Consequences(128)

She continued, “If we could, I’d cancel our dinner plans for tonight.”

He lifted her chin again and said, “You know that isn’t an option. We’ve made a commitment and we’ll honor it, but, I’m happy to know you want to be home with me—to our home. We’ll be there tomorrow.”

Claire nodded her head and said that yes—she knew. After a few moments, she picked up her mug of coffee and went to the bathroom for a shower.

Once there, she noticed the large garden tub. It wasn’t as though she hadn’t seen it before—it had been there all along—but it looked very inviting. Starting the warm water she decided to find out where they are going. When she opened the door to ask, Tony was sitting on the bed with his back to her. He had her purse open, the contents strewn on the bed, searching for something—perhaps something Claire had that she shouldn’t have had—maybe evidence of her being somewhere with Emily, instead of the bridal boutique. There was nothing—she’d followed his rules. Claire considered saying something—confronting him about privacy—instead she quietly closed the door and thanked God she’d given him the paper with the telephone number.

Eric pulled up to the restaurant on the Upper East Side at approximately 7:45 PM. Claire was very pleased with Tony’s plans for the evening. First, the quaint, casual seafood restaurant was away from the hustle and bustle of the busy streets, and second, it wasn’t as elegant as their normal dining establishments. Claire also approved of Tony’s choice of attire, they both wore jeans. When they left the bedroom, Claire told Tony again how much she liked him in jeans. He reminded her how much he liked her out of them. Their eyes sparkled.

Although their reservation had been moved to 8:00 PM, and although the Hyatt wasn’t far, Emily and John weren’t there yet. Since their table wasn’t ready, Tony and Claire went to the bar to wait. Tony directed Claire to one unoccupied stool at the end of the bar. She sat while he stood beside her, ordered himself a designer beer and Claire a glass of Zinfandel.

Sitting at the bar reminded Claire of the Red Wing. Compartmentalize. Truly, she felt much better than she had earlier; perhaps it was the nap, the bath, the coffee, Tony’s understanding—regarding her long day, or just some time to relax away from questions. Whatever the cause, her spirit felt revived and ready for the evening. They chatted about the different bottles of liquor lining the bar. While Claire recalled some of her bartending knowledge, she talked about most of the liquors from the first-person. She commented on drinks she liked, ones she didn’t, and why. Tony seemed amused that she’d tried so many. After all, he said, “You’ve only been legally drinking for six years.”

Claire smiled and repeated the word legally. They were chatting and laughing when John and Emily approached.

Proceeding with the customary round of hellos and handshakes, Emily and John ordered drinks, stood conversing about nothing in particular, and before long their table was ready. John, Emily, and Claire went to the table while Tony stayed back to pay the bar tab.

Once the hostess took them to their table, Claire excused herself to go to the ladies’ room. As she exited the bathroom—which was located down a narrow hall—she was surprised to find John waiting for her. “Well, hi—did you think I was lost?” Claire started to pass him, thinking they were going back to the table, when John reached for her arm and stopped her.

“Claire, I really need to talk to you without Anthony present.”

Her stomach twisted. “No, John, you don’t.”

He spoke soft and fast. “Yes, I do. Tell me you haven’t yet signed a prenuptial agreement.”