Consequences (69 page)

Emily e-mailed them the following week to decline Tony’s Thanksgiving invitation. She sincerely appreciated his offer but John barely took time to eat. He worked continually to rectify the inquiry.

Tony saw Claire’s disappointment and offered a
trip
anywhere for the holiday. Claire decided she would rather stay home and celebrate an old-fashioned Thanksgiving together. She wanted to cook him a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. He looked concerned but agreed as long as she would allow him to plan a getaway for their anniversary and Christmas. She agreed.

Giving the entire staff the day off, they lived through Thanksgiving dinner and even survived the carbohydrate overdose. Claire cooked turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, yams, yeast rolls, pumpkin pie, and vegetables. Tony obligingly ate some of everything, saying he liked it all. However, the exorbitant amount of calories contained within the meal far exceeded their usual diet. They both feared they may explode before the pumpkin pie with whipped cream was served.

Although she enjoyed cooking, Claire forgot how much she disliked cleaning. Tony encouraged her to leave it. The staff would take care of it the next day. Somewhere in the recesses of her mind she could hear her mother and grandmother, leaving it for someone else was unacceptable. She told Tony to watch football and she would take care of it.

To Claire’s surprise, Mr. Anthony Rawlings joined his wife in their kitchen and scrubbed pans, counters, and stove tops. Watching him, Claire decided he was even sexier washing dishes than he was in blue jeans.

After Thanksgiving the house burst with Christmas decorations. Catherine told Claire that prior to her presence there hadn’t been any decorations. She found that hard to believe. She didn’t ask for them, but did enjoy them. It wasn’t as extreme as it had been for the wedding, but it was festive. They entertained friends and some of Tony’s business associates. Claire was happy to open the house for others to see its merry charm.

On the Saturday before their anniversary they boarded Tony’s plane and flew west. This time Hawaii was their destination. On their trip to Fiji Tony promised Claire the opportunity to enjoy the Hawaiian Islands. They had ten days. Reminiscent of their honeymoon, they stopped in Los Angeles to refuel and continued another six hours to the island of Oahu, landing in Honolulu.

The difference with this trip was that Claire knew her journey’s end. She understood that when they landed in Honolulu they needed to board an inter-island flight to take them to the island of Lanai. It was a romantic getaway, not as secluded as their private island in Fiji but an island paradise nonetheless. Tony had asked her what she wanted and she had said sunshine and warmth. He delivered. She hadn’t told him she wanted to go alone, but Lanai was as secluded as you could get, and she was happy to have her husband with her.

This time they had a suite in a resort. An exquisitely spectacular suite complete with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Claire’s favorite amenity was the large private lanai. It included a daybed, dining table for two, and lounge chairs. Tony explained that they would have the suite for the entire stay but they would also spend a few nights on other islands. Tony now understood that Claire enjoyed sightseeing, so he planned excursions for Kauai, Oahu, and the Big Island.

Kauai’s spectacular cliffs, canyons, rainforests, and picturesque beaches took them two days and one night of exploration. Claire treasured being on Lumahai Beach, the place where “South Pacific” was filmed. In her mind she could see Mary Martin singing. Tony arranged private sea tours. They saw spinner dolphins, monk seals, green sea turtles, as well as natural wonders, the Na Pai Coast, open ceiling cave, and Honopu Valley Arch.

The day they spent on Oahu, they arrived early on an inter-island plane, rented a car, and Tony drove them around the island. They reverently visited Pearl Harbor, walking hand in hand and reading plaques and names. Tony drove them up Pali Highway through trees and dense forest vegetation until the city below disappeared and they found themselves in the clouds. It was Nuuanu Pali Outlook. They could see the Koolau Cliffs, amazingly lush coastline, and mountain peaks all from the stone terrace one thousand feet above the Oahu coast. The view was spectacular.

That evening they returned to Lanai for more private and sensual explorations. Neither of them moved fast or needy. Instead, they both were thorough, sensual, and loving. The sea breeze and sound of the surf provided the ultimate aphrodisiac, and their lovemaking went on and on.

On the Big Island they enjoyed a two-hour helicopter tour of Volcano Park. This was a first-time experience for both of them, and they found the process of creation and destruction thrilling. Claire couldn’t help remembering the volcano on Mount Etna in Sicily, also active. In one year she witnessed two active volcanoes erupting violently, yet without peril. Something told her she was pushing her luck.

The pilot explained to them that Pele, the Volcano goddess who lives in the volcano, is very unpredictable. It could continue to erupt for another one hundred years or it could quit tomorrow. Claire nodded her head, she understood unpredictability.

After the helicopter tour they spent a few hours hiking the trails that took them directly into volcanic craters, scalded deserts and rainforest, and a petroglyph. She read about them but to be in a volcanic tube exhilarated her. Another Big Island activity Tony insisted they complete was to walk on the Black Sand Beach. Claire didn’t think she would like
black
sand, sand, after all, is supposed to be white, but it was unusual and magnificent. Removing their shoes, Claire felt the warmth of the black sand under her feet. She’d expected it to be hot. Actually, she’d experienced hotter white sand in Florida, another unpredictable conclusion.

