Truth (54 page)

Claire squared her
shoulders. Her eyes found the fight she’d momentarily loss.
Although the emerald green flashed and her voice seemed stronger,
she submissively asked,
“
Where can I get ready?”

As he directed her
upstairs, she noticed his demeanor calming. He had her over the
proverbial barrel. If she chose to argue or disobey, SiJo would
suffer. He’d given her no alternative. That, plus the content of a
text message he’d just received, seemed to mellow him. Claire
wondered why
he
could divide his attention between telephones, text messages,
and those around him, and she couldn’t. Feeling the prickling
sensation of the hairs on the back of her neck, she chose not to
voice that question.

The ostentatiously large bath of the master
bedroom suite contained rows of buttons capable of illuminating the
room from every angle. The glass, chrome, mirrors, and tile
sparkled as she depressed each switch. Claire beheld her
reflection. In many ways she resembled the woman back at Amber’s
condominium. Yet, the aching behind her temples, paler complexion,
and strain behind her eyes reminded her of a woman she used to be,
Mrs. Anthony Rawlings.

Some powder, blush, and lipstick helped the
complexion. A few acetaminophens from her purse would eventually
aid her head. Claire believed only the conclusion of this nightmare
would relieve the stress. Nevertheless, when she emerged from the
bath and found Tony waiting, in his custom Armani jacket and tie,
she secured her mask and appeared the perfect companion. Old habits
die hard.

*****

Minutes earlier, Sophia walked briskly
through the crowded lobby of the Saint Regis Hotel. She glanced
again at her watch, 7:56. Across the sea of people she saw Mr.
George with a tall man in a nice suit. She watched as Mr. George
acknowledged her to the other man. Both of their postures relaxed.
She wondered if they’d been concerned she wouldn’t come.

“
I’m sorry I’m late. The
walk from the grand ballroom was farther than I
realized.”

Mr. George smiled nervously, “Sophia, let me
introduce Eric Hensley. Mr. Hensley, this is our very talented
artist, Mrs. Sophia Burke.”

Eric extended his hand, “Mrs. Burke, so nice
to finally meet you. I apologize for disrupting your evening. I
certainly hope this meeting hasn’t caused you too much
inconvenience.”

Sophia smiled, “Well, as you see, I’m
dressed for the gala down the hall. However, after your generous
allocation of my paintings, I felt unable to deny this
request.”

“
Mrs. Burke, I apologize.
I’m not the one who purchased your art, although I have seen it and
think very highly of it. I’m here representing someone else. He
would like to meet with the two of you privately.”

“
Privately, Mr. Hensley?”
Sophia asked, “I was told this wouldn’t take long. My husband is
waiting for me; dinner is soon.”

“
I understand, Mrs. Burke.
I will let my employer know that you aren’t able...”

The shocked expression on Mr. George’s face
said more than the words from Mr. Hensley. Sophia interrupted, “No,
I apologize. Of course, I’d like to meet with your employer. I do
hope we will meet here.”

Eric continued, “Yes, upstairs in one of the
Presidential suites.”

Sophia nodded at both gentlemen, “All right,
let’s go.”

With that, the three of them walked toward a
bay of elevators. Once inside Eric slid a plastic card in the
reader and pushed the button for the twenty-seventh floor. The
presidential suites were located on the floor below the penthouse.
As the compartment ascended, Eric removed his telephone. “I must
text my employer. He’ll be very happy to know you’re on your way to
the suite.”

*****

Anthony and Claire did not pass GO... they
did not pass through the waiting room, as she’d done earlier. When
the golden elevator opened, a well-dressed gentleman met and
greeted them, “Mr. Rawlings, we are so happy to have you with us
tonight.”

Tony shook the man’s hand, “Yes, Mr.
Wilkins, I apologize for our tardiness. My companion was not
feeling well, but all is better now.” Tony inclined his head toward
Claire, “Perhaps you remember my companion, Claire,” he paused
momentarily, “Nichols.”

Claire extended her hand, “Mr. Wilkins, it
is so nice to see you again.”

Though visibly shocked, Mr. Wilkins accepted
Claire’s hand and smiled weakly, “Ms. Nichols, yes. It is a
surprise to see the two of you,” he regrouped. “It is always a
pleasure.” Turning back to Tony, “Now, Mr. Rawlings, and, Ms.
Nichols, if you’ll follow me we will make your introductions.

