The palm trees swayed in the salty breeze, cool as it came off the ocean’s surface. Taking a deep breath, Jack took in the intoxicating scent as he sipped his whiskey. He perched himself along the white stone railing that overlooked the ocean from the steep cliff face. Xavier and Ramona walked up beside Jack with their glasses of champagne. “I’m surprised to not see your little family in attendance. Especially the little Claire. Is she doing well?” Xavier took a sip of his glass, waiting for Jack’s response.Ramona gave a knowing smile as he answered, “She had a lot going on and it isn’t the right timing for her to be away right now. But I will let her know of your concern for her absence.” He gave a half smile at Xavier, causing him to turn and walk away.“She will be fine, Jack. She’s a tough cookie and she will do wonders. You’ve raised an amazing young woman and you should be proud.” Ramona softly touched Jack on the back as she noticed Malachy walking towards them. “Your Highnes

The stage was set.The diplomas centered on the table, and the lectern placed on the far side. Aluminum folding chairs arranged into two columns and multiple rows with an aisle down the middle. The graduating seniors waited in the end zone to make their walk to the 50 yard line and leave their high school years behind them. Parents and loved ones filled the stands as they watched the sea of black gowns and hats, took pictures, and yelled at their graduates.Jack and Marian had a good vantage point of the stage as they waited for the ceremony to start. They were scanning the crowd while glancing at their phones.“I can’t believe she’d be late for this, of all things! Come on Steph. Pick up your damn phone.” Jack shook his phone in his hand when Marian put it between both her hands. “Calm down. Today is a happy day! Steph will be here before... Look, there she is!!” Marian shot up, waving her hands above her head, catching Steph’s eyes. Steph grabbed Brad’s arm and dragged him up to wh

Logging out of her computer, Claire turned off her desk light, grabbed her clutch and keys, and shouted, “I’m heading out for the night, Robyn. I’ll see you on Monday!” Robyn, the only other person in the office and her boss, poked her head out of the doorway and giggled. “OOOO. That’s right! You have your blind date tonight. Have fun! And don’t do anything I wouldn’t do!” she yelled back. Claire shook her head and mumbled to herself, “there’s nothing that you wouldn’t do.”Robyn stretched her neck to look out her office door. “What was that?”“Nothing! Have a good night!” Claire swiftly headed out the door and checked out her reflection in the glass door. You’ve got this! It’s just a first date. She pumped herself up.Her hair was shorter, about shoulder length, and her black pleather leggings clung to her figure, accentuating every curve. She wore a black leather corset over an off the shoulder white ruffle-sleeved top, simple black heels and, as always, her opal pendant and simp

It had been a long time since Claire’s mind wandered to thoughts of Malachy. Sure every once in a while her thoughts drifted to him. The same questions repeated: What was he doing? Was he happy? Did he think of her? Miss her? She waved those thoughts away as they made it to the table. Brady whirled around with a shot glass for Claire when he splash one against the hard chest of Lex. “Oh shit. I’m so sorr…” Brady’s mouth dropped, looking at Lex. “Hhhhii... I’m Brady and you are absolutely gorgeous…” Lex chuckled as everyone else burst into laughter. “Well, thank you. You are exquisite as well. I’m Alexander.” His eyes flashed red for a second before Claire slapped his arm, giving him a warning glare as she mouthed, “watch it.” No one else seemed to notice their exchange. Brady’s face flushed at Lex’s comment and he had to take a drink to cover it up. Having never seen Brady this flustered around anyone before, Claire thought it was adorable. She kept watching them from the corner

Fresh coffee wafted into her bedroom, awakening her through her nostrils. Rolling over, Claire glanced at her alarm clock: 8am. It was later than she usually slept in, but after last night, she thought she deserved some rest. She padded barefoot into the kitchen to see a shirtless Lex cooking some eggs with Brady watching from the living room. Lex motioned behind him to the coffeepot, not diverting his eyes from the skillet. “Coffee is fresh. Now get a cup and sit in the living room. I’m cooking this morning and I don’t want to hear anything about it.”“Yes sir. No objections from me.” Claire made her cup and sat cross-legged next to Brady on the couch. “I could get used to someone else cooking around here.” The half naked man in the kitchen captivated Brady. Claire waved a hand in front of his face. “Earth to Brady. Come in Brady.”“Oh, sorry. I just can’t believe…”Knowing all too well what Brady was thinking, Claire nodded her head. “Did we have fun last night?” She loved teasing