Fast Lane | ✔️

26

Ch26

Miller walked quietly into the bedroom, checking to see if Claire was asleep. She lay on the bed motionless, but her eyes were open and she noticed him standing in the doorway.

"I'm sorry to disturb you," he began, as he made his way slowly into the room. "Brooks and I were going to head out to the meeting."

Claire ran a thin hand along her forehead, pushing her long hair behind one ear. "You're not disturbing me. I was just about to get ready for my doctor's appointment. Anna will be here any minute." Slowly, she pushed herself into a sitting position and Miller noticed with increasing worry how gaunt her face had become. Was it just the silhouette of the storm clouds outside the window, leaving heavy shadows across her face?

He walked over to the bed and sat down, taking her hand in his. "Claire, I'm so sorry about everything that's been going on. I know I haven't been the best company lately," he began quietly. "I've been so involved in my own affairs-" he paused, realizing he hadn't chosen his words very well. "I mean, my own business that I've not had much time for anything else. I promise you, I haven't betrayed you in any way. I realize how those pictures must have looked, but it's not what you think. Can we talk after the meeting? I'd like to explain everything to you."

Claire looked exhausted as she nodded her head. "I've been so worried about you."

Miller leaned forward and gathered her in his arms. God, when did she get so thin? "I know, I'm so sorry," he whispered fiercely into her hair. "I didn't mean to make you worry. In fact, this all started because I didn't want you to worry. I would never do anything to intentionally upset or hurt you, and it kills me knowing that I've managed to do just that." Miller pulled away and held her gaze with his. "Just please know that nothing happened with that girl. She was just someone I was trying to help," he pleaded, needing her to understand. He raised his hand to her cheek and she grasped it in her own, pressing it firmly against her face.

"I trust you, Miller."

"Hey guys, sorry to interrupt," Brooks said from the doorway. "The rain is really starting to come down out there. We should probably give ourselves a little more time to get to Oliver's. You know how stupid people start driving when the roads are wet," he said with an awkward smile. "Plus I need to make a quick stop at an ATM first. My pockets are empty."

Miller looked back at Claire and brought her hand to his lips. "We'll talk later, okay?" he said, pressing his lips to her hand once more. "Good luck at the doctor."

Claire managed a weak smile as Miller stood up and started toward the door. "Be careful," she said, her voice laced with emotion.

"We will. You be careful, too." Miller reluctantly left the room. Now that the window of communication was starting to open, it felt wrong to just leave.

"Hey," Brooks said, as if reading his mind. "We'll be back soon and you guys can talk. I have an appointment with a Realtor later so you'll have the whole house to yourself."

Miller looked up at him and tried to smile. "Did you find a house?" he asked, attempting to sound excited.

"I don't know," Brooks shrugged. "Maybe. It's not too far from here."

"Really? You sure you're gonna like it out here in the boondocks?"

Brooks turned and gave his friend an enthusiastic nod. "The more I think about it, the more I know I'm gonna love it."

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

"Are you ready?" Anna asked a short while later as Claire shrugged a lightweight sweater over her shoulders. "The rain is really coming down now. We need to get going if we're going to make it on time." Anna grabbed Claire's purse and handed it to her on their way out the door. They flipped their hood over their heads and quickly made their way to Anna's car. "Man, it doesn't rain often here, but when it does it really pours!" she exclaimed as they hopped into the car and shook the droplets from their hands.