Thank you guys for the response to the first chapter of the story I hope it continues.
Please read the authors note at the bottom.
Chapter2 Taking a Shot in the High Rent District
It had been six days since Clare's world had been turned upside down by Eli and even though it still stung Clare was getting over it surprisingly well in no small part thanks to Adam who was seemingly going out of his way to make sure Eli was the last thing on Clare's mind.
Over the past few days Clare noticed that Adam had changed when it came to how the two best friends interacted with each other but she couldn't put her finger on an exact reason for the change which she chalked it up to Adam just being supportive in her time of need.
Clare felt somewhat guilty for having Adam spend his free time trying to make her feel better but every time Clare tried to get him to stop Adam just insisted until she wore down, for example every morning since Clare had been at the Torres home Adam would bring Clare breakfast in bed which led to quite an argument from Clare in which Clare stated to Adam that fact he had willingly given her his room was enough of a kind gesture but Adam used his charm to outright convince Clare to accept the gesture and not argue.
Since Clare and Adam had become housemates Clare was seeing a whole new side to her best friend he was more attentive to her in the sense that anything she wanted Adam wouldn't think twice about doing or getting for her and to be honest Clare was grateful for the extra attention. Adam did things for her in a few short days that it took Eli months to do without being asked to be honest there was part of Clare that actually thought that Adam had a crush on her, a thought she quickly dismissed.
Since it was the day before Christmas Clare thought she would call Darcy who was now working as a relief coordinator in Boston to both check in and ask for advice on what to do about her Adam dilemma.
Clare had slept in due to her and Adam staying up late last night talking something that had quickly become therapeutic for Clare since her break up, Adam had become a pseudo shrink for Clare which Adam didn't mind.
Clare reached for her cellphone and looked at time noticing it was already 3:30PM she knew Darcy was on a break and would have some time to talk.
After three rings Clare finally was able to get her sister on the line.
"Hey Darcy its Clare."
"Hey little sis its been a while whats up?"
"Nothing I'm at my friend Adam's house."
"I thought you would be spending the holiday with that fiancee of yours before your wedding."
"Well Darce about that there wont be a wedding." Clare replies as she chokes back tears.
"Why what happen Clare you were so happy."
"The asshole cheated on me with his bimbo of a roommate, I found them in his room he was getting a blow job from her when I found them so I kicked him in the balls tossed the ring at his head and rushed to my friend Adams place he offered to let me stay here instead of staying alone in the house since mom and Glen went on a second honeymoon."
"Aw Clare I'm sorry about Eli."
"Don't be I'm starting to realize that maybe Eli wasn't right for me."
"That's good Clare who knows maybe something good comes out of this mess."
"You're the second person that's said that to me in the less than a week does someone know something I don't?"
"Its not that Clare I'm just saying sometimes what we think may be a bad thing now may turn out to be a good thing later."
Once Darcy made that statement she thought it would be a perfect time to ask for advice on her Adam issue.
"Hey Darcy now that you mention a bad thing turning out to be a good thing I kind of have this feeling Adam may have a small crush on me but I'm not entirely sure I don't want to just come out and ask risking things getting awkward what do I do?"
"Well Clare as fuex love doctor I'd say play it cool and see what happens you never know, as your sister I'd say be careful one wrong move and you could risk your friendship."
"So what your saying is tread lightly which I get but what if he does have a crush on me I'd be stuck between trying things out and risking a close friendship."
"Honestly Clare if it were me I'd risk it only because if you have even a small part of you that thinks Adam has feelings for you and you could have even the smallest hunch you could have feelings for him you owe it to yourself to see what happens, hey if you're right and it works out you end up with someone who you already have a tight bond with and if not you'll still have a best friend."
"You know what Darcy you're right Ill just play it by ear I mean as long as I don't make it odd its worth letting this situation play itself out."
"That's the spirit Clare listen Ill talk to you later I have to get back to this paper work we'll talk soon."
Alright Darcy Ill talk to you soon stay safe."
"I will sis later."
