Consequences(129)

“I haven’t.”

“Good, I want to review it first. Emily said you don’t think it’s necessary, and I should drop it, but I’m your brother. I’ve known you since you were a little girl. Let someone who has your best interests at heart make sure you’re represented.”


“Thank you, John. I believe Tony has my best interests at heart. I don’t care about his money, I trust him, and I—” Claire saw the change in John’s expression. Oh God! She knew by the increased twisting in her stomach Tony was behind her. When she turned, she looked directly at his chest—he was right behind her.

Continuing Claire’s sentence, Tony said, “And I believe this conversation would be better held in a private setting.” His voice exuded displeasure; however, they were standing in the hallway of a public restaurant. Claire knew that in this setting he wouldn’t be loud, rude, or aggressive.

She looked up to see his face and watched the brown disappear behind the expanding blackness. “Tony—” Claire started to speak—saw his warning expression—and immediately stopped.

Tony continued, “Shall we all go to our table? I believe our waitress would like to introduce herself. John, you and Emily are welcome to join us in our car. We’ll be glad to drive you back to your hotel following dinner. At that time, if you choose, you may continue your legal counsel.”

Claire prayed he would not choose to continue. She knew from experience, there were some things not worth pursuing.

John looked from Tony—to Claire—and back to Tony. Sounding strong and defiant, he replied, “That would be fine, Anthony. I appreciate the offer. We’ll be glad to join you.” He then lightened his tone. “Emily told me you have a very nice car.” They all walked toward the table.

“Thank you, it isn’t mine. I lease cars in the city. Too many accidents with all the traffic…” And the conversation continued benignly to the table and throughout dinner.

Claire knew Tony, and she knew he was angry. To the casual onlooker, he appeared fine. He excelled at the art of maintaining appearances. He chatted, listened, laughed, and watched. Every now and then, his and Claire’s eyes would connect. She wanted to tell him she was sorry—she hadn’t asked for the counsel—but of course, she maintained her mask and didn’t approach the subject. Emily didn’t know about the hallway conversation and innocently conversed.

By the end of dinner Emily and Claire decided Claire would wear the Vera Wang dress. She liked the lace sleeves, and they agreed it would be best for a winter wedding. They also decided on the dress for Emily. Tony had printed off all the contact information for the boutique, and Claire gave it to Emily. She explained that unfortunately Emily would need to return to the city one or two more times for fittings. Emily said it would be all right.

John asked what time in the morning their flight was back to Iowa. Claire looked at Tony. She didn’t want to say, “Oh, we can go anytime. It’s Tony’s jet.” He answered, “We plan to leave early. This wedding is coming together very fast. Our wedding planner will be at the house tomorrow at 2:00 PM. Luckily, we gain an hour on our way back.” Claire sighed—he was good. She also decided he either genuinely started to relax or he could fool her too; regardless, he appeared very accommodating.

After their appetizers, salads, and main entrée, they all had coffee. Surprisingly, after the uncomfortable hallway confrontation, the dinner went well. Earlier, back at the apartment, Claire had shared Emily’s comments regarding the cost of the wedding with Tony. He hadn’t said much other than to acknowledge her concerns, but apparently he’d developed a plan. “John and Emily, I want to thank you for joining us this Thanksgiving. It means so much to Claire. She’s told me about the loss of your family—the two of you are important to her”—Claire listened intently, as did the two of them—“I can be impulsive. I must admit after so many years of bachelorhood, I’m delighted to have met the one woman I want to spend my life beside”—he looked at Claire and smiled. She smiled in return—“That’s why Claire agreed to such a fast wedding. That can be difficult on those people closest to us. You may have had plans for that weekend, and I doubt you were planning a trip to Iowa”—he had everyone’s attention—“Therefore, I would be honored if you’d allow me to take care of your travel plans to and from Iowa. I’m speaking for Claire, but I believe she’d like you to be there a few days before the ceremony. Our home isn’t near hotels. Please know you’re invited to stay with us. We have room.” He sounded gallant and magnanimous.