“Jack.” “Is he nice?” “Yes.” “Are you going to kiss him?”
“Rebecca.” “What? It’s Christmas.” Claire laughed through tears. “Go rehearse your vows.”
“They’re already good.” “I love you.” “I love you too. Call when you know. And Claire?”
“Yes?” “Do not spend Christmas Eve proving you are miserable enough to deserve forgiveness.” The line went quiet after they said goodbye. Claire remained beside the phone for a moment.
When she returned, Jack held out a paper napkin without comment. “She told me I’m allowed to fail.” “That sounds useful.” “I don’t like it.”
“Usually a sign.” They sat on the floor against a wall near a bank of windows because all chairs were occupied.
The snow was still falling. Jack removed his scarf and folded it behind Claire’s lower back when he noticed she kept shifting against the hard wall. She accepted it without making the gesture important. Their shoulders touched.
“What does your sister do?” Jack asked. “She teaches second grade.” “Of course.”