Christmas day they spent on Lanai in their suite. Claire was prepared for the holiday this year. She had a gift for Tony, an exquisite d. Freemont Swiss watch which she’d purchased on Rodeo Drive in October. If he had seen the bill he hadn’t said a thing. On Christmas morning he acted surprised and delighted. Claire knew how he appreciated punctuality.

Also planning ahead, Tony had a gift for Claire. However, his gift wasn’t as extravagant. Actually, it was very basic and left her speechless. He placed it in a slightly larger black velvet box, the kind that might contain a necklace. At first, she thought he forgot, but his grin indicated a scheme. “It isn’t jewelry, so I thought I could use a black box, but if you don’t want it . . .” He started to take the box back.

Smiling, she said, “No, I want it.” She pulled the box toward her, her curiosity getting the better of her. She lifted the lid to reveal a basic calling and texting only cellular telephone. Previously, she opened velvet boxes to lavish diamonds and gold that didn’t move her like this inexpensive cellular phone.

Watching her emerald eyes glisten Tony decided the accompanying lecture could wait. Claire felt like she received the milestone of liberties. It was a wonderful Christmas. That night, lying on the daybed under the stars, they listened to the sound of waves in the distance. Completely relaxed, spooning against her husband, Claire’s mind went back to a snowy afternoon in Tony’s suite. That afternoon she made requests. She also made a request as they lay upon a rug in Lake Tahoe. Tonight, she realized, they’d all been granted. As her mind started to slip into sleep, she heard Tony say, “Merry Christmas, my love.” She hugged his strong arms. “What are you thinking?”

Claire turned her face toward his. “I was thinking that I have everything, everything I asked for. Thank you.” She kissed his lips. “I love you.” And drifted off to sleep.

They arrived back at Iowa on December 28. Snow blanketed the estate and the decorations glistened. Tony had a meeting in Chicago on the twenty-ninth. Worn-out from their trip, Claire decided to stay home. She told Tony she would try to appreciate the Midwest winter until he returned.

Sometimes
it’s
the
smallest
decisions
that
can
change
your
life
forever.

—Keri Russell

 Chapter 46

Tony’s lecture regarding his gift came on the plane ride home. It started as operational instructions. Claire considered this futile. She received her first cell phone in middle school and knew how to dial a number, answer a call, send a text message and receive one. However, his lesson did contain useful information. Her telephone linked to his computer and iPhone. If she received a call or text, he received a notification. If she sent a text or made a call, he received a notification. He even had an application that allowed him to access telephone numbers and the entire content of text messages. Claire told herself to compartmentalize. She now had a cell phone.

He instructed her to only answer calls from numbers programmed into her phone with an asterisk. Examples: *Tony Cellular, *Home Private, *Eric. There were other numbers programmed into her phone: Emily cell, John V. Cell, Vandersol home, Courtney S., MaryAnn F., etc. They could leave voice mails or texts. Together they would listen or read and decide responses. Claire obediently listened and sighed, thinking,
This
is
ridiculous!

“You asked for me to be able to contact you directly. This will accomplish what you asked.”

She pressed her lips together and thought,
He
is
right.
I
did
and
it
will.
I
want
more!
Deciding to capitalize on the
Christmas
spirit
, she pushed, “Maybe I could at least text Courtney and Sue back immediately. I mean, after all, didn’t you say you can read the texts in real time from your iPhone?” Her husband made a fortune with the Internet, he had technology that would allow him to watch, listen, and monitor her every move. She knew that.

He contemplated his answer. “We will start with my rules. After a time, we can revisit them.” She submitted. He hadn’t closed the subject. It was a minor victory or a minor defeat. Either way, it wasn’t the end of the war.

They celebrated New Year’s Eve at their home with friends: the Simmonses, their son Caleb and his fiancée Julia, Tim and a six-month pregnant Sue, and Tom and Beverly. They all had a wonderful time. They spent most of the evening in the lower level, playing cards and pool, drinking champagne, talking, and laughing.

Courtney couldn’t contain her enthusiasm regarding their son’s engagement. Julia appeared overwhelmed by her overly zealous future mother-in-law. Claire couldn’t help herself. She offered Julia some advice, “Smile and give in. It makes life a lot easier.” They hadn’t set a date yet. Courtney told Claire she may have more charitable responsibilities this year. She planned on helping Julia as much as possible with the wedding. Claire read Julia’s expression and whispered in her ear, “I promise to talk to her later.”

Julia smiled. “Thank you.”

Tim and Sue’s baby was due March 20. All the women “
oowwd
” and “
ahhhed”
at her growing midsection. It made Claire think, they’d never discussed children. About six months before she met Tony, she had the birth control insert implanted. In hindsight, that’d been fortuitous. However, considering Tony’s age, maybe this was a subject they should discuss.

Together they all welcomed the New Year with enthusiasm. “To another great year for everyone and for Rawlings Industries.” Everyone tapped glasses.

Claire and Tony both told the Simmonses how fantastic Fiji will be. Claire added, “We can’t wait to hear all about it.” Then she smiled. “Well, not all.”

Courtney blushed. Tony embraced Claire, she had filled him in on her
packing
advice,
and they kissed. Feeling left out, Brent looked at Courtney questionably. She grinned, “I will 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 voice mails. Claire could read them or listen to them, but she couldn’t respond until Tony’s input was added. She learned that deleting texts or voice mails was strictly forbidden, 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 Simmonses 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.