing my pace, I considered turning around and heading back the way I came from. As much as I loved my family, and I really did, they didn’t know how to do subtle.
A kid with short pigtails in her hair and pink sparkly dress barrelled past me with a squeal, and I sidestepped out of her way. With my eyes focused on the little girl, I didn’t watch where I was going and bounced off someone.
Hearing them gasp, I spun around and came face to face with the woman who’d ghosted on me.
“Claire…”
