Starting Over

Chapter 4

Claire stood at the counter watching Tom fixing the table. She had to admit, it was quite nice having someone around that was so handy. He kept all the appliances working properly and when he couldn't fix something, he helped the repair man and learned how he can fix it next time. He even helped at the counter with customers getting cashed out. But, for the life of her, Claire just couldn't get him to talk about why he left Cornwall. She tried to get home to talk about it but he always changed the subject. She had a feeling it had to have been something truly awful for him.

Claire (leaning her head on her hand as she watches Tom) So, Tom. How's that table coming? (She doesn't give him a chance to answer) Ok that's great, so I can't stand it. I have to know what happened in Cornwall that you came to London.

Tom (sets the table back up after he fixes it): Why do you care?

Claire (rolls her eyes): Tom! I'm a GIRL. I'm nosey and I need you to spill the tea!

Tom puts his arms behind his head): What makes you think I want to talk about it?

Claire (shrugs) Absolutely nothing. But it might make you feel better to get it off your chest. What if I make you dinner tomorrow when we're closed?

Tom (shakes his head): You're not going to leave me alone about this are you?

Claire: Probably not. Dinner and Dessert. Please? (She clasps her hands and tries making puppy eyes)

Tom (rolls his eyes) That's really pathetic, Claire.

Claire: Tom. Dinner AND dessert. How can you say no?

Tom: Like this. NO! (Scoffs when Claire frowns) Oh for fucks sake. If I tell you will you stop asking?

Claire (salutes him with two fingers) Scouts honor.

Tom: Fine! Tomorrow. But shut up about it until then alright?

Tom turns and goes back to work on the proven jukebox and Claire sticks her tongue out at him shaking her head.

The next morning, Claire woke up and got dressed to head to the store to get what she needed for dinner. She walked through the store trying to figure out what to make for dinner. She knew for sure she wanted to make a blueberry pie with ice cream for dessert, but dinner was a struggle. She didn't want to try to make anything weird and thought maybe something American? She was getting frustrated for some reason; for some reason she wanted to make something special so Tom might let down his damn guard and talk to her.

She finally decided to make fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and green beans. After she got everything she needed, she walked back over to the cafe and went in to head to her loft and start cooking. She heard Tom rustling around in the cafe.

Claire: Well good morning, sunshine. Spreading joy early today?

Tom (grunts as he eats his cereal) Hi.

Claire stands there staring at him with her bags. Tom swallows his cereal and looks at her, confused.

Tom: What?!?!?

Claire: Really? You can't even offer to help with the bags? (Claire starts mumbling under her breath) I can't believe how stupid I am. Here I am trying to make you a nice dinner and dessert so that you will be in a better damn mood and stop taking your miserable bullshit out on everyone else...

Tom (puts down the bowl) Wait! YOU are the one that is trying to bribe me into telling you all of my business! Why do you even give a crap?

Claire (puts the bags on the counter) Maybe I just wanna help! You're a nice guy! I like having you here working and all you can do is act like...like...