Chapter 187 DIVING INTO A DITCH

As soon as Ethan walked out of the office, Claire grabbed her phone and dialed Stan's number. She didn't bother with small talk when he answered. "Stan, I need to see you after work. Can you meet me at the tortilla shop down the street?" Stan's voice was warm and comforting. "Of course, Claire. What's going on?" Claire hesitated, unsure how much to reveal over the phone. "I'll tell you when I see you. Just be there, okay?" Stan's tone turned serious. "I'll be there. Don't worry, Claire. Whatever it is, we'll face it together." Claire felt a lump form in her throat as she hung up the phone. She knew she could count on Stan, and that thought gave her the strength to get through the rest of the day. She spent the next few hours in a daze, her mind racing with thoughts of Ethan, the baby, and Stan. But as the clock ticked closer to closing hour, she felt a sense of relief wash over her. Soon, she'd be able to talk to Stan, and maybe, just maybe, she'd finally find a way out of this m