Consequences(177)

“Do you need me? I’d like to go upstairs. The morning wore me out,” Claire asked, as she stood to leave.

He picked up a manila folder and handed it to her. “I’d like you to stay here while you look at these.” She took the folder to the sofa and sat down. The content of the folder was a mystery. She suddenly had visions of Tony with the Meredith Banks interview. Sometimes compartmentalized memories would sneak out.

She opened the folder to find over an inch thick stack of papers. They were printed e-mails. Her mind moved slowly, exhausted from the interview process and dulled from her headache. Confused, she asked, “What are these?”

“Your invitations.” Granting her another freedom—he watched as she read. She looked at the top e-mail:

To: Anthony Rawlings, [email protected]

From: Courtney Simmons, [email protected]

Date: February 25, 2011

Subject: For Claire, attachment

Please let Claire know that our meeting is scheduled for next Wednesday at noon, but I would like to get together before that so we can brainstorm. We need to get the fund-raising calendar set by the next meeting. Attached is a file she needs to review. If one of you could let me know when a good time to get together is I would appreciate it. —Courtney

(Paper clipped to the e-mail was a five-page report)

Claire didn’t know what to say, finally she weakly managed, “Thank you.” He didn’t reply, but watched and continued to evaluate her response. She went back to the stack. The e-mail under Courtney’s was from Emily. It too was dated February 25, 2011; however—it was a series of correspondences.

February 25, 2011

Hi, it is me again. I realize that Claire is busy with her new responsibilities, but I would like to talk to her. I’m usually home most evenings. It has been almost two months. I have sent many e-mails and tried numerous times to call. Thank you, Emily.

February 11, 2011

Mrs. Rawlings is unable to respond to your request at this time.

Patricia M.

February 9, 2011

Hello, this is Emily Vandersol, again. Could you please inform Mrs. Rawlings that her sister would like to speak to her? Thank you.

February 2, 2011

Mrs. Rawlings is unable to respond to your request at this time.

Patricia M.

February 1, 2011

Hello, Emily Vandersol here. I’m the sister of Mrs. Rawlings. I’m not sure who is replying to these e-mails. I have attempted to reach Mr. Rawlings to no avail. Please inform Mr. Rawlings or Mrs. Rawlings that my husband and I would like to talk with them. We would be happy to meet them if they plan a trip to New York, or a telephone call would be acceptable. I look forward to your response.

January 23, 2011

Mrs. Rawlings is unable to respond to your request at this time.

Patricia M.

January 22, 2011

Hello, Anthony, are you receiving my e-mails? I know that you have learned of John’s decision. I would like to talk to you and Claire. We need to be sure this job thing doesn’t affect our family relationship. Let me talk to you about John and his reasoning. Please pass this on to Claire. I will be home all weekend, she can call anytime. Thanks. Em.

January 17, 2011

Mrs. Rawlings is unable to respond to your request at this time.

Patricia M.

January 15, 2011

Hi, Anthony and Claire, I had hoped we could talk, but I haven’t been able to reach you. John is meeting with Tom on Monday. It would be nice if I could talk with Claire and settle a few things before John’s meeting. I hope you check your e-mails on the weekend. I will be waiting for your or Claire’s call. By the way, I saw some of your wedding photos in the grocery store this morning. You two looked wonderful. Please call.