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I tried not to stare, but I couldn’t help stealing small glances their way. The young girl kept staring at me. I flashed her a small smile, and she smiled back.
“Ella, stop staring at that woman.” I heard her father say.
“It’s okay. It’s my fault. I keep looking over at you guys,” I said. “My mother just passed away, and she was all I had. I was just admiring your beautiful family.”
“Oh my gosh,” Ava said. “I’m so sorry for your loss.”
“Thank you. I appreciate it. Could you point me in the direction of the restrooms?”
“To the left of the bar, down the hall,” Grayson spoke.
“Thank you.” I pushed my chair out and headed to the restroom.
As I was in the stall, the bathroom door opened, and I heard little footsteps. After I finished, I went over to the sink, where the young girl named Ella was washing her hands.
“Hi.” She smiled.
“Hello.” I smiled back.
“Your name is Claire, right?”
“Yes.”
“Claire, what?”
“Monet.” I dried my hands.
“That’s a pretty name.”
“Thank you, Ella.”
“Your dad’s last name was Monet?”
“No. It was my mother’s last name before she got married.” I cocked my head, for I thought that was a strange question.
“The guy she married is or isn’t your dad?”
“He wasn’t my biological father, but he raised me as if I were his own.” My brows furrowed. “What’s with all questions about my father, kid?”
“Just wondering. It was nice to meet you, Claire.” She walked out of the bathroom.
I stood and shook my head. What was up with that little girl?
When I returned to the table, I saw my check sitting there. Picking it up, I noticed the total amount due was zero.
“Don.” I held my finger up. “You made a mistake with the bill.”
“No, ma’am. Mr. Kind said your dinner was on the house tonight. He said welcome to California and Four Kinds.”
CHAPTER 4
Claire
I had only been home ten minutes before I heard a knock on the door. Opening it, Nick stood there with a smile.
“Hi.”
“Dr. Nick.” The corners of my mouth curved upward.
