Chapter 64

Claire's POV My phone buzzed with an incoming text just as Raquel was examining a particularly stunning piece of jewelry at the boutique's accessory counter. I glanced down at the screen and felt my heart skip a beat when I saw Theo's name. "The stylist is waiting for you both at the salon. Time to get Raquel ready for tonight. - T" I quickly angled my phone away from Raquel's line of sight, but not before she caught my sudden movement and the way my expression had changed. "Everything okay?" she asked, her tone curious as she set down the necklace she'd been admiring. "You look like you just received some important news." "Oh, it's nothing urgent," I replied, forcing a casual smile while my mind raced to come up with a believable explanation. "Just my roommate checking in from back home. You know how roommates can be—always worried when you're traveling." Raquel studied my face for a moment, her intuitive nature clearly picking up on the fact that I wasn't being entirely truthful. "Yo