The Promise of Us (Sanctuary Sound #2)(80)
The photographer took a couple of shots. “Thanks.”
After she left, Logan said, “I should’ve taken photos of you before I left the house . . . for our project.”
“We can just use one of hers.”
He scowled. “No. All of the photos should be mine. I’ve got a camera in the trunk of my car, actually. Let’s get it and take some shots outside on the side porch while we can take advantage of evening’s blue light.”
Minutes later, the sounds of the party inside muted as he fell into his own world, seeing the entire scene through new eyes, playing with light and shadow and color to document Peyton’s story, while wondering when he would find a story of his own.
Chapter Seventeen
Claire washed her hands and was finger combing her hair when Pat wandered into the ladies’ room, looking rather elegant for someone who usually fell on the frumpy side of style. Her pale-blue gown shimmered under the light, and its lace jacket added a feminine touch.
“Claire. You look fantastic.” Pat set her hands on Claire’s shoulders and spun her so she could admire the new dress. Claire didn’t mind her handsy manner, seeing as Pat was almost like an aunt. Pat’s eyes twinkled with interest. “Are the rumor mills true? Are you here as Logan Prescott’s date?”
Yippee. Gossip had already gripped the old-biddy committee, as she knew it would. They were all here at the party, which meant the news would spread faster than pink eye at a nursery school. No doubt people were already whispering and wondering. Probably doing a lot of head-scratching, too.
Claire nodded, unable to speak past the balled mortification in her throat. You can take it. You’re just having some fun.
Pat clapped her hands together, her eyes lit up with glee. “Well, now we’ll have something fun to talk about at our next meeting. Thank goodness, too, because that book you chose was heavy.”
“There’s not much to discuss, Pat. Logan and I . . . well, it’s not a big deal. I’ve been working with him these past few weeks, but he leaves for Greece in another week and will be gone for a long time.” Admitting that aloud sank her heart deep in her chest, despite having 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.”