“What?” I demanded, startled by her sudden switch in mood. “What’s wrong?” “I’m so sad, Gerard.” My heart seemed to both stop and speed up at the same time when those words came out of her mouth. “You’re sad?” Instantly, I had this primal urge to make it better. To make her happy. “Why are you sad, babe?” “Ugh.” Groaning in discomfort, she covered her face with her hands and leaned forward. “Forget it.” “Hey – hey, look at me, Claire.” Crouching down in front of her, I pried her hands away and forced her to look at me. “Talk to me.” Her brown eyes locked on mine, hazy and focused for a long
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