Half-way There

"I'll join you. That way, no one will have anything to say. Just three friends catching up. What do you think?" Claire asked with a wink.

Alex nodded slowly, though his appetite had vanished. Though he didn't like the idea of Emma going out with another male, it was better Claire was there than have Emma and whoever the guy be alone.

"Fine," he said after a moment, pushing his plate aside. "I'm tired. I think I'll head up early tonight."

Without waiting for a response, he stood and left the room.

As soon as the door closed behind him, Claire burst into laughter.

"Claire!" Emma scolded, her face red with embarrassment. "That wasn't fair."

Claire grinned wickedly. "Everything's fair in the game of love, Emma. Trust me, he's seething right now, and that's exactly what we need."

Emma shook her head, guilt and unease swirling inside her. "I don't want to hurt him, Claire."