Chapter 31
Claire
I have an appointment with Masie in thirty minutes, yet all I can think about is that night two weeks ago with Adam and how much I wish we could have a repeat. It’s strange, really. What felt like a life-altering, world-shattering night is now just a memory. He hasn’t tried anything else since, and I’m not sure if it’s hormones or just straight horniness, but I want another night like that one. I’ve never had sex like that. It wasn’t just the act of sex; it was so much more. I felt everything he wasn’t saying. I felt every emotion, every fear, and every want.
So, tonight I have a plan. Maybe it’s time to take charge. Craig told me I’m scared to make waves with Adam, and I think he’s right. But nothing that Adam has done tells me that he’s on the verge of running. He’s setting up a nursery in his apartment, for God’s sake.
I roll my eyes at myself as I walk to the MET. I have an idea that I’m hoping Masie will jump on board with, but I realize she’s super busy and may say no.
If she does, then that’s okay. I’ll find a way to make this work because I finally feel like this is a good direction for me to take.
“Good morning. How can I help you?” the guy at the front desk asks.
“Morning. I’m here to see Dr. Masie Green.” I smile, my hand going to my even larger belly protectively.
“I’ll let her know.”
I nod my thanks and proceed to walk around the space.
“Claire!” Masie’s unmistakable joy is like a warm hug.
“Masie, how are you?” I ask.
She immediately gives me a hug. “You look fabulous. I’m great. The more important question is how are you?” She looks pointedly at my stomach.
“Oh, hanging in there.” I smile.
The truth is that I’ve gotten a little more miserable as the weeks have gone on. At first, it was morning sickness from hell; now, it’s exhaustion and so much pain in my hips. I’ll admit I’m not totally loving pregnancy, although I’m excited for when Teeny actually makes their appearance.
“Come, let’s go to my office.” She leads me to her office, where nothing has changed, making me smile. “What brings you here? Did the Marshals get my report?”
“Umm, I have no clue. I don’t technically work for them.” I wince. It blows Adam’s and my cover, but I doubt Masie is going to be my downfall.
“Oh, how interesting. But you have the interest in the history side of things, correct?”
“I do. It’s actually what I wanted to talk to you about.”
“Ooh, this should be fun. Lay it on me.” She rubs her hands together.
“I run a travel blog. Well, I used to. It’s still up and getting traffic, but I’m not adding to it. This … case had renewed my interest in history and the stories behind artifacts and such.” I pause. “I was really hoping you’d help me, or more so workwithme, to create a history blog.”
“Umm, hell yes. Lay it out for me.” She plunks into her chair.
“So, I want to do what you did for the Marshals. Find artifacts that are lost to time and see if we can track them through history. Write up what we find. I’m great with the blog side of things, but I need help with the resources side of things. You have them in there.”
“And this would be your primary income?” she asks with a serious look on her face.
“It would.” I nod. “I made pretty good money with the travel blog, so I know how to make it profitable. It’s just a matter of finding my audience. I would split profit with you fifty-fifty.”
“You will absolutely not. I do this sh-tuff in my spare time. I’ll gladly team up with you. I bet we make even more progress with the two of us on it.” Her seriousness instantly shifts to pure joy.
“Well, I have a contract if you agree to partner with me.” I slide the piece of paper over to her as best as I can.
“I do. I’ll take a look at this and send you any revisions I find.”
“Well, that was easy.” I chuckle.
“I’ve actually been meaning to call you. It’s hard for me to make friends.” She gestures around to her office like that’s the reason someone wouldn’t like her. “And we got along so well the last time. Let me look over the contract, and then what do you say to grabbing some dinner?”
