The Promise of Us (Sanctuary Sound #2) - Jamie Beck Page 0,96

faced her former friend. “Peyton, you look wonderful in that color. I’m sure the photographs will be inspirational.”

“Thank you,” Peyton replied, a hesitant smile playing on her lips.

Logan sat between Claire and Peyton, which left Karina the seat to Claire’s left. Karina slung her arm around Claire’s chair and leaned close.

“I’m sorry to report, Ben Lockwood is not interested. I get it, though. I can be overwhelming.” She grinned and then snapped open her napkin to set across her lap. “I’m best when paired with another oddball.”

If nothing else, this year’s dinner conversation would be unusual. Claire did envy Karina’s unapologetic self-awareness. That woman would not find herself holding on to false hope.

“Lucky for you, we’re all oddballs in our own way.” Claire buttered her roll and took a huge bite.

“I knew I liked you straight off.” Karina bumped shoulders. “You’re no nonsense. I see why Logan enjoys spending time with you.”

“Well, thanks . . .” Claire lifted her third glass of champagne and chugged it, drawing a raised brow from Logan. He casually laid his hand on Claire’s thigh, clueless about the conflict building inside like the cello’s crescendo in the background.

When the Prescotts began peppering Karina with questions about past stories she’d reported, Claire’s thoughts turned inward. She picked at her salad, reflecting on women she admired, like Steffi and Pat, even Karina and Peyton. Women who knew themselves and took risks, willing to live with the consequences of potential mistakes.

Unlike them, Claire’s recent risk taking hadn’t been entirely self-motivated. She’d taken action largely to please Logan, which was probably why she’d never felt wholly comfortable with this no-strings affair. Why she couldn’t drive to and from Hartford on her own. Why she backed away from pitching Mr. Prescott for that hotel work.

Whether she ultimately traveled farther than New Haven county, or engaged in a series of meaningless flings, or did any other thing with her life, it should be based on what she wanted and who she was, not on how she thought her behavior would affect her relationship with anyone else.

After tonight, she’d regroup. Figure out who she was and who she wanted to become. What life she envisioned, and what goals she’d pursue if she weren’t afraid to travel. Perhaps pulling the Lilac Lane League book out of hiding would be the place to start. Revisiting youthful dreams and goals might be a shortcut to her heart-of-hearts wishes. The kind formed before society and life jade you and make you question yourself.

Of course, many of her old dreams had involved Logan. But she was an adult now, which meant she had to learn to distinguish between realistic dreams and fantasies.

Starting now—this very night—she’d make changes. Not for Logan. Not to spite Peyton. Not to prove anything to anyone other than herself.

“Claire,” Peyton said, leaning forward to see past Logan. “Logan showed me the drawings you made for his unit. I loved the bold colors and rich accents. It’s so him.”

“Thanks.” She couldn’t help smiling at the compliment even though it came from Peyton.

“I’ll throw a party once it’s finished, and you can all come to sing Claire’s praises,” Logan announced to the table before kissing her.

“You know I never miss a party,” Karina replied.

“Claire, maybe you could offer some advice about how to update older hotels on a budget,” Mr. Prescott said.

If more time had passed since Hartford, and if Steffi had been enthusiastic, this opening would excite her. Now it fueled a touch of self-loathing. Not that she’d let anyone see it.

“I’m happy to, although I’m sure whatever designer you hire will do a fabulous job.” She forced herself to hold his intimidating gaze.

“I haven’t hired a designer yet. I won’t bore everyone with business talk, but call me later this week. Maybe I won’t need to go out searching for one if I like your ideas.” He forked his salad. Darla patted his shoulder in a way that suggested to Claire that she had prompted that offer. That woman knew exactly how to get what she wanted. Claire could take some lessons from her.

She supposed she couldn’t blame a mother for wanting to do anything she could to help her children, and Claire had no doubt that one of Darla’s goals was to make it harder for Claire to shut Peyton out of her life.

To decline Mr. Prescott’s offer right now would be rude. Claire nodded, trying not to let her conflict show on her face. She looked longingly at the table beside