Consequences(73)

While in the shower, she contemplated the impending barbeque. It was a new situation—a new test—and as such, made her anxious. She hadn’t received a direct answer to her question, so Claire decided to approach the people at the barbeque as she was told to approach Emily. She would try to turn conversation away from herself and divulge as little information as possible. Evasive answers would be best. There was a time she loved parties, getting together with people, laughing, talking, and sharing. Now, she was petrified of saying or doing something wrong.

Stepping from the shower, Claire discovered her clothes on her bed. Sometimes that upset her, other times, like today, it was reassuring—one less decision to mess up. She did her hair, make-up, and dressed. At 10:30 AM she was ready—an hour before they were to leave.

The balcony held two chairs. She sat plaintively and watched the trees through sunglassed eyes. The bright sunshine caused a rapid increase in temperature as the trees rustled in the gentle breeze. Vibrant hues of yellow and orange were beginning to emerge from the green canvas. Her mind wandered through the woods to her lake. She hadn’t been back since Tony’s return. That was to say—physically. Mentally she could be sitting on the shore, watching the minnows or listening to the water rhythmically lap the shore at any time. As a matter of fact she was sitting on the shore, in her mind, when Tony materialized behind her. “Oh, good morning, Tony, I didn’t hear you enter.”

He eased himself into the other chair. “Good morning, where were you?”

“I’ve been here. I have nowhere else to go.”

“You seemed far away.”

“I was thinking about the trees—being partially honest—“Their leaves are already changing.”

It was as if he never really looked at them—so he did. “I guess they are—that happens.” He didn’t concern himself with matters he couldn’t influence. “Are you ready for our outing?” She said she was and they proceeded down the grand stairs. “I have a car out front, we can go.”

When Tony opened the door she saw a small Lexus SC 10 convertible, but no Eric. Tony opened the passenger door and she got in. He went around to the driver’s seat. She couldn’t help but smile at him. He wore jeans that accentuated his trim waist, a button-down shirt, white, which showed his tan, his powerful chest, and shoulders. His hair was perfect. As she beheld his profile she saw the “red-hot sexy” People Magazine mentioned.

Glancing at her as he started the car, he noticed her smile seemed different. “What?” he asked.

“I guess I forgot you drive, without Eric I mean.”

Tony smiled. “I love to drive; however, it’s more advantageous to be driven and accomplish work during my commutes.”

The convertible felt liberating with the wind and air invigorating their senses. Thankfully, Claire decided to wear her hair in a side braid. She laid her head on the headrest and watched the road twist and turn, the vibrant sapphire blue of the sky and the autumn colors making picture-perfect views as Tony drove the narrow country roads. Claire inhaled the aromatic autumn air as memories of pumpkins and leaves filled her subconscious.

The car slowed to a stop along a quiet side road. Tony gently touched Claire’s braid. “Good choice of style”—he smiled—“I’m needed in Chicago for a couple of days next week”—He continued to play with the end of her braid. Claire thought about her lake—“I’ve made you an appointment at a very exclusive spa in my apartment building”—her attention refocused on him and his words—“Your hair needs trimming and you can have a manicure, pedicure, full body massage, and sauna—whatever you desire.”