Consequences(75)

Next, were Sue and Tim. “Tim, I’ve heard wonderful things about you.” Claire watched as Sue’s smile widened and Tim’s expression softened. He seemed stressed. She understood; working for Tony could do that to a person. She hoped some positive reinforcement would help.

Then it was on to Eli and MaryAnn. It didn’t take Claire long to understand what Tony meant by Elijah enjoying his own stories. Lastly, Courtney introduced Claire to the couple with Eli and MaryAnn, Chance and Bonnie. Claire wasn’t prepared for this couple. She wondered if Tony knew they were there. Courtney explained that Chance was an associate of Eli’s in town for a visit, so of course they were welcome to join them. Chance seemed nice enough, but Bonnie made no secret of her evaluation of Claire.

Courtney offered Claire a drink. Requesting water, Courtney obliged but suggested Claire considered something a little more fun. “We have some fantastic sangria.”

Just then Tony and Brent joined them in the kitchen. Tony looked so relaxed wearing jeans and holding a beer, it almost made Claire laugh. Appearances were everything.

Brent did his own barbequing, and the men joined him out on the patio. The women gathered around the island as Courtney busied with side dishes. They all offered to help but she wouldn’t hear of it, confessing she hadn’t prepared a thing. Her cook did it all yesterday and now she was only putting them into the appropriate dishes. The conversation quickly went to cooking. Some enjoyed it, others did not. Did Claire enjoy cooking? She told them she did. Did Tony like her cooking? She laughed and said she hadn’t prepared many meals for him. She left out the part about her not cooking in over five months because she’d been held hostage.

It seemed like Bonnie tried to ask more Claire specific questions, but Courtney did a fantastic job of moving the conversation. Claire had apparently made a quick friend of Sue by complimenting her husband. Sue ran flank for Courtney, helping Claire avoid the invasive inquiries.

Sue looked about Claire’s age, mid to late twenties, very pretty, blonde and tan. It was nice to talk to a female who was her contemporary. While the men cooked, Claire learned that Sue had a degree in art appreciation and worked part-time at the art museum in Davenport. Tim didn’t feel Sue needed to work. Financially, she didn’t; however, Tim worked long hours and she needed something to do with her time. After she mentioned the long hours, Sue immediately added, “But he’s glad to do it.” It took a minute, but Claire realized the additional information was because she was the boss’ companion.

The dinner tasted fabulous. Claire hadn’t eaten normal food in five months, everything was always healthy. She wanted to devour the entire platter of hamburgers; however, she chose the barbecued chicken—or Tony did for her. She managed some of Courtney’s homemade side dishes and savored every bite.

The conversation remained benign and chatty. Bonnie didn’t only question Claire any chance she could, she also approached Tony. When they were introduced, Chance had the good sense to address Tony as Mr. Rawlings. Bonnie wasn’t as astute. Of course, Tony told Chance that at gatherings of friends he could call him Anthony.

Tony had been right about his inner circle. Even Eli was annoyed at Bonnie’s abrasive curiosity. Claire didn’t need to lie or deceive. Bonnie continually found herself cut off before Claire had a chance to respond.

After they ate, the men retired to a lower level. Claire would later learn that it contained a beautiful handcrafted bar, pool table, and large television. The women took a bottle of wine and sat on the sun porch. The sunshine with the cool air felt wonderful. To be sitting with five other women chatting felt like a performance—unreal. Their conversation ran from books, to movies, to sexy movie stars. MaryAnn shared some inside scoop on some of Eli’s clients. Sexy stars led to sex. Claire politely excused herself and asked Courtney about the ladies’ room.