Consequences(224)

Courtney blushed. Tony embraced Claire—she’d filled him in on her packing advice—they kissed. Brent looked at Courtney questionably. She grinned. “I’ll explain later.” That made them giggle some more. The year began with a bang.


Although Tony contacted Claire directly each evening, she didn’t feel like she’d gained any liberties regarding communication. Emily had her number and would leave text messages and voicemails. Claire could read them or listen to them, but she couldn’t respond until Tony’s input was added. She learned deleting texts or voicemails was strictly forbidden—apparently, it implied hiding. She didn’t ask, but wondered why? If Tony had access to every text, why did he need to see it—on her phone—before she deleted it?

The Simmons left for Fiji, and Tony missed Brent. Claire found it amusing. He would never admit Brent’s full worth, yet his absence left Tony lacking. She planned to share this secret knowledge upon their return. Courtney asked Claire to fill in with her multiple charities during her absence. Being January—the heart of her winter blues—Claire happily agreed to the additional tasks. Unfortunately, Claire agreed to help Courtney without first consulting Tony.

“I agree they’re admirable charities. I don’t think you need to be gone that much.”

“It’s only for two weeks, and I already said I would help.”

“You agreed without discussing it. Did you forget about your responsibilities here? I certainly hope you’re not having memory problems—again.”

“I didn’t forget, and I’m sorry. I just wanted to help a friend. I promise nothing will go undone here.”

“You’re right, because you won’t be going, or do you not feel taking care of your husband is important?”

Claire knew her pleas were useless. “Tony, I’m sorry.”

She called each organization—“I’m truly sorry I won’t be able to attend your meeting. It seems that I’ve double booked my calendar. If you could e-mail the information, I’ll forward it to Mrs. Simmons.” Those calls were made on the speaker feature of her new phone with her husband present. Suddenly, her calendar was open to Tony’s whims.

Although Tony would never admit it, Claire believed these consequences resulted more from Brent’s absence than from her insubordination. Her attraction toward her husband was waning. Experience taught her it was a cyclical process—it would wane and then it would wax. She encouraged herself to be patient for the wax.

This January was less snowy than the last, which helped Claire’s disposition. Less snow meant fewer clouds, and more sunshine. The Iowa air still registered below freezing, but the view from her suite wasn’t of frozen white tundra. The winter, combined with the feeling unpredictability was predictably returning, giving her the teetering on the fence sensation from before. Continuing her personal self-therapy, Claire reminded herself Courtney would be back in another week and spring was only three months away.

Admittedly, more of an attempt to pacify than an act of devotion, she tried desperately to alleviate Tony’s concerns. She obediently waited for him each evening, dressed appropriately for his arrival, attentively listened to his day and concerns, discussed her e-mails, texts, voicemails, and expressed her undying affection. She even chose to not pursue the e-mails and text messages from Emily. That was, until she heard a recent voicemail. The distress in her sister’s voice was unnerving. She respectfully asked Tony if they could call.

They did, from Claire’s telephone. Having her cell phone saved the long walk to his office. They tried three times and didn’t receive an answer. Tony willingly agreed to try again later. When they finally reached Emily, the information from the call was difficult for Claire to fathom—John had been accused of fraudulent billing. The Vandersols were devastated.