CHAPTER FORTY-TWO - The Dinner Invitation

After they hung up, Claire sat in the darkness of her apartment, Mason's words echoing in her mind. She was glad they met in Paris too, but was that enough of a reason to uproot her entire life? After they hung up, Claire sat in the darkness of her apartment, Mason's words echoing in her mind. She was glad they met in Paris too, but was that enough of a reason to uproot her entire life? The soft glow of the city lights filtered through her curtains, casting long shadows across her living room. Claire hugged her knees to her chest, feeling more conflicted than ever. Mason's voice had been warm, familiar, but there was an undercurrent of uncertainty that mirrored her own feelings. She reached for her phone, tempted to call him back, to demand clearer answers. But what would she say? What did she want to hear? With a sigh, Claire set her phone aside and padded to the kitchen. She poured herself a glass of wine, hoping it might calm her racing thoughts. As she sipped the rich red liqui