“You slept on the couch?” I said, letting my disappointment show through.

“I reconsidered…several times,” he said, his lips brushing my neck when he spoke.

“When did she bring my things?”

“Earlier. She’s been in and out a lot,” he frowned. “She’s not happy about our conversation last night. I assume it has something to do with that.” Chuckling at my inevitably worried expression, he kissed my forehead. “Breakfast will be ready soon. I’ll wait for you downstairs.”

After my shower, I reluctantly crept down the stairs. Claire and Jared watched me approach the table with equal but conflicting focus.

“You’re beautiful,” Jared whispered before he kissed my cheek and pulled out a chair.

Claire continued to glower as I sat across from her.

“Claire….” Jared warned. Her irritation turned to him, then. I felt a brief moment of relief.

“Thank you for bringing my clothes, Claire,” I whispered. As soon as the words left my mouth I thought better of it. Her icy blue eyes shot back at me and I sunk back into my chair.

Jared stared at her until she shifted uncomfortably. “You’re welcome,” she grumbled, looking down at her plate.

“Ham, mushroom, green pepper and cheese omelet…toast,” Jared pointed out each with his butter knife as he spoke, and then shoved a forkful into his mouth.

I stabbed the eggs and took a bite. He was an incredible cook.

Everything he had made for me was exactly the way I liked it.
“Mmmm…that’s good. I didn’t realize how hungry I was,” I hummed.

The fork clanged against my plate as I chewed the last bit of egg, and Jared rested his chin on his hand, amused at my shameless appetite.

Claire sighed in irritation. “You should be aware that Cynthia knows Nina spent the night here last night.”

With indifference Claire watched Jared’s face morph into anger.

“And how does she know that, Claire?” he seethed.

“I told her,” Claire admitted.

Jared slammed his fist on the table. I jumped, but Claire didn’t react. I watched them stare the other down, wondering if I should distance myself from the line of fire.

Jared noticed my growing unease and placed his hand on mine. “What exactly did you tell her, Claire? And more importantly, why?” he spoke through his teeth, working to keep his tone calm.

“You didn’t give me a choice, Jared. After what happened at the hospital, and last night, Cynthia needed to know what was going on. That’s what Dad would have done.”

“Dad’s not here.” Jared’s voice broke as he fought to keep his calm.

Claire crossed her arms. “Obviously, Jared, or you wouldn’t be insisting on going through with this. You’ve gone against everything Dad taught us, hours after he died. I tried to tell you, but you won’t listen....”

“You can go, now, Claire,” Jared snarled.