Chapter 120

Claire's POV I fumbled with my keys at the front door, the exhausting day weighing on my shoulders. The confrontation with Ryan had drained me emotionally. As I pushed open the door, the aroma of garlic and herbs wafted through the air. "Joey?" I called out, dropping my bag by the entrance. "In the kitchen!" Joey's cheerful voice replied. I made my way to the kitchen to find Joey stirring something that smelled divine in a large pot. The sight of her in my kitchen, hair tied up in a messy bun, wearing my spare apron with a glass of red wine on the counter, instantly lifted my spirits. "What are you making?" I asked, peering over her shoulder. "Just some pasta with my special sauce. Thought you might need comfort food tonight." Joey smiled, offering me a spoon to taste. I took a sip and moaned appreciatively. "This is exactly what I needed." Having Joey around was like having a piece of normality in my increasingly chaotic life. I really hoped she wouldn't leave me when her vacation was