Tony replied, “Although I’m here to speak, I
am also representing Shedis-tics and Ms. Nichols is representing
SiJo Gaming.”

Mr. Wilkins nodded affirmatively and
promised proper introductions. Tony once again seized Claire’s hand
and slowed their pace, allowing Mr. Wilkins to lead the way to the
ballroom. He whispered, “Well, if that’s any indication, reactions
alone should keep this night entertaining.”

She smiled and replied,
“
Entertaining
is
not the word I’d use.”

Her quickness delighted him. Though his soft
voice divulged his amusement, his grip, and words revealed his
warning, “Be careful, Ms. Nichols; don’t let your recently
discovered independence get you into trouble.”

Utilizing her previous southern charm, she
replied, “Why, Mr. Rawlings, I believe I am already in more trouble
than I can handle.”

They both quieted as the doors opened and an
MC announced, “Ladies and Gentleman, we are proud to introduce, Mr.
Anthony Rawlings and his companion Ms. Claire Nichols.” A hush
followed by applause echoed through the large ballroom. Except for
a few waiters and waitresses, the room of people stilled and looked
their direction. The MC continued, “We are honored to have Mr.
Rawlings, of Rawlings Industries, with us this evening as one of
tonight’s prestigious speakers and as a representative of
Shedis-tics. Ms. Nichols is also present as a representative of
SiJo Gaming.” There was more applause and Tony placed his hand in
the small of Claire’s back. They stepped into the sea of people.
Immediately, they were surrounded by people wanting to meet and
speak to tonight’s honored guests.

A thing long expected takes
the form of the unexpected
when at last it comes.
-- Mark
Twain

Chapter
35

Intermittently sipping ice water, Claire sat
at the head table, two seats to the left of the podium and listened
intently to Tony’s speech. As the evening progressed, each scene
she performed became easier, almost comfortable. After all, it was
the role she’d created; she was the original costar in their
perfect couple show. The only constraint to her seamless
performance was the daunting concern lingering in the back of her
mind. Each time her thoughts turned to Harry or Amber, Claire
immediately compartmentalized them away. She couldn’t continue this
charade if she allowed herself to worry about what was happening at
SiJo or imagined the hurt in Harry’s soft blue eyes when he learned
about her evening.

Tony’s speech concentrated on the National
Center for Learning Disabilities and its many accomplishments.
Claire noted how Tony rarely referred to the electronic tablet
before him. Yet, he cited statistics and philosophies perfectly.
She had to wonder how someone who just came from a confrontation
like the one they’d just had upstairs, could perform so
flawlessly.

It wasn’t just his speech, but everything
about him; the way he conversed with others, his attentive looks,
and even his light chatty dinner conversation. His social presence
always had, and still did, fascinate Claire. No wonder he was so
successful; this Anthony Rawlings was truly captivating. With time,
she forgot the circumstance of her situation and fell into her own
role as his companion.

That was what he wanted, and shouldn’t
Claire Nichols know, Anthony Rawlings always got what he wanted.
Listening as he concluded his speech, she found herself applauding
appropriately and smiling approvingly at the handsome professional
man before her.

When he turned from the podium and their
eyes met, there was a moment when she was once again -- Mrs.
Anthony Rawlings. His velvety brown eyes filled with appreciation,
directed at her. It was a look only shared with someone who knows
you, truly understands the real person. How many people did Tony
have like that in his life?

In the few months since her pardon, Claire
had rekindled relationships with friends and family, as well as
forged new ones. Who did Tony have?

As he took his seat, he reached for Claire’s
hand, and gently lifted it from its resting place on her lap. This
time, his grasp wasn’t a warning. Instead he lowered his head,
keeping his eyes fixed on hers and brushed her knuckles with a soft
sweep of his lips. The warm light touch made her smile. It was then
she remembered the room of onlookers. Her cheeks reddened and she
whispered, “Very nice speech, Mr. Rawlings.”

His smile lit up the room, “Thank you, Mrs.
-- Ms. Nichols, you are mighty remarkable yourself.”

