Chapter 21: The Afternoon Sun Was Perfect

The afternoon sun was perfect as Sloane Bennett eagerly pulled Clara Whitmore to see the dolphin show.

A long line stretched outside the performance venue. Sloane stood on tiptoe, peering ahead while clutching two tickets in her hand.

The blast of cool air from the AC finally soothed Clara's sun-flushed cheeks.

Sloane excitedly pointed at the dolphins leaping from the water and shoved her camera into Clara's hands.

Seeing Sloane's radiant smile, Clara couldn't help but soften her own expression.

After the show, Clara handed her bag to Sloane and turned toward the restroom.

At the sink, Paige Lawson was reapplying her lipstick in the mirror.

Clara walked past her without a glance, heading straight for a stall.

When she came out, Paige was still there—clearly waiting for her.

The faucet ran loudly as Clara focused on scrubbing her hands.

Their eyes met briefly in the mirror before quickly looking away.

"What a coincidence, Clara," Paige said, shaking her wrist so her silver bracelet glinted under the lights.

Clara didn't respond, continuing to rinse her fingers.

"How have you been lately?" Paige tilted her head, her gaze probing.

"Fine." Clara turned off the water.

Paige let out a soft laugh. "Getting used to living on your own?"

"None of your concern."

"Actually, I should thank you." Paige's eyes suddenly reddened. "If you hadn't stepped aside, Grant and I wouldn't have worked out so smoothly."

Clara pulled a paper towel and slowly dried her hands.

"See the balloons outside?" Paige stroked the bracelet on her wrist. "Grant said this looks especially beautiful on me..."

Clara caught sight of the familiar brand logo, and her chest tightened.

So that day, he had been picking out a gift for Paige.

"Congratulations." She tossed the words over her shoulder and walked away.

Sloane waved at her near the exit. "What took you so long?"

"I'm a little tired. Let's head back." Clara rubbed her temples.

"No way!" Sloane shook her phone. "I just booked us tickets for the haunted house—they say it's terrifying!"

Clara raised a brow. "I thought you hated stuff like this?"

"Not when you're with me!" Sloane linked arms with her.

In the end, Clara let herself be dragged to the haunted house entrance.

The staff scanned Sloane's phone. "Right this way, ladies."