Page 69 of A Heart of Little Faith

“I like Cyberchase too,” she said.

At Tom’s quizzical expression, Gideon jumped in. “That’s a math cartoon. It teaches kids math, but makes it cool.”

“That’s the best way to do it.”

“Claire, why don’t you tell Tom about your school project,” Lily suggested. As Claire explained it to Tom, Gideon leaned over to Lily. He caressed her knee and she jumped. The table rattled and she averted her gaze.

“Are you okay?” Gideon asked. Concern oozed from his deep brown eyes, but she couldn’t face him, couldn’t answer him. How could she possibly tell him she was worried about what Tom would think of their relationship? He’d never understand.

“I’m fine.”

Gideon arched an eyebrow. “Really?”

She smiled, but it only stretched her mouth into a brief grimace before sliding off her face. “Really.”

Gideon reached for her under the table and squeezed her fingers. The pressure on her cold fingers enabled her to fill her lungs with much needed air. She squeezed back, blushed, and pulled away. The last time she’d shown any kind of affection for anyone in front of Tom was with Daniel. The similarities and differences overwhelmed her. Her heart raced and her throat closed.

“Can I get anyone anything from the kitchen,” she croaked as she rose and searched for an escape. When everyone shook their heads no, she fled. She stood over the kitchen sink, ran the water, braced herself and took a deep breath. The cold metal sink soothed her and she gripped it hard enough to make her knuckles whiten.Breathe. It’s going to be fine. They’re going to like each other.

Unable to delay any longer, she returned to the dining room, avoided eye contact with anyone, sat and let Gideon’s and Tom’s conversation wash over her.

As dinner ended, Lily stood and motioned for Claire to start clearing the table. Tom rose to help, but Lily brushed him away.

“No, it’s okay, Tom. It’s Claire’s job. Right, kiddo?”

Claire made a face, but carefully walked around the table collecting plates. As her daughter cleared, Lily reset the table for dessert. The monotonous task gave her something to focus on and the clink of the silverware soothed her. When everyone was seated again, and the coffee percolated, she served Gideon’s dessert—chocolate mousse pie. Her mouth watered and suddenly, she was hungry again. She studied the pie with a gleam in her eye.

“Well you certainly know the way to her heart,” Tom chuckled as he helped himself to a large slice. Lily’s face burned and she stuffed a piece in her mouth as Gideon snorted.

“She’s been pretty clear about the chocolate thing,” he agreed.

Claire scarfed the pie and Lily told her to say goodnight. As she hugged everyone, Lily brought out the coffee.

“I’ll be back in a few minutes.” She looked from one man to the other. “Help yourselves to more dessert and coffee, and try not to make my ears ring too badly,” she said, only half joking. They leered at her and she made her escape.

Ten minutes later, Lily closed the door to Claire’s room, leaned against it for support and watched the two men in her dining room. They ate without speaking. It didn’t seem strained, but you never knew with men.Especially when one of those men was Gideon.

She squared her shoulders, mentally shook herself and entered the dining room. As she sat down, she gave them a determined smile. They laughed. Lily looked from one to the other, but that only made their eyes water. She interrupted them, but neither one of them answered her questions. She crossed her arms and waited for them to calm down, as her face heated. Finally, with several false stops and lots of sputters, they quieted.

“Did I miss something?” she demanded.

Tom and Gideon started to smile again.

“Oh no you don’t, not again!” exclaimed Lily with exasperation. She reached for something to throw at them, and the two men covered their mouths until they successfully stemmed the glee. “Now come on, tell me what’s funny.”

“You are,” said Tom.

“Me? Why?”

“Because you walked in here ready to face a firing squad,” Gideon answered. He took a sip of his coffee and stared at her over the cup’s rim.

How did he know her so well? “I did not.”

“You did, babe.” Tom leaned in his chair and stroked his beard. His eyes twinkled. “Now that leaves me wondering…”

“Where you left your Santa suit?” Lily replied tartly.

Gideon choked on his coffee and tears came to his eyes. He wiped them and replaced his glasses.