“Loads.” I inhale deeply, then blow it out through my nose. “I wish I had done that years ago. Didn’t have the strength until you told me it was an option.”
“Sometimes we don’t know what we need until we’re safe.”
Isn’t that the truth? I throw my arms around Beau’s neck and kiss his sweet mouth. We kiss under the dying light of day filtering through the windows, until our lips are bruised, until I’m sure I’ll remember the weight of Beau’s lips when I close my eyes to go to sleep at night.
The feeling is so profound, so deep, that the urge to share it with Claire overwhelms me. She’s been quiet since I returned to Clay Springs, replying to messages, but mostly staying to herself. I worry about her so much.
“I’d like to tell Claire about the letter and have her meet you.”
Beau’s grin is wide and gorgeous, crinkling his eyes at the corner. “No time like the present.”
Biting my lip, I pull up her contact card and press FaceTime. Moments later, her sweet face fills the screen. I can already tell she’s in her office, despite the majority of us now being off the market. That’s the workaholic in her.
“Hi,” I say softly, carefully arranging the phone to keep Beau out of the screen.
“Long time no see.”
I roll my eyes. “I fell in love.”
Her smile is bittersweet. “I think it was time.”
“I’m cutting contact with my parents.”
Her eyes soften, her smile too. That’s my best friend. “I’m proud of you. Truly, Trevor. I know how hard that is, trust me, you know that I get it.”
I laugh softly, fighting back tears. Too much crying lately. “I know. I’m writing them a letter, telling them how I feel. And I’m staying in Clay Springs. Indefinitely. I know we talked about me not doing escort services anymore, but I’m also done withbeing a fake boyfriend.” I glance over at Beau and send him the sweetest smile I can muster. “I’m starting life over here. For me this time. I wish you’d come visit.”
Claire sighs. “Maybe soon. I have my own… baggage.”
My gaze falls on her again, taking in her messy hair, shadows under her eyes. I so wish she’d open up to me, lean on me the way she’s allowed me rare moments of vulnerability with her. “You can tell me anything. I’m here for you no matter what. Always.”
“I know, love. Now, can I meet your man?”
Always an expert at deflection. But I let her change the topic, knowing she’s just as uncomfortable being vulnerable as I am. A product of the way we were raised, for show, not for love. I press against Beau and pull the phone further away so we both fit into the screen. Beau smiles shyly and waves, a flush blooming across his cheeks. Unable to stop myself, I kiss his stubbled cheek.
Claire sighs happily, sounding like lovestruck Eli. “Very sweet and dreamy. You’ll take care of my best friend, Beau Callahan?”
“Always,” Beau swears, the word holding a deeper meaning than Claire will ever know. “You’re always welcome here too. Any friend of Trevor’s is a friend of mine.”
Her eyes sharpen, mouth twitching a little at the corners. “I’ll remember that.”
Beau squeezes my neck, then disappears into the bedroom, giving me and Claire a little bit of privacy. I bring the camera closer so my face takes up the entire screen.
“Are you sure you’re okay? Is Davis still there?”
Claire winces slightly, but I see her clearly. “He’s still here as my assistant.”
“Claire…”
She shakes her head. “I’m not ready yet. One day. I love you very much. Please send me pictures constantly. Maybe enough pictures will convince me to take a vacation to come visit you.”
“Alright. I love you.”
Claire kisses the phone screen. “I love you too.”
And then she’s gone. I sit silently for a few moments, thinking over the entire interaction. I want so badly to demand she come here, tell me everything that’s wrong, but that’s not the way to get her here. I have to wait her out. I only hope it’s not too long.
I find Beau in his bedroom, changing into comfortable clothes. I tilt my head at him curiously, and he chuckles at the sight of me. He strides over and kisses me firmly.
