Fast Lane | ✔️

15

Ch15

Claire sat on the cushioned outdoor sofa and closed her eyes as the soft breeze from the Pacific washed over her. She pushed a hand through her dark, wavy hair and stared off into the distance, contemplating her unfortunate predicament. Miller's increasing aloofness had her on edge. Just when she thought he couldn't seem any more detached, he surprised her by reaching a new level. What in the world was going on with him? He'd left the house that morning vaguely stating he had "things to do". It seemed as though the happy world they had created together was starting to crumble, and she had no idea how to remedy the problem. Was writing the screenplay honestly causing Miller thatmuch turmoil? And if that was the case, how would he act if his script actually turned into a movie? Would the stress continue? Would it grow even stronger?

It was so frustrating! The heavy weight of the situation could not possibly be good for the baby. Constant pressure was not healthy for anyone, let alone for the new life that was trying to grow inside of her. Maybe if she broke down and just told Miller the truth things would start to turn around. Although, deep down she knew that would not be the case. He'd put his entire career on hold to work on this screenplay. He was so invested, hehadto finish it.

Having Brooks around might help ease the tension, even though it hadn't seemed to yet. If anything, Miller appeared even more distant. Maybe if she gave it some more time he would start to relax in the company of their friend. Dinner the night before had been strained, and she'd felt embarrassed that Brooks had noticed. He even questioned them about it! Claire felt uncomfortable, she'd always been an extremely private person, it horrified her to know that their friends were picking up on the fact that something wasn't right. It was one thing to be going through this trouble herself and quite another to let an outsider in on what was going on. Of course, she and Miller had both made excuses, but it was clear that Brooks could see past that.

If I can't even talk to my own boyfriend about the stress he is under, how am I going to break the news about the baby? she worried as she brought a protective hand to her growing bump. And when I do finally tell him, what's he going to think about me keeping it a secret for so long? I've made such a mess of things!

"Hey, Claire," came a gentle voice from the patio doorway."You look like you could use a friend."

Claire glanced up to find Brooks watching her, a worried expression covering his handsome face. With everything he was going through, there was no way she could burden him with her problems! She buried her discontentment and attempted a wide smile. "Brooks, I would love to have your company!" She moved over on the sofa and pat the spot next to her.

Brooks sat down with a plop and stretched his long legs in front of him.

"How're doing today?" she asked, determined to make up for the lack of warmth the night before. "Feeling any better?"

"I'd feel a whole lot better if my house wasn't being ransacked by the police right now. I drove past it this morning and they have it all blocked off with yellow tape." His face puckered and he shook his head. "As if I didn't have enough to deal with, now I'm sure I'll have a bloody mess to clean up when I get home-like I even want to go back there," he added harshly.

"Perhaps you can have a company come in to take care of it for you?" she suggested. "You can find another house while you're staying here and hire someone else to pack up your things and move them to the next place?"

"Yeah, maybe . . . " he responded, looking distracted. Abruptly, Brooks turned to her and offered a small smile. "I'll look into it-thanks, Claire." He took a moment to study her and finally his suspicious blue eyes met hers. She had thrown on black yoga pants and a loose-fitting sweatshirt that morning when she'd crawled out of bed, and now she was wishing she had put more thought into her appearance. After all, they did have a house-guest. Claire broke his gaze and looked out toward the ocean, embarrassed.