Consequences(76)

It was on her way back to the porch when she overheard MaryAnn and Bonnie in a room off the main hall. “Bonnie, what’s your problem? You’re embarrassing yourself with your persistence about Claire and Tony.”

“I’m an inquisitive person. I want to find out what the rest of the world wants to know. Why is he, Anthony Rawlings, interested in her? She’s a nobody.”

“Frankly, Bonnie, it’s none of your damn business. It’s none of any of our business. Tony’s a private man, and as far as a nobody, I guess that depends on who you ask. Tony must think she’s somebody. If he wants Claire in his life—good for him.”

“Hell no! Good for her!” Bonnie exclaimed. “The guy is drop-dead gorgeous and has money to burn. He hardly takes his eyes off her. Do you think she paid for those clothes she’s wearing? The blouse alone is over five-hundred dollars. She’s getting herself a sugar daddy. Look how young and skinny she is, why she—”

“Stop it. Stop it now, or we’ll tell Courtney we need to leave. I’ll tell Eli what you’ve done and you and Chance will go back to California. Perhaps you can get started on Chance’s job search.” MaryAnn’s control of the situation made Claire smile. Bonnie told MaryAnn she would stop. Claire let them proceed to the porch and waited a few minutes before joining the group. Once there, she smiled at MaryAnn but didn’t glance toward Bonnie.

The men and women came together outside for some conversation, dessert, and drinks. Claire passed on the dessert and sat with Tony’s arm around her shoulders. Brent had a fire pit built into his patio. The cool autumn evening, crackling fire, warmth, and distinct aroma created a pleasurable atmosphere. At about 6:30 PM Tony whispered to Claire that they should leave. Everyone seemed genuinely saddened, Claire included.

It had been a nice day, better than anticipated.

As they said goodbyes, Sue handed Claire a piece of paper. Surprised, Claire opened it. It was a telephone number. “Call me, we can do lunch.” Claire smiled and said she would try.

They went to the car and drove away. Perhaps they drove a mile—maybe two when Tony stopped the car on the side of the road and put out his hand. He didn’t speak but she knew what he wanted. She placed Sue’s telephone number in his palm. “Tony—”

With the same hand that held the little white piece of paper he roughly covered her mouth. “Not now. We’ll discuss it when we get home.” He let go of her face and resumed driving.

No words were uttered during their drive home. Claire’s internal monologue however, raged: this is ridiculous. Sue was being friendly. I had no idea she would do such a thing. What is the big deal? Why does he have to react so fast and so violent like a freak’n tornado?

Tony pulled the car to the front door. He didn’t open Claire’s door. Instead, he told her to go to her suite, he’d be up later. He had things to do—like cancel a spa appointment. His tone was curt and his eyes dark. She wanted to run. Instead, she got out of the car and walked boldly into the house, through the large doors, up the grand staircase, and down the southeast corridor to her suite. Once she closed her door, she felt her heart race and her internal monologue continue: this was such a nice day. I met Tony’s friends, and they were nice. I wanted to tell him about what I heard. I wanted to tell him what a great time I had.

Claire knew what Anthony was doing. Starting in the car—he was contemplating—overthinking—and overanalyzing the entire situation. She knew if he would just let her, she could explain. Oh God! She wanted to lie down, scream, and cry. But, she also knew he could watch her every move. She refused to give him the satisfaction, refused to let him know how worried she was about his decision. Truthfully, she was worried—actually, terrified. Every bone in her body feared the possible return of his other persona.