"Nick you are totally my best friend now," Claire gushed, taking on a hint of pink in her cheeks and smiled broadly at the boy. "Seriously, that made me feel so much better. I mean, no one has been the least bit understanding...well, Gabriel has, but you really put it into perspective. Thank you."
She nodded, adding, "Pleasure's mine now. You lent an ear to a stranger and risked hearing my crazy story." She paused a beat to grin. "So, have you been here long? Played any shows yet?" Claire nodded at the guitar as she asked the latter question.