After hanging up with Darcy Clare decided to get dressed and see what Adam and rest of the Torres family were up to but as soon as she opened the door she found a note on the floor.
Dear Clare
I went out to finish some last minute shopping with Drew and Bianca mom and dad will be home late tonight from work so the house is all yours til I get back from shopping there's a stocked kitchen help yourself.
Adam
Clare put the note back in the bedroom and took a warm shower and got dressed choosing to lounge around in a pair of black sweat pants and pink short sleeve shirt.
Clare went over to the kitchen and tossed together a couple of hamburgers plopped herself on the couch and took in a few Christmas movies while she had the house to herself.
Meanwhile Adam Drew and Bianca were in downtown Toronto getting some last minute shopping done.
"So Adam why did you bring that stack of comics with you?" Bianca asked.
"Simple because these comics are my ticket to giving Diana the most epic Christmas ever."
"Back up bro whose Diana?" Drew interjected.
"Diana is Clare's middle name and before you even think it Drew no you cant call her Diana I'm the only one that can call her by her middle name."
"Geez Adam fine I wont use Clare's middle name so protective already and shes not even your girl yet."
Dam right I am, now go pick out some new MMA gloves I'm taking Bianca with me to make a few stops and I need a girls perspective plus you have a big mouth."
"Fine with me Ill see you guys later."
Drew went off to the sporting goods store while Adam took Bianca with him to put his plan of winning Clare's heart into action.
"So where to first romeo?"
"First we are headed to the comic book store I have a couple of vintage comics I want to sell."
Adam and Bianca made there way into a small comic shop where they approached the owner a gentleman who looked to be in his late forties with thinning hair.
"Welcome to Scott's comics I'm Scott how can I help you?"
"Thanks Scott I'm looking to sell these comics would you be able to help me?"
"Well lets see what we have here."
Scott took the comics and gave them a very through look, once he got through the stack he looked at Adam and smiled.
"Well Adam I've got good news and I've got great news which you want first?"
"Give me the good."
"Well I can buy these from you."
"Okay whats the great news?"
"You just made you just made $15,000." Scott whispered.
Adam was in shock he couldn't believe it he just made fifteen thousand dollars off of ten comics.
Scoot are you serious?"
"Deadly kid these comics are all signed first editions of a Japanese comic that are really hard to track down and the fact that you have the entire series in mint condition is what makes these a gold mine."
"So what saying is I have a small fortune here and you'll pay me right now no strings?"
Exactly kid so whats it going to be?"
"Done deal." Adam said shaking the owners hand.
"Great come to my office and Ill give you the cash."
Adam and Bianca followed the man to his office where he went into a safe and pulled out five stacks of bound hundred dollar bills and two envelopes.
Scott counted the money twice and split it $7500 a piece bonded it with a rubber band and handed them to Adam.
"There you go kid 15K is all yours enjoy."
"Thanks Scott." Adam said walking out of the store with Bianca luckily for them the store was empty.
"So Adam what are you going to do with your new found cash?"
"Well I thought about it and I thought I might do a bit of jewelry shopping."
"Why jewelry Adam?"
"Simple sis because if my plan goes off without a hitch Clare Diana Edwards will be Clare Diana Torres by the end of the holiday."
Bianca was stunned but some how quickly came to her senses again as they walked the streets.
"Adam I mean this with all the love in the world but are you insane?"
"No Bianca I'm in love which I guess is the same thing, I'm in love Clare and I know shes the one."
Adam think about this for a sec marriage isn't something to take lightly what if Clare doesn't feel the same way about you that you feel about her?"
"That's a chance I'm willing to take Bianca."
Bianca could see the fire in Adam's eyes and knew there was no talking him down.
"Fine Ill help you but know that this is an all or nothing move."
"Hey I'm Drew Torres' brother since when has all or nothing scared us?"
"Point taken I guess its off to the jewelers then."
With that Bianca and Adam made their way over to the jewelers to put Adams all or nothing plan into action.
The jeweler Adam had decided on going to was run by a couple who specialized in custom jewelry designs so he knew he had made the right choice in shop.
