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didn’t, I expected an invitation to join him. It broke my heart I never got one.” Claire began to stand, believing Amber would no longer want her to stay. “When I saw him in Chicago, I remembered those feelings. Simon’s love was unconditional. You don’t know what I went through with Tony, but unconditional is not a word I’d use to describe it.” Claire hesitated, looked out the large window and saw the quiet tree lined street, four stories below, illuminated by old fashioned light poles. Although Amber remained silent, Claire no longer held eye contact, “Seeing him that day made me sad. I didn’t know about you. Honestly, I didn’t ask if he were married or engaged. I just knew the love of someone like Simon was something I’d never experience again. I knew I’d missed out on something real, and I’d never know it.” Claire pushed the stool under the counter. “Thank you for getting me out of Iowa. Once I cash the check, I’ll reimburse you. I’ll try to find somewhere to stay tonight.”
    “ Why are you leaving?” Amber’s surprised expression echoed her words.
    “ After what I just said, don’t you want me to go?”
    Amber walked around the table and faced Claire. The two women were so different and yet so alike: both brunettes, Amber a little taller with brown eyes and Claire more petite with green eyes. Although both were under thirty, life had dealt them more sadness than they deserved. “No, I don’t.” Claire staggered backwards in surprise. She couldn’t take more emotion in one day. “Simon loved you. If his love was unrequited I could easily hate you. But, if his love was reciprocated, if you truly loved him in return, even ten years ago, then all I can do is all I can do.”
    Claire stared at the woman before her. “I’m sorry.” She shook her head. “I don’t understand what you’re saying.”
    “ I’m saying,” she reached for Claire’s hand, “I want you to stay here or at least in Palo Alto, and I want to help you find a life.” Amber widened her smile. “I want to understand more about your ex-husband, but not tonight. I want to help you do whatever you feel is necessary to repay him for his actions, whether that is revenge or just showing him you can exist without him. I want to honor Simon by having the two women who loved him unite in a common bond.”
    “ Thank you. I’m sorry the two of you didn’t get the chance to marry. If I had anything to do with that, I’m truly sorry.” Claire held the chair for support.
    “ Simon had to do with that. Not you. It was just the man he was. Don’t feel too guilty. We were friends and colleagues for years; our romance was blossoming. I’ve been blessed to have Simon in my life. Even without marriage he provided for me forever. Please let me share some of that with you.”
    “ Thank you, but I never want to be dependent upon anyone again. I need to be my own person.”
    “ That’s great. If I can help you do that, I’d be honored. Will you let me help you get on your feet?”
    Claire thought about her life. Everyone she knew before her marriage was gone. Even her sister was alienated. The friends she acquired during her time with Tony were frightened or truly believed she tried to kill Tony. She and Courtney had clandestine contact. Tony’s influence knew few bounds. Had there been anyone who wanted to help her, just her? “Are you a patient person?” Claire asked.
    Amber’s lips and eyes revealed a smile fighting for exposure. “I’ve been told I have problems in that area.”
    Claire returned her smile, “I’m glad to hear you don’t have a halo. I was beginning to wonder.”
    “ Oh hell, just stick around. You’ll learn more about the horns that expose themselves occasionally.”
    “ I’m willing to accept your help to get me back on my feet. I hate that I need it, but I know I do… thank you.”
    As Claire fell asleep that night she marveled at her new situation. Life had dealt her many changes