The Promise of Us (Sanctuary Sound #2)(70)

“Where are you?”

Claire looked ahead to the next green road sign. “Coming up on Meriden.”

“Pull off the highway and park somewhere safe. Text me your location and I’ll come get you.”

Her chin wobbled, but she fought against crying. “I can’t leave my car in Meriden, Steffi.”

“Ryan will come with me so he can drive our car back while I drive yours.”

Claire groaned. “I can’t ask you guys to do that.”

“You didn’t ask. I offered. Just text me and I’ll see you in thirty minutes.” Steffi hung up without giving Claire a choice.

A wave of relief from being rescued preceded the bigger one that came when she pulled off the highway. She drove into a Red Roof Inn parking lot near the exit, texted Steffi her location, and then let her head fall back against her seat. Periodically, she swept warm tears from her cheeks. Failure had never been something she’d handled well.

Logan wouldn’t be too impressed, either. Rosie lay in the passenger seat, taking the place of her mom, who’d be sure to spout a “What were you thinking” lecture.

By the time Steffi and Ryan arrived, the temperature had warmed enough to transform the snow to a steady drizzle. Steffi knocked on her window. “Switch seats.”

Claire opened the door and waved at Ryan, whose compassionate expression only heightened her shame. She lumbered around her car and sank onto the passenger seat, picking at her damp skirt and looking anywhere but at her friend.

Before putting the car in reverse, Steffi said, “It’s okay, Claire. Everything is just fine.”

“It’s not okay.” Claire pulled a tissue from the glove compartment and blew her nose, then pushed the heels of her palms against her eyes. “I’m nearly thirty-one, and today is the first time I’ve ever driven alone on a major highway. It wasn’t easy, but I was so proud of myself when I got to Hartford.” A bitter laugh emerged. “Pitiful, right? Like something every sixteen-year-old can do is a flippin’ big deal. But it was a huge step for me until you and Ryan had to drag yourself out to rescue me.”

“We won’t go broadcasting it if that’s what you’re worried about.” Steffi shot her a reassuring smile.

“Thanks, but that’s hardly the point. I wanted to do this for myself, and I failed.” She frowned, twisting the hem of her sweater in her fingers. Her throat ached from the strain of holding back a sob.

“You didn’t fail. You got to Hartford.” Steffi stared ahead, giving one sharp nod. “Considering where you started, that’s a win.”

Claire released a gentle huff. “Perhaps, but we both know most people would roll their eyes.”

All this time, she’d been irritated by people treating her like a baby, yet how could they see her as anything less than fragile when she’d let fear dictate her choices since the earliest days of her recovery?

Claire’s thoughts spun while she stared out the passenger window. Meanwhile, Steffi confidently maneuvered the car along the highway, undaunted by the weather or traffic.

Minutes passed before Steffi asked, “Is there a reason why you decided to do this today?”

Claire stared at her hands, which were knotted on her lap, and thought about Logan. “Logan wants his apartment done as soon as possible. I’ve known about the Design Outlet’s floor samples for years and thought I could pick up a bunch of things right away.”

“So Logan’s behind this?” Steffi sounded perturbed.

“No. I mean, indirectly, I guess so. Our recent trips to New York and Newport gave me courage.”

“Newport?” Steffi’s jaw fell open. “When was that?”

“Last Saturday. At the time, I hadn’t realized he’d planned the outing to help Ryan carry out his proposal. He took me to see the Breakers. We had a lovely dinner overlooking the sea.” Even she heard the lilt in her voice as she recollected the day they’d first made love.

“How is it that he can get you to go out of town when Peyton and I never could?” Steffi’s voice sounded more hurt than angry.

Claire shrugged, unwilling to admit that lifelong lust proved to be a far more powerful motivator than she would’ve believed.

“I guess the important point is that you’ve pushed through some of that fear. That’s a good thing, so I won’t pout.” Steffi slid a quizzical glance Claire’s way. “Is Logan also behind your interest in pitching Mr. Prescott about his hotels?”

“He mentioned it a while ago. I was coming off the success of my Newport trip and how well Logan liked my designs when I suggested it to you.”

“A big commercial project would be a great credential, but we’re not a national company. With me planning a wedding and being a new stepmom, I’m not sure how I’d manage overseeing work in multiple locations.” She wrinkled her nose. “And maybe you’re not ready to travel as far as you thought, either.”

“Gee, you think?” Claire’s sarcasm brought the conversation to a halt. Neither said a word as they exited the highway onto the feeder road that led to Sanctuary Sound. The familiar surroundings prompted a relieved sigh. “At least now I won’t have to figure out how to approach him at the gala.”

“The gala.” Steffi tsk-tsked. “Are you going with Logan?”