Luckily for Adam the shop was empty so the chances of him being seen by anyone he knew were as close to zero as he could get.
Adam and Bianca walked up to the jeweler at the counter who was a middle aged woman with blonde hair and green eyes a little taller than Bianca.
"Welcome to Star Light Jewelers I'm Linda how can I help you today?"
"Hi Linda I'm Adam we spoke earlier today."
"Ah yes I remember the young man with the crush on his best friend what can I do for you?"
"I'm looking for two rings an engagement ring as well as wedding ring."
"Okay I do a lot of custom designs whats your budget?"
"Seventy-five hundred."
"Well since your story touched me deeply here's what Ill do for you Ill let you chose anything you want and Ill design your engagement ring and both wedding bands for $7500 instead of charging you for all three rings separately, consider it a Christmas sale."
"Wow thanks Linda." Adam said relived he would be able to stay on budget.
"Your welcome I just need the young woman's ring size and once you pick out her ring Ill get started.
"Sure thing she wears size six ring."
"Perfect take a look at the computer in the back corner and you can design your rings when you're done just hit send and Ill start on the rings in my office."
"Thanks again Linda."
Bianca was stunned that Adam knew Clare's ring size but decided to drop the matter since it was probably a cute story she would hear one day.
Adam watched as the shop owner went into her office leaving Adam and Bianca to design the rings.
"So Adam you have any idea what you want to do?"
"Actually I had a bit of an idea but I don't want something too flashy but not too plain either any ideas Bianca?"
"Well Adam to honest this ring should be Clare in ring form in other words when you see her wear it the ring should symbolize Clare to you."
"Thanks Bianca I know what to do for both rings now".
After seeing the idea in his head Adam started work on the engagement ring first he chose a ten carrot gold ring with a sapphire in the middle with a C etched in the center for the engagement ring as for the wedding ring Adam decided on a fourteen carrot gold ring with a three carrot diamond in the middle surrounded by one carrot diamond on each side.
Once Adam was done he decided to show Bianca both rings.
"Well B what do you think?"
"Adam if I wasn't hopelessly in love with your brother I'd marry you myself".
"Thanks B now after I hit send we should just be a few hours from going on to the next phase of my plan."
After an hour and a half of waiting Linda came out with both rings in red boxes.
"Here you go Adam take a look."
"Wow these rings are perfect thanks a lot Linda."
"No problem I hope she says yes."
Adam showed the rings to Bianca who was stunned at how they came out after which they paid for the rings and walked out.
"Now what Adam its already six."
"Now we go get Drew and Ill call Clare to setup my date."
"Fine wait outside knowing Drew he brought half the store make your call Ill be back in a bit."
Meanwhile back at the Torres house Clare had already gotten bored with watching Christmas movies so she headed down to the basement to listen to the radio.
As she walked into the basement she found an open notebook on top of the radio she figured it might have just been one of Adam's song books she picked up the book and sat on the couch.
Clare was stunned at what she read she was currently holding the lyrics to Aqua Angel the song didn't effect Clare til she read the line of the song which was Just being with sets me free only if things were different my Aqua Angel I would ask you to Marry Me.
Clare was stunned all of a sudden it hit her Adam was not only treating like her like a queen because he wanted to comfort her he was doing it because he was in love with her.
Clare had so many questions how long had this been going on and could Adam and her truly work out.
After thinking about everything that she had gone through Clare decided to lean on her sisters advice to make a decision.
After some internal debate Clare decided to throw caution to the wind and if Adam asked her out on a date she would say yes and see where it went after all she was always told how best friends made the best couples.
Just as Clare snapped back to reality and went back upstairs she heard her cell phone ring, she raced over to pick it up it turned out to be Adam.
"Hey Adam whats up?"
"Nothing Clare we're on our way back from shopping I was wondering if you wanted to go to that new steak house that just opened up down here just the two of us?"
Clare couldn't believe it her best friend was asking her out on a date after thinking for a minute she decided it was worth the shot.
