anticipated this inevitable ending. She just hadn’t been—wasn’t—ready for it to happen this quickly.
Pat frowned. “Oh dear. That’s a shame. You two make a handsome pair. I heard Stefanie and Ryan got engaged recently. Maybe their wedding will stir things up again for you and Logan down the road. You never know!”
Claire tamped down the spark of hope those words ignited. Logan and weddings did not go together. “Like I said, don’t hold your breath.”
“You know me. I always hope for the best. Speaking of that, I understand that you’ve spoken with Peyton, too. You three girls were such a joy together. I know she hurt you, but I’m proud of you for trying to get past it. She’s been through the wringer and could use a fresh start.” And then, as if sensing perhaps she’d pushed into dangerous territory, she patted her tummy. “Excuse me, but I must relieve myself.”
She wiggled her fingers and ducked into a stall.
Claire bit back a bitter laugh, having completely lost control of her situation. When she left the restroom, she wandered through the crowd with an unfocused gaze to avoid conversation. No matter where she ran, though, she couldn’t outrun the truth of Pat’s remark. Peyton had suffered a lot this past year, and maybe she did deserve a second chance.
Logan was no longer near the bar with his sister. In fact, Claire didn’t see either of them anywhere. Had Peyton gotten sick? Would Logan have left without a word? The main room was crowded with groupings of people and waitstaff passing by with trays of champagne and canapés. The dull roar of conversation overpowered the string quartet’s attempt to entertain.
If she stood still for too long, someone else would grab her and drag her off for interrogation. She rose onto her toes, desperately searching for her mother. Instead, she saw Karina coming her way. Joy of joys.
“Claire, I need your help.” Karina took her by the arm like they were long-lost pals. The arm grabbing must be a thing with her. “You grew up here, right? What’s the scoop with Ben Lockwood? He seems nice and handsome, so why is he here alone?”
“Are you suggesting there’s something wrong with him because he doesn’t have a date?” Claire wasn’t about to spill details about her closest friend to a journalist she didn’t know.
“At our ages, it’s unusual for any handsome catch to be single.” Karina leaned in as if they were coconspirators. “I’m thinking this party could end on a brighter note than I’d originally assumed, as long as he’s not a closet freak or ax murderer.”
“I promise, he’s neither of those. He’s a wonderful, caring man. He just hasn’t found the right woman for a serious commitment yet.” Claire didn’t know much about what kind of woman Ben wanted for the long haul, but she didn’t think it would be one like Karina.
“Perfect. I’m not looking to be anybody’s serious anything. Fleeting suits me fine. Is he opposed to that?”
Claire thought of Melanie again, whom she’d yet to bump into this evening. “Is any guy opposed to that?”
“Not that I’ve ever met.” Karina laughed and patted Claire’s forearm, which she kept snug to her side. “Funny, I wouldn’t have pegged you as a player, but then again, you are here with Logan. This is why we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.”
Claire’s stomach tensed. Did her date with Logan signal that she was up for random flings? Would people whisper about her the way they did about Melanie?
Karina kept babbling, unaware that her long stride challenged Claire and Rosie. “Share some fun childhood stories about Logan that I can torture him with while we’re away.”
Claire swiped a champagne flute from a passing tray. “Won’t you have more important things to focus on in Greece?”
Two gulps polished off the champagne.
“Sure, but humor makes tense conditions bearable. Most of the time, Logan’s quick wit gives him the upper hand when we poke at each other. It’d be nice to turn the tables for a change.”
Claire deliberately slowed down, hoping to dislodge herself from Karina’s clutches. While searching for another waiter, she asked, “How many projects have you two worked on together?”
“This will be our fourth in three years.” Karina stopped but didn’t release her hold on Claire. “We work together long enough to get sick of each other, then go our separate ways for a while. The cycle works. Keeps the spark alive.”
“The spark?” Claire’s stomach turned again, this time with the added