by JM Dragon
Both women laughed.
“Come on, let’s go and finish the final shutters. We’ll have them done by suppertime.”
“Slave driver,” Claire muttered.
Kris nodded. “Absolutely, Rich Girl. Can’t have you slacking.”
They amicably trudged their way back to the cottage.
Chapter Twenty-One
Curiosity Bar had the perfect location in Chartres. It was to the left of the entrance of the walkway to the largest wharf and within fifty yards of the main street. The building itself resembled the timber houses all around it, although it didn’t look as old—maybe late nineteenth century. Curiosity was a good name for it as lobster pots adorned one wall that faced the boat sheds, and nets and fishing paraphernalia hung on the main frontage. Identifying everything could take hours. The wall facing the wharf had a mural of a fishing boat struggling against lashing waves. The blurry image of a sea creature, the details of which the artist left to the viewer’s imagination, chased the boat. The painting was cleverly done with vibrant colors on a whitewashed wall.
The lights inside the building were warm and incandescent. Rain greeted them when they parked the car.
“You’d better text your friend to say we’ll meet her inside,” Claire said as they walked as fast as possible to the back entrance of the building. She gallantly held the door for Kris, and a warm feeling washed over her at Kris’s grateful smile.
“I’ll call her. We are half an hour early.” Kris pulled out her phone.
Claire moved away as Kris talked to her friend. Glancing around, she noted they were in a small corridor leading to the toilet facilities as the signage indicated. Another door indicated Staff Only, and another led to the kitchen.
Several giggling young women jostled past them, heading for the ladies’ room, their clothes showing off far more than perhaps they should.
Oh crap. When did I become my mother? Claire watched them enter the bathroom. In another lifetime. Then she glanced at Kris, who was placing her phone back in her pocket. In this lifetime.
“Hey, everything okay? You look miles away.”
“Sorry, I’m good. What do you want to drink?” Claire moved ahead and began to open the door in front of them.
Kris chuckled. “Have you been here before? You seem to know your way around.”
Claire glanced at Kris, who gave her a quizzical look. Do I lie about my previous visit, and why haven’t I mentioned before now that I was here with Racheal? Damn the complications of omission. I’ll explain later. Claire pointed to the Main Bar sign on the door.
Kris rolled her eyes. “Silly me.”
Claire grinned as they headed inside. The bar wasn’t as busy as it was last Saturday; in fact, it was pleasant. Sure, there were people milling around, but the room wasn’t stifling. In the far corner of the bar, a small stage was set up.
I don’t remember that from the last time. Must be for the quiz.
“Tonic water for me, please.” Kris said.
Claire frowned. Oh right, she’s driving. “Absolutely. Shall we find a table?” Claire turned to find out why she didn’t reply. Kris’s jaw had dropped and her eyes were like saucers. “Hey, are you catching flies? What gives?”
“Claire, look, isn’t it wonderful?”
Claire glanced around and looked the bar over. Well thought out, I accept that, but what is Kris so enamored by? She chuckled. “At what? It’s a bar.”
“It’s all copper and sofas, and look at that center table. It even has its own heating source,” Kris whispered.
Claire looked in the direction she pointed. An oversized, round table with six comfortable-looking chairs. A copper funnel vent above the table obviously to take away the fumes of the coals in the triple-ring metal casing in the middle of the table.
“Can we sit there?”
Claire felt sure that someone must have reserved the area, but Kris’s plea didn’t fall on deaf ears. Damn, this is going to be a first for me, actually not hiding in the shadows since the accident. A hand settled on hers, and all of her nervous worries dissipated.
“That would be selfish. We only have three on our team. There’s a table near the door that seats four,” Kris said.
Claire was relieved, but as she looked at the next destination, she mentally shook her head.
“Not going to happen.”
“What?”
Claire smacked a hand to her forehead. “Sorry, Kris, I’m more inclined to sit with the fire, not next to the entrance where it will be freezing. How does that booth look?”