"Sure Adam Ill go out with you tonight."
"Clare you do know I just asked out on a date right?"
"Yes Adam I am and before you freak out I'm sure about this lets do it."
"Okay Clare Ill see you in a bit."
"Later Adam."
Adam couldn't believe it his best friend actually agreed to a date the smile on his face looked like it would have to be surgically removed.
Once Bianca and Drew came back out of the store they noticed Adam couldn't stop smiling.
"Adam whats with the mega watt smile?"
"Oh nothing big bro I just got a date with the perfectly stunning Clare Diana Edwards tonight."
"Really she said yes that's great Adam now don't screw it up."
"Trust me Drew I wont screw this night up its going to be absolutely perfect."
A short while later the trio found Clare watching yet another Christmas movie on the couch grinning.
"Clare we're home." Adam called as he made sure to conceal both rings in one of the shopping bags he would hide in Drew's old room for the time being.
"Oh Adam you're home great I'm just going to freshen up for our date tonight Ill be back in a few." Clare said making sure she sounded as flirtatious as possible.
Once she was out of ear shot Drew decided to speak on Clare's sudden behavioral change.
"Adam not to scare you but what the hell just happened?"
"What Drew Clare just said she was getting ready for our date."
"Bro she practically seduced you if I didn't know any better I'd say she knew you were into her."
"Drew she couldn't have known I've been careful."
"I don't know Adam to me it seems too perfect somehow you must have slipped up."
"Drew the only I could have slipped up was if..."
All of a sudden Adam realized something.
"Oh crap Drew come down to the basement with me real quick."
Adam Drew and Bianca raced downstairs and Adam went over to the radio.
"Crap where is it?" Adam said frantic.
"Chill bro wheres what?"
"Drew I left my song book on top of the radio if Clare got it my hole plan is shot."
"Uh Adam." Bianca called walking over to the couch.
"Whats up B?"
"I think your plan just hit a snag."
Bianca held up Adam's open song book.
"Shit she found it I'm toast now shes going to reject me at dinner I'm so stupid."
"Chill Adam it may not be that bad."
"Bianca that song wasn't for Clare to see or even know about yet I'm dead."
"Adam relax you're not dead trust me the way she was flirting with you just now even if she does know you'll still have a chance to carry out your plan if she wanted to end this she would have told you when we got home just relax and it'll be okay Clare's not heartless."
"Thanks B I'm going to take a shower and get ready Ill be up in a bit, make sure Clare doesn't come down here".
"Done." Bianca and Drew said in unison as they went back upstairs.
Once Bianca and Drew were upstairs they turned on the TV to watch a movie.
In the middle of the movie Drew and Bianca had noticed Clare walked down in a royal blue dress and white heels.
Drew could help but notice that dress emphasized Clare's chest.
"Wow Clare you look amazing" Drew said trying to keep his jaw from hitting the floor.
"Thanks Drew its nothing special now wheres my date?"
"Well Adams in the shower Clare he'll be out in a bit."
"Great so that gives me time to finish off my makeup, Bianca would you care to help me? "
"Uh sure Clare lets go upstairs."
Once they were upstairs Clare thought it was a good time to see if Bianca had any inside information on Adam.
Bianca can I ask you something about Adam?"
"Shoot."
"Do you know if what Adams end result is supposed to be in all this."
"Honestly Clare I do but it would be a betrayal of Adams trust to tell you what that is."
"I understand Bianca but you couldn't at least give me a small clue?"
"Clare I wish I could but I cant now stay still while I finish your make up."
Downstairs Drew was helping Adam put the finishing touches on his suit for the night which was a blue pinstriped outfit with black shoes.
"Adam what exactly are you planning tonight?"
"Well Drew lets just say Christmas will get a more interesting if everything goes the way I have planned."
"Come on Adam give me something I'm your brother for god sakes."
"No Drew I'm not telling you a thing and don't try going to Bianca shes been sworn to secrecy."
"You've got to be kidding me my wife knows whats going on and I don't."
"Yeah because unlike you she can keep a secret, now hand me my tie."
