Consequences(126)

Emily gave Claire her cell number as she got out of the limousine and told Claire it was a great day, and she looked forward to their dinner tonight. They hugged and Emily went into the hotel. As Eric pulled away, Claire laid her head against the seat and tears leaked from her eyes as they closed. Her head throbbed and she felt utterly spent. Somewhere between the Hyatt and Tony’s apartment building Claire fell into a sound sleep.


“Ms. Claire, we have reached Mr. Rawlings’ apartment.” She heard Eric’s voice. Claire opened her eyes but was immediately disoriented. Trying to familiarize herself with her surroundings, she soon realized she was in the limousine, outside Tony’s apartment building. The cool November air from the open door helped Claire focus. She entered the building and went up to the seventy-sixth floor. As the elevator opened, Claire’s face suddenly flushed and her heart rate increased. Standing at the open door to his apartment was Tony.





I think I’ve discovered the secret of life—you just hang around until you get used to it.



—Charles M. Shulz





Chapter Twenty-Seven


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Seeing your fiancé across the room should make your heart race. Seeing her fiancé standing in the doorway did that to Claire; however, instead of accelerated by love though—she presumed it was anxiety. Upon entering the building, her watch read 5:30 PM. Her thoughts churned slowly through her aching head. Obviously, he finished his work. She wanted to get home first—she had Eric. How did he get home?

“Good evening, Claire.” His expression indifferent, she couldn’t read him.

Her mask was secure. The nap had helped her headache, no longer did it pound—now it only gently ached. “Good evening, Tony.” She reached up to kiss him and he bent down to accommodate her.

“You look beat. Did you find a gown?” He led her into the apartment. Claire exhaled and tried to explain the complexity of the day. The boutique was wonderful—too wonderful—with a selection that was too large. He helped her with her coat, gave it to Jan, and escorted her up the stairs to the bedroom. Halfway up the stairs, Claire remembered coffee.

“Oh, just a minute”—she said to Tony. Then she called down the stairs—“Jan?” Claire stopped and went back down the stairs. Again she called, “Jan?”

The housekeeper returned to the foyer. “Yes, Ms. Claire?”

“I need something from my coat pocket, please.” Still holding her coat, Jan handed it back. Claire removed a small piece of paper from one of the pockets. “Thank you, could you please bring coffee upstairs?”

Jan replied affirmatively and disappeared with Claire’s coat.

Claire proceeded up the stairs to Tony where he waited patiently—silently watching her. She handed him the piece of paper. He took it, unfolded it, and asked, “What’s this?”

“It’s Emily’s cell number. She gave it to me so I could call her with details of tonight’s plans.” Tony’s expression didn’t change as he wadded the paper, put it in the pocket of his slacks, and continued to escort Claire up the stairs. She wasn’t sure what his actions meant; however, his lack of response probably meant the end of that conversation. “I’m sorry I’m so late. I had no idea this would be such a long day.”

Tony said that it was all worth it if she found her wedding gown. She told him she had it narrowed to two. The boutique had her measurements, and all they needed was a call to let them know her decision; however, Ms. Springhill emphasized she must do it soon. Claire told Tony she would appreciate his opinion. He told her he trusted her judgment.