Consequences(169)

The outdoor adventure was exhilarating—cold air, brilliant snow, and muscle exertion from skiing. The warming up process had been remarkable—crackling fire, soft rug, and tender lovemaking. The lunch was warm—soup, Panini, and hot coffee. Now they’d shared, talked, and been totally honest with one another. Feeling drained, Claire’s body melted against his. She waited for his response, knowing her fate didn’t rest in her own hands. She had no choice but to trust the man who had her wrapped affectionately in his arms. Closing her eyes she listened to his heart, his breathing, and drifted off to sleep.





Nobody can go back and start a new beginning but anyone can start today and make a new ending.



—Maria Robinson





Chapter Thirty-Five


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Grandma Nichols once said—the only constant in life is change. Claire prayed those changes would be good. After their heart-to-heart, she began to see small signs that gave her hope.

The afternoon of their talk, she awoke on the leather sofa in Tony’s suite. Hugging the warm comforter, she gazed around. The diminishing daylight accentuated by the glow of the crackling fire illuminated the room. She was alone. At first, she assumed her husband was in the adjoining bath or dressing room, but open doors and silence soon told her otherwise. This had never happened. His suite had technology. She’d seen him use it. The large framed screen could access the world at a click of a remote.

Tentatively, Claire rose and walked to his bureau. The top left drawer contained that key to accessibility. She didn’t want to point and click—she needed to know if she could. The internal monologue began Can Tony see me? He’d never talked about cameras in his suite. Did they exist? Is this a test? A trap? She asked for the ability to upset him. Claire decided she needed to know if she’d been granted that chance.

Her hand trembled as she gripped the slender handle. What if the drawer was locked or the remote was gone? Calling upon her courage and strength, she pulled. Through the darkness and into the cavernous depth, she saw it—silver with black buttons. The remote was there, available to her. Emotions swept through her—relief—she was getting the chance she requested. Happiness—he was trusting her. Sadness—she couldn’t touch it. Fear—would he catch her? She listened for the sound of footsteps—or worse—doors opening. The only sound came from the fireplace. Claire carefully closed the drawer, walked back to the sofa, and collapsed onto the soft cushions. The flames flickered as the scene melted before her moistening eyes. She pulled her knees into her chest and watched the blaze before her. Fear and sadness pushed relief and happiness away. Summoning the happiness, she told herself—this was a good thing. She attempted to regain her composure before she left his suite.


About a week later, she sat perched on a high stool with her Gucci heeled boots teetering on a wooden rod, listening to her friend’s voice—more evidence of progress. Claire loved Courtney’s company. She could talk enough for the both of them—making Claire laugh in the process. Today, Courtney was talking about the Red Cross, the amazing job it did responding to natural disasters and helping the citizens of Iowa and the United States. She explained the financial problems facing the organization with donations decreasing and needs increasing. Courtney was the fund-raising chairman for the Quad City Chapter. She asked Claire to help with her committee, believing they had the connections to individuals and businesses who were surviving the economic slowdown. They could use those connections to help raise money. She asked Claire which fund-raisers she thought would be most profitable. They discussed the pros and cons of an auction—banquet—sports—tournament—or raffle—there were so many possibilities. Courtney wanted to exceed last year’s goal.