"Fine Adam don't tell me." Drew huffed as he handed Adam his matching pinstriped tie.
"I'm done lets go I wanna spend my night with Clare."
Adam and Drew walked back up to the living room where Adam found Clare sitting on the couch.
"Wow Clare you look amazing." Adam said trying to keep his cool.
"Thanks Adam you look great too are we leaving yet?"
"Just one sec I'm going to get something Ill be back."
"Adam ran upstairs to get Clare's engagement ring hoping that he would be placing on her hand by the end of the night.
"Alright Clare I got what I needed lets rock."
Adam got Clare's jacket and slipped it on her by the door.
"Bianca I should be back before Mom and Dad get home but if not cover for me."
"No problem Adam I'm all over it."
Adam made his way towards his car opened Clare's door.
"For you sweet Diana."
"Thanks Adam that was sweet of you."
Adam went off to the drivers side and drove off.
The drive to the steak house was a pretty easy one for the most part Adam was able to keep his cool with the exception of stealing a few glances at the angel next to him.
After parking the car Adam and Clare headed inside the steakhouse and after talking to a manager they were seated by a table overlooking the skyline of downtown Toronto.
"Clare order whatever you want its on me."
"Are you sure Adam?"
"Clare don't worry I've got it."
A few moments later a waitress came by to take Clare and Adam's orders
"Good evening guys I'm Cassie Ill be taking your orders tonight."
"Clare go ahead order first."
"Thanks Adam."
"Ill have a t-bone steak well done with mixed vegetables and a garden salad with a raspberry cola."
"Very good and for the gentleman?"
"Ill have the BBQ spare ribs with mashed potatoes and gravy and a cranberry splash cider.
"Ill be right back with those".
Once the waitress left Clare and Adam seemed to both have fallen into small talk about the holiday before Clare decided she needed to get to the bottom of Adams reasoning for tonight.
"So Adam I'm just asking why the interest in me now?"
"Well Clare I kind of had a thing for you for a while but didn't say anything because of Eli but after that all went down the drain I felt like it was time for me to take a chance if that makes any sense."
"Okay I guess it does so does this mean you're asking me to make us a couple?"
"I guess you could say that."
"Well Adam before I answer your question I want to let you know if we do this its all or nothing."
"I'm cool with that Clare, so does that mean I have a girlfriend?"
"If it means I have a boyfriend."
"I guess its a done deal."
Clare and Adam shared a quick kiss although Adam hoped that wouldn't be the last kiss the couple shared tonight.
Shortly after the kiss the couples food orders had arrived and they shared flirtatious banter the entire evening.
As Clare finished her food Adam look outside noticing that the moonlight was just bright enough and the mood was right to make his true intention about tonight known.
"Clare before we go there is actually something you need to know about tonight."
Clare was immediately worried about where this night was headed.
"Whats that Adam?"
"Well I didn't bring you here tonight to make you my girlfriend I actually was thinking of something a bit more permanent."
Adam went around to Clare side of the table and dropped to one knee with the ring in hand.
Clare Diana Edwards six days ago you had a dream stolen from you by someone who took you for granted and as crazy as this may sound I think it happened for a reason and that reason was to bring us together, I told you Christmas is the time for wishes to come true so Clare will you allow me to make your dream of a Christmas wedding come true will you marry me?"
Clare was shocked she was one simple three letter word from being granted a the one thing she thought she had lost when Eli cheated on her and even though this wasn't what she originally saw herself doing something told her this was the right thing to do.
After composing herself she knew there was only one thing to do.
"Adam Torres Yes Ill marry you."
After Adam slipped the ring on Clare's finger the entire restaurant erupted in cheers as the newly engaged couple shared a kiss after which Adam paid the bill and walked out with his fiancee on his arm.
Now the only thing left to do was to complete Clare's trifecta and make Clare's Christmas dream a reality.
The last chapter of this story does not have a set date please alert it and I will have have the ending posted as soon as I can, it will all depend on how much writing I can fit in with the upcoming Christmas Holiday. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.