Chapter 196: Pushing Him to Find a Girlfriend

"Claire, you've been smiling so much lately. Is there something making you really happy?" Sarah leaned closer with a mischievous grin just as Claire Grace finished arranging the studio's display window.

"Smiling a lot?" Claire raised an eyebrow and shrugged. "Have I?"

"You totally have!" Sarah teased. "I've been watching you this whole time. You were at the window smiling like that for ages—like a secret just slipped out."

Joel, who was passing by, chimed in with an amused tone, "I bet it's because she made up with her husband. When he showed up here the other day, Claire looked like she couldn't believe her eyes. That kind of expression doesn't lie."

Joel leaned casually against a counter, reminiscing. "You guys weren't out front that day—it was just me. You missed the look on her face when Lucas walked in. Total shock and then pure joy. Classic reconciliation moment."

"Oh, shut up!" A sharp, annoyed voice cut through the chatter. Blaine Jackson, their tall and striking manager, emerged from the break room, his expression as unimpressed as ever.

"But, Blaine," Joel countered, his voice steady, "wasn't that Lucas? The same guy who had the whole city buzzing about finding Claire a while back? It was over the top—and unforgettable."

Blaine scoffed. "Get back to work. Why are you all so nosy? Seriously, do I have to deal with this gossip because most of our clients are women? Or maybe I'm just the odd one out for not caring?"

"Blaine," Claire said, redirecting his attention. She pointed at the display. "I swapped out the white rug for a soft yellow one to complement your all-white design theme. What do you think?"

Blaine frowned thoughtfully before responding. "To be honest, I've noticed you're always smiling now. It's like you're happier with Lucas than you ever were before."

Claire tilted her head. "I guess I didn't realize I was smiling so much. But, yeah, I am really happy."

Her words seemed to catch Blaine off guard. He stood there, momentarily at a loss for words, forgetting whatever he had intended to say.

"Hey, Blaine," Claire said, waving a hand in front of his face. "What's up with you lately? You've been distracted and moody. Whenever I ask you something, I have to repeat myself a bunch of times. Is something bothering you?"

Blaine let out a dry laugh. "You've noticed, huh? Guess I can't hide it from you." He paused, his expression complicated. "It's funny. I should feel worse seeing you and Lucas back together. But honestly, I don't. It's weird—not heartbreaking or anything, just... odd."

Claire's face softened. "You're my best friend, Blaine. Of course, I notice when you're not okay." She hesitated before adding, "Maybe you should... you know..."

"Should what?" Blaine asked, walking toward the side door, Claire following close behind.

"You should think about finding a girlfriend," she blurted out.

Blaine stopped dead in his tracks, staring at her in disbelief. "What?"

"I mean, you've been on your own for so long. Maybe you're feeling lonely. If you had someone to share your life with, you might feel more like yourself again."

Blaine's eyes narrowed as he turned to face her. "Are you saying there's something wrong with me now? That I'm... not normal?"

"That's not what I meant!" Claire exclaimed, realizing her mistake. She stuck out her tongue in mock embarrassment before adding, "I just think it'd be good for you. Look at me and Lucas—we're so much happier together. Don't you want that for yourself?"

Blaine groaned, rubbing his temples. "You're starting to sound like my mom."

Claire chuckled, taking a seat in a nearby chair. "Well, I'm definitely too young to be your mom, so don't even go there. I just don't want you to be lonely, okay? I care about you."

Blaine sighed and sat down beside her. "It's not like I can just snap my fingers and make someone appear. Relationships don't work that way. Besides, it's all about timing and fate."

"Fair enough," Claire admitted, but her curiosity got the better of her. "Wait, are you saying someone's already been bugging you about this?"

Blaine's gaze shifted. "Maybe."

Claire raised an eyebrow, prompting him to continue.

"Fine," he relented. "Sophie Jackson's been calling me nonstop, telling me to find someone. She even asked you to nag me about it, didn't she?"

Claire's sheepish smile gave her away. "She said I should remind you daily. Average frequency: once a day."

Blaine groaned dramatically. "You know what? You're fired. I can't have someone on my team who spends their time hounding me to date."

Claire laughed. "Come on, Blaine. She's just looking out for you. And so am I."

"Well, tell her to back off. And no matchmaking, got it? I'm perfectly capable of finding someone—when the time's right."

"Fair enough," Claire said, holding her hands up in surrender.

Blaine smirked. "For the record, I'm not exactly hurting for attention. I've got plenty of women around. Just none that make my heart race, you know?"

"Maybe Sophie's just deflecting her own issues onto you," Claire teased. "Has Lucas ever mentioned her to you?"

"Nope. And that's just fine with me," Blaine replied. "It means he's moved on, which is great news for you. Congrats, Claire. You've officially won the relationship lottery."

Claire crossed her arms, feigning indignation. "Excuse me? Do I look like the type to bully anyone, especially Lucas?"

Blaine chuckled, shaking his head. "You know, your current stance is classic. Want me to take a picture so you can see for yourself?"

Claire relaxed and playfully flicked his nose. "I was just trying to cheer you up, Blaine. Trust me, the right girl will come along for you. You'll see."

Blaine raised an eyebrow, his confidence returning. "Of course. A guy like me? Exceptional, one of a kind. When she shows up, it'll be unforgettable."

Claire smiled and held out her hand for a high five. "Here's to good luck for good people."

Blaine slapped her hand with a grin, his spirits visibly lifted.