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They ended up in second place.

“I told you it wasn’t Abraham Lincoln,” Claire said to Cole.

“It felt like Abraham Lincoln.”

“That is not how trivia works.”

Julia looked at Noah. “Do they always sound like this?”

“Usually, Claire is saying it to me.”

“Because you also make decisions based on feelings.”

“My vanilla measurements are excellent.”

Before the entrées came out, Claire and Julia excused themselves to go to the restroom. They stood at the sink, reapplying lipstick.

Claire glanced at Julia. “Noah really talked about me that much?”

Julia laughed. “Yes.” A moment later she spoke again. “He’s different with you.”

“Different how?”

“Lighter. Cole used to say Noah was happy, but always busy taking care of everybody else.”

Claire thought about his family. Ainsley. Emily. Biscuit. Her. “He likes taking care of people.”

“I know. But you take care of him too.”

Claire looked back at her. “I try.”

“He knows, and for what it’s worth, you were always in the story. He really did talk about you constantly.”

“What story?”

“Any story Noah told. Work was frustrating, but Claire had a presentation. He was tired, but Claire needed dinner. He had plans, because Claire wanted to go to a bookstore.”

Claire smiled despite herself.

“You were part of his life before either of you called it dating. He might not have introduced you as his girlfriend, but you were always in the story.”

They returned just in time for the entrées to come out. The conversation continued effortlessly.

Cole asked Claire where she had grown up. After she answered, Julia leaned forward slightly. “What about your family? Are they nearby?”

Claire traced one finger along the edge of her glass. “No. They’re not in the state. We aren’t especially close.”

“Do you see them often?” Cole asked.

“Not really.”

Julia shot Cole a look and he changed the subject.

After dinner, they said goodbye to Cole and Julia outside the restaurant. Claire and Noah started the walk back to their building, hand in hand.

The summer heat still clung to the sidewalks even after dark.

They had gone almost half a block before Noah spoke. “You got quiet when Julia asked about your family.”