Inferno Anthology (257 page)

The difference with this trip was 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 Claire what she wanted, She’d said sunshine and warmth. Tony delivered.

Claire hadn’t told Tony, or anyone, that she wanted to go alone. Nevertheless, Lanai was as secluded as you could get, and Claire was happy to be
alone
with her husband.

This time they had an exquisitely spectacular suite in a resort, complete the panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Without a doubt, Claire’s favorite amenity in Hawaii was their large private lanai which included a cabana bed, an intimate dining table, and lounge chairs. Tony explained that they’d have the suite for the entire stay, but they would also spend a few nights on other islands.

Since Tony now understood that Claire enjoyed sightseeing, 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 Pacif
ic was filmed. In her mind, she could see Mary Martin singing. Tony also arranged a private sea tour. 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 had 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, was 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 trails which took them directly into volcanic craters, scalded deserts and rainforest, and a petroglyph. She had 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’d 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 his surprise in a slightly larger black velvet box, the kind that might contain a necklace. At first, she thought he forgot her comment about black velvet boxes, but his grin told her otherwise.

Slyly he said, “It isn’t jewelry, so I thought I could use a black box, but if you don’t want it—” He started to pull the box away.

Smiling, she replied, “No, I want it.” She grabbed the box. Her curiosity getting the better of her, she lifted the lid to reveal a basic calling and texting only cellular telephone. In times past, she’d opened velvet boxes to lavish diamonds and gold which hadn’t moved her like this inexpensive cellular phone.

With her emerald eyes glistening, 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 cabana bed under the stars, they listened to the sound of waves in the distance. Completely relaxed, spooning in front of her husband, Claire’s mind went back to a snowy afternoon in Tony’s suite. That afternoon she’d made requests. She’d 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 to face him. “I was thinking that I have everything—everything I asked for. Thank you.” She kissed his lips. “I love you.” They drifted off to sleep.

THEY ARRIVED BACK
to Iowa on December 28 where snow blanketed the estate and the decorations glistened. Tony had a meeting in Chicago on December 29. Worn-out from their trip, Claire decided to stay home. She told Tony she’d try to appreciate the Midwest winter until he returned.

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

—Keri Russell

TONY’S LECTURE REGARDING
his gift came on the plane ride home. It started as operational instructions, which Claire considered this futile; she’d 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. Nevertheless, his lessons did contain useful information: her telephone was 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 allowing him to access telephone numbers and the entire content of text messages. Claire told herself: Compartmentalize. She 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, and *Eric. There were other numbers programmed into her phone: Emily cell, John V. Cell, Vandersol home, Courtney S., MaryAnn F., etc. They could leave voicemails or texts and then
together
they’d listen or read and decide appropriate responses. Claire obediently listened and sighed
. 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. He’s right. I did and it will. She wanted 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 which allowed him to watch, listen, and monitor her every move. She knew that.

He contemplated his answer. “We’ll 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 Simmons, their son Caleb and his fiancée Julia, Tim and a six-month pregnant Sue, and Tom and Beverly all had a wonderful time. Together, 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.” Although the young couple hadn’t set a date for their wedding, Courtney told Claire she may have more charitable responsibilities this year. Courtney 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 Sue’s growing midsection. It made Claire think. She and Tony had 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 it 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 Simmons how fantastic Fiji would be. Claire added, “We can’t wait to hear all about it.” Then she smiled. “Well, not
all
about it.”

Courtney blushed. Tony embraced Claire. She’d filled him in on her
packing advice.
They kissed.

Brent looked at Courtney questionably. She grinned, and said, “I’ll 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 voicemails. Claire could read them or listen to them, but she couldn’t respond until Tony’s input was added. She learned deleting texts or voicemails was strictly forbidden. Apparently, 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?