Kris grinned as Claire indicated with a finger. “Great, want me to order?”
Before Claire could say anything, the blonde server from Saturday sidled up to her.
“Hey, I can help you with the order. Where are you sitting?”
Kris smiled at the woman and gave her their order, and Claire forthrightly said, “The booth over there.” She pointed to the closest vacant one.
The server grinned. “Great. Are you eating tonight?”
For a split second, Claire thought she was referring to last Saturday evening. “Not at this time. We are waiting for a friend, then we might have a snack or something.”
The server grinned. “Join the quiz tonight and the snacks are on the house.” She sashayed away.
“Well that makes it all worthwhile, right? Free food.” Kris chuckled.
Claire nodded as they took a seat. She idly picked up the plastic holder that displayed a list of snacks on one side and wine choices on the other. Then she discreetly glanced at Kris and smiled. Her brown hair hung like a curtain against her face and reached her shoulders. Most of the time she didn’t notice the length, as Kris tied it up when they worked. It wasn’t thick, quite the opposite, and didn’t hold the luster Racheal’s always did. Of course, Racheal spent a fortune on hair products and hairdressers.
I know Kris can’t and probably doesn’t have the inclination. In the semidarkness the booth afforded them, Kris’s nose didn’t look as sharp. In fact, it fitted her face perfectly.
Kris’s phone pinged, and she took it out and looked at the screen. She frowned before pressing a button on the phone and dragging it to her ear. Claire continued to stare for a few seconds as Kris answered the call. It was her new friend, Jess.
Hmm, Jess. What will I make of you, I wonder? Shortly I’m going to find out.
Kris began to stand, disconnected the call, and glanced at Claire.
“Is she here?”
“Yes, I’ll just go outside and bring her to the table.”
“She can’t do that on her own? It’s not exactly busy in here yet.”
Kris’s eyebrows furrowed, and Claire threw up her hands. “Go, I’m looking forward to meeting her.”
Kris looked like she was about to speak before shaking her head and leaving.
Well, that was interesting. It was a perfectly reasonable question. Gone are the days women looked odd arriving at a bar on their own. The door swung open and Kris left just as the server from Saturday night arrived with their drinks.
“Here you go, enjoy.”
Claire looked up into the smiling face. “Do you have a name?”
The woman laughed and pointed to the badge positioned over her right breast.
“Well, Summer, it’s a beautiful name and suits you. I guess my eyesight needs checking, because I didn’t notice it on Saturday either.”
Summer chuckled and leaned against the side of the booth with the tray nestled against her belly. “It’s the ambiance the owner went for… ‘subtle dark,’ she calls it.”
“What do you call it?” Claire grinned.
“‘Too damn dark.’ You never see a customer’s face properly, and I like to know who I’m serving. I’ve found over the years in this job that you learn a lot by expressions.” Summer stared at Claire, her eyes unflinching.
Claire shifted in her seat and gave Summer an intense stare right back. “You can certainly see why I like this type of light.”
/>
“Sure can, darling, but I’ve seen a lot worse. Not sure what happened to you, but some of the folks around here have had harpoon injuries where it tore off most of their face. Trust me, you don’t look out of place to the regulars here, only to the tourists.”
Summer looked at the entrance as the door opened. “Got to go, customers.”
For a few seconds, Claire didn’t register that the newcomers were Kris and her friend.
“Whoa, Jess is here. I simply love that woman. If only…,” Summer drifted off.
Claire was semi-euphoric over Summer’s words about her not being out of place and barely heard the woman speak. Then Kris arrived with her friend.
“Jess, this is Claire,” she said.
Claire twisted her lips into a half smile as Jess’s hand thrust forward and almost punched her nose.
What the hell!
She grabbed the hand and shook it. “Good to meet you, Jess. I’ve heard…some things about you.”
Jess softly chuckled. “I’ve heard about you too, but not from Kris. Your family is well known here.”