Someone else was speaking from the podium.
Their voices were a faint whisper against the sound from the nearby
speaker; Claire raised her eyebrows and asked, “Mighty?” It was a
strangely common word to hear from Tony.

He gently squeezed her soft hand, “Mighty.”
They both smiled and turned to listen to the next orator, a woman
from the Center for Learning Disabilities thanking the audience for
their support.

Their most interesting
exchange occurred before the meal was served. Truthfully, they
weren’t able to make much progress moving about the room. Person
after person and couple after couple made their way to them. When
Claire saw Mr. and Mrs. Cunningham from Shedis-tics waiting for
their attention, she decided to warn Tony she’d spoken with them
earlier. Her social instinct served her well in the past; she knew
it was best to listen. Therefore, before the Cunninghams made their
way to Tony and her, Claire excused the two of them from the public
conversation and whispered in his ear, “The Cunninghams from
Shedis-tics are making their way to us. You should know I spoke
with them a few minutes in the waiting room prior to being asked to
your penthouse.” Claire practiced her statement. The
asked
could have
been
summoned
, or
perhaps
dragged
.
She decided
asked
sounded best. Her temples throbbed at the pressure of once
again weighing each word. She watched displeasure cloud his eyes
and braced for his response.

“
You were supposed to be
brought up immediately, before you had time to talk with
anyone.”

“
Well, that is someone
else’s concern. I was out of the loop on your plan. I just thought
you’d want to know.” Maybe she was caving to his plan, but her
verbose response was pointedly more abrupt than it would have been
years before.

Tony assessed Claire’s expression for a
moment and responded, “Thank you, I appreciate knowing. Did you
discuss...” he hesitated.

She knew he wanted to ask about Harry. “I
said I was alone because of an issue at SiJo. However, who I was
supposed to be with was never mentioned.”

Tony nodded and he replied loud enough for
others to hear, “Most certainly, I’ll gladly get you something to
drink.”

Before he could move, a waiter appeared with
a tray of crystal fluted glasses, the contents bubbled from the
stem to the rim. Tony took two flutes and handed one to Claire with
a nod. She returned his nod. Claire understood the conversation was
done; he was happy with her honesty. Each such behavior helped her
figurative chess king live one more day.

When the couple from Shedis-tics finally
arrived, Tony gallantly proceeded, “Mr. and Mrs. Cunningham, it is
always a pleasure.”

Roger Cunningham replied, “Mr.
Rawlings.”

Tony continued, “Ms. Nichols tells me you
have met?”

Claire wasn’t sure, but the Cunninghams
appeared embarrassed or apprehensive about their earlier meeting.
She joined the conversation, extending her hand, “Yes,” she smiled
pleasantly at both of them, “I was so lost in that large room. I
appreciated your friendly greeting.”

The Cunninghams visibly relaxed with her
comment. Mrs. Cunningham spoke, “Ms. Nichols, it was a pleasure to
meet you. I’m sure this collaboration between Shedis-tics and SiJo
will be beneficial.”

Claire continued, her mask intact, “I’m sure
you’re aware, it goes way back. Mr. Rawlings gave Simon his first
opportunity in Silicon Valley with his dream job at Shedis-tics.
Simon Johnson never forgot where he started and enjoyed the
allegiance between the two companies.”

Mr. Cunningham replied, “It’s easy to forget
the origins of our companies. Thank you for reminding us. I’m sure
Mr. Johnson would be happy that the allegiance has remained.”
Claire radiated confidence. Her never wavering smile successfully
hid the contained emotions she successfully compartmentalized away.
Mr. Cunningham indicated the man to his left. “Mr. Rawlings, Ms.
Nichols, this is our promising new associate Derek Burke.”

Everyone shook hands.
Claire evaluated Derek Burke: tall, polished, and polite. He
approached Tony with an honest reverence yet with enough
self-confidence to indicate he deserved the praise bestowed upon
him. There were so many people who blabbered incoherently in Tony’s
presence. Claire assessed Tony must also be impressed by Derek’s
poise because they conversed longer than Tony usually did with one
person. Unfortunately, his attention toward this new associate left
Claire, once again, at the disposal of Mr. and Mrs. Cunningham.
Their friendly greeting earlier in the waiting room turned to
gushing compliments about Claire’s attire and the gala.
More incoherent babbling
, Claire thought.