Chapter 36

Chapter 36

Claire pov.

I wipe the sweat from my forehead with the back of my hand and use the other one to pull down the handle of the steam press onto a giant custom birthday banner. My naked body glistens with a light coating of sweat as I sit, only in my apron, on the stool. Ivy’s naked week made me realize that I enjoyed working in the nude, and I haven’t stopped since then. But not even nude crafting can make me feel better right now. Since brunch, it’s felt like the walls are closing in on me. The reality I had to run from has finally caught up with me and there’s nothing I can do. The only thing that claims me is throwing myself into work. Creating beautiful projects that people use to celebrate their most cherished moments put me at ease. So, last night and tonight, the night before Jane gets to town, I work, trying to keep my mind busy and my nerves at ease.

Every time my mind drifts off to the reality of tomorrow, I feel like I can’t breathe. The weight on my chest starts