Top Floor (Rendezvous #1)

Chapter 27

“Hey, Claire.”

She looked to her side and saw Chad slowly approach with a covered tray in his hands. Claire gave him a flat look before she sighed as he made his way to her. He placed the tray on the counter and uncovered it before she took a measly bite of the chocolate and raspberry cake.

“Are you mad?” he asked. “I’m amazed you didn’t say or do anything the whole day.”

It was true. Claire didn’t bother Chad or Elli the whole day, even after the thing that happened in the morning. She did visit the daycare like usual throughout the day, and saw how anxious Elli was, but Claire never brought up the conversation. She treated the day like any usual day and didn’t interrogate her friends.

Though she could feel the awkward aura from Wyatt. He wasn’t as confident as usual and instead, just did his job. Of course, the kids couldn’t tell the difference, but Claire could. And admittedly, she felt bad for the guy…really bad.

She did warn him, but he didn’t listen. And now his dreams with Elli were shattered—all because of a guy like Chad.

“Did you want me to cause a scene?” Claire asked in an emotionless voice as she took another bite of the cake, which was tasteless in her mouth.

Chad raised a brow. “What’s wrong with you? Don’t tell me something happened between you and the boss?”

Claire waved her hand dismissively. “Just worry about you and Elli and I’ll worry about me and Heath.”

“Oh, hell no.” Chad leaned closer to her. “What did he do? Ask for a breakup? Dump you?” Then he gasped loudly. “Cheat on you?”

She couldn’t help but chuckle lightly from his words. “No, nothing like that.”

“Then what’s wrong with you? Usually, you’d be getting all up in my and Elli’s business. But today you’re just…weird.”

“I’m just not in the mood. Don’t worry about it.” Claire sighed before she finished the cake and placed the lid back on the tray.

Chad blinked. “Aren’t you going to ask for milk?”

“Did you bring a glass with you?” he shook his head. “Then it’s fine. Now, hurry up and go. I’m sure you’re anxious to be with Elli.”

“Elli’s actually kind of mad at me for making her late this morning.” A stupid grin stretched across his face from the memory of their morning together. “So she’s forcing space between us for now. At least until she has a break.”

When Claire didn’t reply, Chad suddenly reached out and placed a hand on her forehead. “Seriously, what the hell is wrong with you? Are you sick or something?”

She shook off his hand with a shake of her head. “I’m fine.”