Claire was distracted when she noticed Kris was holding Jess’s arm. Her stomach did a giant flip. “Yeah, family. You can’t change that, but thankfully you can change friends.” Stupid comment. What the hell are you saying?
Kris’s expression was definitely not jovial.
“I heard good things about your family, particularly Melissa. She’s a lovely woman.”
“Yeah, Grams is a nice woman. Are you sitting, or loitering with intent?”
Kris frowned at her again. “Jess, this is a booth; there is a step—” Kris looked at the step up they had taken to get into the booth “—about six inches high.”
“Got it, Kris. Thank you.” Jess smiled, and with Kris still holding on they mounted the elevated platform and settled onto the seat.
Claire felt that she was a third wheel, then all the pieces came together as she saw a cane. Jess was blind. Why the hell didn’t Kris say something? Damn, I feel terrible now. “Kris tells me you are a wonderful crooner. I’ll have to make a point of seeing one of your sessions.”
Jess turned her head to face Claire, and Claire swore the woman saw right through her, and she shuffled in her seat. “Everyone who pays the toll is welcome. I’m average or I’d have been snapped right up.”
Claire heard an edge to the words that she couldn’t fathom as Kris slowly shook her head. Okay, this is definitely going to be an interesting evening.
“Jess has a great voice. You’ll love it, Claire.”
Claire smiled slowly at Kris. Her enthusiasm was hard to combat, and Claire simply didn’t want to. “Before we leave for the city we must do that.”
“Yes, we must.” Kris smiled.
Summer arrived at the table. “What can I get you, Jess?”
“Summer, my favorite server. If you don’t know Summer, and you probably don’t, she’s my number one fan. A great buddy too.”
Claire watched Jess as she spoke, giving Summer a genuine “happy to see you” look. It wasn’t as gushing as Summer’s expression was, and that made her wonder if a sexual history existed between them.
“I’ll have a low-carb beer, thanks.”
“Put it on the tab,” Claire said, and Summer winked at her as she left.
Then silence descended, and Claire wasn’t sure why. She hated not sitting next to Kris. Now Blind Girl had the privilege. Damn, that was harsh, but true.
“So tell me, Claire, when you go back to New York, what will you do?”
Claire blinked several times at the question, the upmost answer screaming at her, ‘I don’t want to return to New York, I want to stay here.’ “Oh this and that, rich parents and all.”
This time, Kris gave her a look that would have withered even the strongest. “Don’t be flippant, Claire. You are better than that.”
Claire sucked in a deep breath and then looked around. “When do the snacks arrive?”
†
“Last question tonight. When was the Metropolitan Opera House opened?”
A general groan escaped from the vast majority of the five teams at the quiz.
“Piece of cake, we have a native in the house.” Jess giggled.
“Claire, what’s the answer? Do you know it?”
“How the heck would I know that? Opera isn’t my scene. Let me think.” Claire scratched the back of her hand.
“I figure it has to be mid-1890s,” Jess confidently responded.
Claire frowned. “I think it might be earlier. Not sure though, sorry.”
“For a bonus point, what was its nickname?” the quiz mistress asked.
“The Old Met.” Kris smirked.
“How do you know that?” Claire and Jess asked in unison.
“Hey, I know some things, just not much. I might be wrong too.” Kris giggled.
Claire raised an eyebrow and slowly shook her head. Kris was having a great time; she knew that because she was so relaxed. When they had first met, she was all formal. But once you get through to her, wow what a change. Jess was nice too. Damn, it would have been so much better if she had been a heel.
“So, Claire, what shall we put down? Eighteen ninety or 1895, what do you think?”
Claire sighed. “Hmm, do you mind if I say 1880?”
Summer arrived at the booth. “Any more drinks, ladies?”
Jess answered, “Sweet Summer, we need help. We have three options but can’t make up our minds. Eighteen eighty, 1890, or 1895. Please, as devil’s advocate, just choose.”
Summer grinned. “Only if you will play one song for us tonight before you go.”
Claire watched the interchange, sure Summer wanted more than a song from Jess.
