CHAPTER EIGHTY - A Growing Distance

After a long moment of hesitation, Claire typed out a reply: "Sure, coffee sounds good. There's a nice place near my office. How about 11 am?" Jeremy's response came quickly: "Perfect. See you then!" Claire set her phone aside, a mix of guilt and anticipation swirling in her stomach. She told herself it was just coffee with an old friend, nothing more. But as she lay in the unfamiliar hotel room, the echo of her argument with Mason still ringing in her ears, she couldn't help but wonder if she was making a mistake. The next morning dawned bright and clear, a stark contrast to the turmoil Claire felt inside. She went through her morning routine mechanically, her mind elsewhere. As she applied her makeup, she caught sight of her reflection in the mirror. The woman staring back at her looked tired, with dark circles under her eyes and a sadness that seemed etched into her features. Claire shook her head, trying to dispel the melancholy thoughts. She had made it through tough times bef