Scorching Heat Down South

Chapter 12

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Ever since Claire had spotted Levi, she had been unable to concentrate on anything David said. She could feel his gaze on her. It felt as though she'd go half insane from the pulsating tension that gripped her. Why was he here? Was he meeting someone? Perhaps a woman! She didn't even know if he was seeing someone or not. A man like him though, it would be a wonder if he wasn't. The thought of him with another woman seriously disturbed her.

She almost groaned in humiliation as she remembered how she'd bared her soul to him earlier. She had all but spilled her guts to him, telling him things she'd never told anyone else. She had just looked into his eyes and seen an understanding in them that had invited her to confess all her darkest secrets. He had a quiet strength about him that compelled her to share her thoughts before she was even aware of what she was doing. Dangerous!

"Claire!" David called her.

Her eyes shifted to him. God, what had he been saying?

She smiled apologetically and reached across the table and touched his hand, "I'm sorry David, I seem to be distracted tonight. Please repeat what you said."

"A lot on your mind?" He asked with an understanding that made her feel worse.

"Yes. I had a long day."

Which was true. She had been upset after leaving Levi's house. She hardly thought about her mother anymore. But their conversation had brought back many unpleasant memories. Memories that were better off forgotten and left buried deep in her mind. Still, she had visited her mother's grave at the local cemetery. She had sat down on the soft grass and cried.

Cried for a mother who had never loved and cared for her. Cried for the family she had so desperately wanted but never had. Her only consolation was that as terrible as Noma Jean had been, at least she hadn't aborted her or dumped her out on the streets to fend for herself. Or allowed her men to abuse her. For that she was grateful because she knew it could have been worse. Way worse! But small comfort that it was, it hadn't been enough, not anywhere close.

After that she had aimlessly walked around downtown, trying to build up some enthusiasm for her coming date with David. Twice, she had considered calling him and rescheduling but in the end she hadn't wanted to disappoint him or Sally. It was a bit selfish but she had hoped his company would amuse her and help her forget about everything that was weighing heavily on her mind. Even if it was for a little while.

David gently squeezed her hand, "Would you rather go home?"

"Not at all." She smiled and that seemed to please him. "I'm enjoying myself." she added.

"I'm glad you are, so am I. I was saying that I think Sally hopes we'll hit it off."

She laughed, "I think so too."

David frowned, "I worried a lot about her. She's been alone since Uncle Carl died. But now that I've met you and seen how close you two are I feel relieved. She has somebody to keep her company."

"Sally is wonderful. She's been like a mother to me ever since I moved in years ago."

"What happened to your mother? I believe you were quite young when you moved into Sally's cottage."

Being asked about her mother again oddly felt like deja vu but she kept her serene composure intact.

Claire looked down and fiddled with her glass of chilled white wine. They had already had a lovely dinner that she had scarcely enjoyed. "She died a few years ago."

David flushed in remorse, "Oh God, I'm sorry Claire."

She laughed lightly at his discomfort, "It's alright. It was a long time ago."