Clara seemed to relax, looking relieved.
“So, what can I do for you, Josie?” he asked, letting his hand settle on the small of Clara’s back. The gesture was sweet and possessive at the same time, and it made Josie’s chest ache.
Sure, she wasn’t looking for a romance, but watching Eagan and Clara now, the way she leaned into him as if he was the pillar she depended on, it made Josie want to feel that way about another. Even if just for the tiniest moment of time.
“I, uh… I’m kind of starving,” she blurted.
Eagan’s grin widened. “You want me to make you something?”
“No, no. I can fend for myself. You two have better things to do.”
Clara shook her head. “It’s no problem,” she rushed out. “Right, Eagan? It’s fine.”
His eyes crinkled around the edges when he gazed down at her. “Sure thing. What would you like to eat, Josie?”
“Well… you have the stuff for nachos? That’s my usual post workout binge.”
“Yep, I can whip up some nachos in no time.” He turned to Clara. “You want some?”
She nodded, and he tweaked her chin before heading for the walk-in.
“He makes really great food,” Clara murmured. “But then, I guess you probably know that.” Her laugh was awkward and Josie considered the woman.
Clara was backward or shy. Or maybe just someone who didn’t talk to others much. She seemed constantly nervous unless she was looking at Eagan. She wasn’t well-dressed or particularly manicured and maintained. Not aiming to please anyone’s eye, but also very unsure of herself. Bad hair don’t care meets doesn’t know her own beauty.
Interesting.
Refreshing.
Josie liked her.
“Relax, hon. Any friend of Eagan’s is a friend of mine.”
Clara let out a heavy breath. Like Josie’s words had lifted some weight. “Not sure if that’s true for the others though. Not with everything that’s happened.” Her tone was low and quiet. As if she was imparting a vital secret.
But Josie was all about juicy gossip. She called it, reviewing all the angles. Everyone had a different side to the same story.
“Yeah,” she murmured, brow scrunching in commiseration. “That… that was really something, huh?”
Clara nodded, her eyes wide. “I never meant to make Magic so mad, you know. Me and Eagan just wanted to be together.”
Josie waved her hand in the air. “Aw, don’t worry. Magic’s a stick in the mud. I’m sure he’ll get over it.”
“But… his panther came out, and they told me how much he doesn’t like to shift. He even took a swipe at Eagan. I don’t know if he’ll ever accept us.”
Clara chewed her lip in nervous thought, but Josie was as lost as a lipstick in a handbag.
“His panther?”
Clara nodded. “You know how those cat-men are. Wait, are you one? I assumed you were human since you’re friends with Beth.”
Cat-men? Human? The fuck was this woman talking about?
“No, you’re right. I’m most definitely a human.” Josie managed a smile, while her brain scrabbled to follow Clara’s story.
“Whew. I thought so. It’s so nice to see another friendly human around here.” Her words were so heartfelt and genuine, Josie had to wonder if perhaps the woman was a few fries short of a milkshake.
“Well, don’t you worry, hon. I’m sure things will get better.”
“I hope so. Eagan would love to stay here with his clan. I don’t want him to lose that because of me.” Her eyes went wide and she held her hands up. “And I paid back everything I took from the lodge. Even paid back the things I took from other places. So… I’m clean now, you know. My conscience is clean. And I’ll never steal from others like that again. I’ve learned my lesson.”
Josie’s mouth opened and closed without making words. There was no understanding this woman. She was ready to chalk it up to Clara being clinically insane, but then Eagan stumbled from the walk-in, arms full of ingredients, and looking guilty. His wide-eyed stare landed on Josie and he shook his head.
“What exactly is going on here?” Josie laughed. It felt like she was missing the punch line of a big joke. Except nobody was laughing.
Something serious had gone down at the lodge involving this woman and Magic and… cat-men?
What the hell?
Eagan set the food on the counter near the stove and began prepping the cheese sauce.
“You’re uh, going to need to talk to Bethany when I finish making your food. She can explain things,” he said, moving quickly.
Clara frowned, looking between him and Josie.