"Octavia and Cindy are always picking on Claire. If that's not being petty, then what is?" Shirley rolled her eyes, clearly fed up. In her mind, if the James family hadn't been so harsh, Claire would've stayed thankful for how they raised her. She would've definitely repaid them someday. But they just kept pushing her buttons, creating drama until Claire couldn't take it anymore. With someone like Claire, that was just asking for trouble.
"They don't really mean it that way," Lance tried to explain, defending his mom and sister. But his words sounded weak, even to himself. Everyone knew what was really going on.
“Sure.” Shirley's tone made it obvious she didn't want to keep talking. "Lance, unless you've got something important to say, I'm hanging up. We've got plans, and I don't want to waste time."
Lance frowned, a little annoyed. "Weren't you all going to Montara? Why does it sound like you're doing something else instead?"
"We had a car accident, remember? We got off the highway and decided to have some fun before heading out again. Gives us a break after all that stress."
Shirley wasn't clueless-she knew better than to tell Lance everything. She left out the part where Claire's medical skills basically saved someone's life. While the doctors operated, Claire had been right there, and the family was so grateful to her. Shirley kept all that to herself. After all, the James family never cared about Claire's abilities, so it was better if they stayed in the dark. If they ever found out how impressive Claire was, they'd probably regret everything and try to win her back. Before Lance could ask more, Shirley ended the call. While everyone else went out, Claire crashed in the hotel room, making up for the sleep she'd missed.
Lance, meanwhile, was frustrated that he couldn't get any more information from Shirley. Still, he told himself to stay calm. Now that the car accident had slowed Claire's group down, Lance actually had a chance to catch up.
He called York. "I heard there was an accident up ahead. Drive slower, okay?"
"Yeah, no problem," York replied. He hadn't been speeding anyway. The car was filled with music, and he and Cindy were just chatting away, enjoying the ride like a real vacation.
Lance, though, was quiet, caught up in his own thoughts. He didn't know that Claire had no idea he was following her.
While her friends had gone out, Claire slept straight through until evening. She woke up to a call from Helena, who wanted to invite her and her friends to dinner.
Claire turned her down gently.
"Thanks so much, but we'll have to pass. You and Tandy should take some time for yourselves. Besides, with all that's happening at the hospital you probably need some rest. Next time I'm in Cabinda, you can cook me one of your famous homemade meals."
Her kindness made Helena smile. "Alright, it's a promise. Next time you come to Cabinda, you have to eat at our place. I'll cook you something really special Im actually a pretty. good cook you know. That's how won Walton over-straight through his stomach." Content bétongs
Helena wasn't just making it up. Back in the day, her specialty noodles could win anyone over. Just one bowl and Walton was hooked.
"I can't wait," Claire said.
They chatted a bit longer, then said
their goodbyes. Helena really did have her hands full at the hospital
needing to keep an eye on her nephew. Walton was also busy
1.n
making sure Rowley's condition was
stable.
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When Helena walked over, Walton asked, "So, did you get Claire to come for dinner tonight?"
"She said she'll come by for a home-cooked meal next time she visits Cabinda."
“That girl....... She's so considerate. She knows we're swamped right now, so she didn't want to trouble us. What a kind soul."
"She really is. If she weren't a little too young, I'd honestly want to set her up with Yates."