“Got it.” Jess clutched Kris’s arm, and Claire’s heart contracted.
“Yeah! Go for 1880 plus three. I want to hear ‘Always on My Mind.’” Summer then moved to the booth three tables down.
†
Kris laughed as they entered the parking lot.
“Can you believe it, Claire? We won. Jess said she’s never been on a winning team, and it was only by two points. She was so excited, and to be honest, so am I.”
“I think Summer’s answer and yours on the last question were the killer blows.” Claire chuckled.
“Oh and don’t forget you helped. You said it was 1880. Pretty darn close if you ask me. All in all, a team effort, and Jess had to sing. Jess can use the prize though, as we won’t be here.”
“Yeah, fifty bucks of free beer. Probably keep her in drinks for a year. She didn’t appear to drink much. And you were right.”
Kris pressed the key fob, and the headlights on Shirley’s car winked a couple of times as she turned to Claire. “About what?”
“She has a great voice. In fact, she’s a great girl. Her story makes me feel terrible. At least her disability didn’t come from stupidity.” Claire walked toward the passenger door and jerked it open.
Kris watched before she entered the car. After placing the key in the ignition, she didn’t immediately start the engine.
“We’re not going home?”
Kris gripped the steering wheel and sighed. “Why do you constantly put yourself down, Claire? You were in an accident, and yes, according to you, it was your fault, but you have to get over that and forgive yourself. You can’t have a fulfilling life if you don’t.”
Claire’s lips thinned. “When did you become a shrink? I had enough of them at home, including my parents’ constant nagging.”
The harshness of her tone sounded doubly loud in the confines of the car. Kris turned on the ignition and began to pull away from the parking spot. “I’m not. I was talking to you as a friend. I think we are friends now, and no matter how you take what I said, it’s still true.” She turned onto the main street and headed in the direction leading out of town.
Claire remained silent the rest of the journey, her eyes fixed on the windshield. When they arrived at Seasons, she didn’t even say go
od night. Instead, she grunted something unintelligible and got out of the car.
Kris didn’t move as she watched Claire enter the house.
“Wow, how do you communicate with someone like that? Claire is just unfathomable at times. I wish she’d let me in properly and not just on the surface. Darn these rich people who spoil their kids.” She climbed out of the vehicle, locked it, and headed to the door. Her phone pinged. Smiling, she read that Jess had arrived home safe.
“I should be grateful Jess isn’t so volatile, and she has more reason. How on earth does life become so twisted?”
The front door swung open, and Claire stood there, her face a blank mask.
Tentatively Kris smiled. “Hey, I thought you’d gone to bed.”
“I was going to say sorry for my attitude during the drive back.”
“Oh, there was no need. We were having a friendly conversation and silence is good too between friends. Right?”
Claire’s expression didn’t soften. “Perhaps. I’ll see you at breakfast tomorrow.” She turned away, then swung back. “Thanks for this evening. I enjoyed it.”
“So did I.” Kris walked up the steps, but Claire had gone. She shook her head and locked the door behind her before heading to bed. Yes, frustrating was the best word for Claire.
Chapter Twenty-Two
She had smudges everywhere. The paint roller had decided to be a law unto itself and sprayed her with as much paint as she’d applied to the kitchen wall. Going at it one-handed had been tough, but she hadn’t given in. It was slow work, sure, but she wasn’t a quitter. Especially as Kris had painted three quarters of the area and it looked perfect. What couldn’t her friend do when it came to this renovation business? Kris had been about to start the final wall when Claire had volunteered.
In hindsight it was a stupid offer. Most probably the wall will need another coat. She glanced at the patches and even some parts that had no paint at all. Hand on hip, she compared her workmanship with Kris’s. There was no contest. “Damn she’s good.”
Claire walked over to Kris’s pride and joy, the range. Admittedly, it looked great all polished up, but Kris needed to get a life if she thought this stove was the best thing in the world. Her left hand traced over the black switches that controlled the burners.
