Massie straightened her khaki skirt and carefully sat down at the dining room table. She glanced at Claire sitting next to her. Her eyes were swollen and red obviously from the crying she had been doing earlier. Massie couldn't believe what was happening. She was mad and sad at the same time. She wished she was the one being called to Hollywood. She wanted to be that girl. Of course, she couldn't show that. Never could she say that she was jealous of Claire. Never. So she stuck with her new philosophy that Claire's life was going to stink because she had to leave Westchester.
Inez came in with a large bowl of salad and placed it on the table in front of Todd. Judy poured some onto his plate and passed the bowl to Claire.
"No thanks, mom." She said. Her eyes were focused on the wood floor below her seat.
"Alright, if everyone will quiet down, I have an announcement to make." William said standing up beside his chair. " I would like to make a toast to Claire Lyons. May her acting career take her on a fantastic journey!" Everyone clinked glasses and Massie slowly sipped her sparkling cider. Judy and Kendra began talking about their plans for the week and Jay, William, and Todd were murmuring something about spring break plans. Claire raised her head for the first time that night and stared into Massie's amber eyes.
"Massie," Claire began.
"Ya, what's up?" Massie casually responded.
"I have a pair of your jeans."
"Are they the Ralph Lauren pair?" Massie asked, putting down her fork.
"Uh, I think so."
"Oh, just keep 'em. They're Alicia's. She won't miss them. She's got a closet full."
"Oh. Okay," Claire stared at her plate.
"Claire, what is it? I know you have more things to say to me then just 'I have some jeans of yours'". Massie pushed her plate aside and focused on Claire. "What do you need?"
"I just want to say Thank you. And while I'm gone, keep an eye on Cam for me and keep me posted on everything that happens."
"Of course, Claire. If anyone touches Cam, I'll have them shipped to Switzerland," Massie giggled and finally Claire cracked a smile. "You're coming home for my birthday party, though, right?"
"Yep. I'll be here for the 14, 15, and 16 of April."
"Good."
The rest of the night, the girls talked about their memories together. The times they d made fun of each other, and the times they'd had each other's back. 10:00 came soon, and the Lyon's headed back to the guest house. Once at home, Claire dashed to her room and checked her email. She had one unread message:
C-
I can't believe you're leaving. I'm going to send you a bag of gummies as soon as I can. See you in 2 weeks. Have fun and don't forget about me!
-C