Inferno Anthology (213 page)

She started to respond, “Thanks, but no thanks.”

He stopped her and went on. “I just trust that it won’t need to be canceled.”

Confused, Claire asked, “Why would it need to be canceled?” As the words escaped her lips she wondered why she cared, she actually didn’t want to go to a spa. She wanted time alone to go to the lake.

Moving his hand from her braid, he gently removed her sunglasses and lifted her chin, holding her eyes to his. She watched as the dark deepened. “If today doesn’t go as I believe it should, a massage may not be possible. We wouldn’t want appearances to be questioned.” There was no ambiguity to his statement. Claire received his meaning loud and clear. The autumn air suddenly chilled.

Maintaining forced eye contact, Claire responded, “Tony, I fully comprehend the importance of appearances. I won’t let you down.”

He handed her the sunglasses, moved his hands back to the steering wheel, and put the car in gear. “As long as we’re clear: public failure is
not
an option.”

Claire reassured him, they were clear.

THE SIMMONS’ HOME
was grand, probably about a quarter of the size of Tony’s, but large by normal standards, with a good deal of land. The Lexus moved slowly through the gates and up their drive as Tony turned to view Claire. She felt his gaze and maintained her mask. By all outward appearance she looked beautiful and content: the ingredients to the perfect companion. She saw his grip on the wheel relax and knew his brown eyes were muted.

They parked on a brick circle directly in front of the home beside many equally nice automobiles. The front door opened as Tony opened Claire’s door. He gently put his arm around her and led her toward the entry. Claire remembered Brent, but Courtney wasn’t what she had imagined. She looked younger than a woman with two grown children. She was slender, with short brown hair, soft blue eyes, and a refreshingly engaging smile. Instantly, Claire liked her. Brent may owe his livelihood to Tony, but Courtney obviously felt very comfortable around both of them.

Courtney immediately hugged Claire. “You must be Claire. I’m so excited to finally meet you. My dear, you’re more beautiful than your pictures!” Claire felt overwhelmed. She introduced herself and called Courtney Mrs. Simmons. When she looked to Tony, he was already in conversation with Brent.

“Oh, goodness, call me Courtney. We’ll let those two get their business out of the way so we can have some fun. I’ll take you around and introduce you to our other guests.” Tony didn’t seem to object, so Claire allowed herself to be ushered off.

The house was stunning, yet homey—not like Tony’s. Children had played on these floors, a family laughed and loved within these walls. Each room contained priceless memories. Courtney walked Claire through her home toward the kitchen. Designed very modern, brushed stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and tall cabinets were accentuated with intricate tile. Golden lighting fixtures hung at appropriate intervals, not for light but ambiance. The kitchen wasn’t only functional, but was also intended as the centerpiece of the home. The stove was located on a large island that contained a wraparound bar with six tall stools. Out from the kitchen Claire could see a large family room leading to a sun porch and their backyard.

Claire couldn’t see beyond the porch, but she did notice the suddenly silent room of guests. She couldn’t help but feel their eyes on her, assessing and evaluating. Keeping her mask in place she moved forward. She hadn’t expected to face these people without Tony.

Courtney didn’t leave Claire’s side as she introduced her to the others. First, she met Tom and Bev. Claire did her best to be polite and social. “It’s so nice to meet you. I believe Tony told me that you…” Looking at Tom. “…and Brent are partners?” They continued with some polite conversation. Claire asked Bev about her design business. Years of bartending taught Claire the art of small talk.

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.

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.

There are two things a person should never be angry at,
what they can help, and what they cannot.

—Plato

CLAIRE SAT AT
her table, writing. Tony couldn’t see what she was writing. The cameras didn’t have enough zooming capability. Her body language didn’t look nervous. It showed a proud and defiant pose. He watched as she wrote, sitting straight, her neck tall and proud. The only hint of uneasiness could be the way her feet fidgeted under her chair.