Lucky Break (Lucky 3)

“If fate wants you to find out, then you will,” Clara assured her.

Jason scowled. “Can’t you offer her better advice than relying on fate?”

Clara shook her head, wishing she could. “Some things need to be figured out without influence. I can tell you that you seem closer to discovery rather than farther.”

“I’m confused,” Lauren admitted.

“That’s because Clara’s being deliberately cryptic,” Jason said, his frustration clear.

“Trust yourselves. Your instincts.” Clara leaned closer. “Your feelings.”

Lauren smiled. “Thank you. I really appreciate your time.” She drank from her cup for the first time. “Mmm. This tea is delicious.”

Clara smiled. “Let me send you home with some. It will help relax

you.”

“That would be nice.” Lauren gathered her coat and stood.

Rising, Jason helped her put it on before shrugging his own jacket over his shoulders. “Thanks, Clara. I appreciate it, too.”

“My pleasure. You’re family to me. If you’d like, I can put some items together for you that will lure good spirits to the house.” She’d have to give some thought to what would help the most.

Lauren’s cheeks flushed with excitement and interest. “I’d love that.”

“Good. I’ll drop them off with the tea later this afternoon.” She walked them to the door.

“You don’t mind coming over?” Lauren asked, suddenly hesitant.

Clara paused at the shop entrance. “Why would I?”

Lauren glanced at Jason, as if unsure whether she should speak.

“My father and Uncle Hank refused an invitation to come in,” he explained. “Nice and neighborly, huh?” Embarrassed, he shoved his hands into the pockets of his leather jacket.

“Don’t be too hard on them. It’s difficult to overcome years of ingrained fear. Give them time.” Clara’s voice was gentle.

Jason shook his head. “Why bother when some things never change?”

Clara gently tapped his cheek with her hand. “You’re too skeptical for your own good.”

He grinned. “What can I say? At least I’m here.”

“Which I take as a very good omen. And speaking of good omens, did you know your father paid a visit to Edward?”

Jason’s shock rippled through the air around them. Clara could feel it.

“What for? Did he threaten to steal you away if Uncle Edward didn’t step up?” Jason exuded anger.

The poor man had mixed feelings toward his parent. Not that Clara blamed him. His father’s generation of Corwins were a confusing, complex lot.

She hoped she could soften his attitude. “Actually he apologized and said he wanted to reconcile. He told Edward about his original plan to make him jealous by pursuing me.” Clara shifted uncomfortably at the thought. “Then he changed his mind and opted for honesty with his brother instead.”

“Really?” Lauren asked. “That’s such a positive step. Jason?” She nudged him with her arm. “It sounds like you got through to your father.”

Jason nodded slowly. “Maybe. Did Uncle Edward accept the olive branch?”

Clara sighed. “Not yet. But he did relay the story to me clearly, without anger, without ranting and raving. And that is progress of another kind. Who knows what will happen next.”