Consequences(78)

Thinking about Bonnie made Claire laugh at the irony. She thought Claire was securing a sugar daddy. The reality couldn’t be farther from the truth; however, at that moment, instead of wanting to explain, she was honored to be associated with Anthony Rawlings. Irrational best described her thoughts. Maybe if she could get her body and mind to work together she could devise some kind of plan. The sound of the suite door closing brought her thoughts to the present.

Tony didn’t speak, but his eyes did, acknowledging Claire on the balcony and bidding her to enter. She did. Determined to continue the bogus act of strength, she walked within inches of him and stood her ground. He didn’t greet her, instead he lifted her chin. His eyes looked as cold as the feel of his icy hand. Claire knew without a doubt—this would not be good. “What did we discuss just before we arrived at the Simmons?”

Her eyes flashed fire but her words sounded respectful. “I told you I wouldn’t let you down and I didn’t.”

“Actions have consequences, I’ve told you that. Why is that difficult for you to understand?”

“Tony, it isn’t. If—” He stopped her, not with a gentle finger to the lips but with a slap to her left cheek. Claire stopped speaking, her eyes moist; nonetheless, she refused to look away or back down.

“Actions have consequences. I’ve been thinking quite a bit about an appropriate punishment.”

Claire decided she had nothing to lose—punishment was coming—she might as well push her luck. “Tony, if you would please let me speak. I know your decision is set, but allow me to talk.”

He nodded and told her to make it quick.

“I was nervous about going to this barbeque today, but I had a wonderful time. Courtney was the perfect hostess and very charming. Everyone was nice to me. I really didn’t know what to expect”—she tried to hurry—“Well, everyone except Bonnie. By the way, I overheard Bonnie and MaryAnn talking and everyone there had your back. That includes me. Sue—well Sue is lonely. She told me Tim works long hours, which she mentioned he enjoys, but she’s lonely. At some point, she asked me for my number. I don’t have one—as you know—but I thought that sounded dumb—everyone has a cell phone—so I just said I didn’t have it with me and I didn’t know my number. I never call myself. So, I’m guessing that’s why she gave me her number. I really didn’t know she was going to do it. If I had, would I have had her do it right in front of you?”

Tony hadn’t stopped her, so she decided to keep rambling, pacing a little. “When Courtney introduced me to Tim and Sue, I told Tim I’d heard good things about him—from you. I can only guess that made Sue and I instant friends. Women love to hear good things about their husbands. I would have told you if I’d gotten the number without you knowing. I have no way of calling, and if I just didn’t call, it would appear rude. I know how you feel about appearances.” She didn’t know what else to say, but at least she had said her piece. “I really did well today, this was just a misunderstanding, and your friends were very nice.”

She stood and maintained eye contact. Tony continued speaking as if no words had been uttered. “I’ve decided you may choose. Perhaps you would like to know your choices?”

Claire’s heart sank as she lowered herself into a chair at the table and looked away. Nothing she’d said mattered. He hadn’t listened to a word. Defeat filled her voice, “Tony, your decision is made; I don’t care.” She silently smirked at the piece of paper on the table when she saw the title she’d written: positives from my day.