Consequences (49 page)

“Yes, you are. But you haven’t really been talking since this morning. Would you like to discuss it before we get to Tom’s?”

Claire thought about the question. Yes, she wanted to revisit the subject, but should she? “I don’t know.” Her feet were cold and the fashionable boots weren’t helping. She tried to get them under the blow of the Mercedes’ heater. “If I say yes, am I opening a closed subject?”

Tony appreciated the fact his wife was thinking this through. “Yes, I guess you are. Is it worth it to you?”

The interior of the car was warm, yet Claire pushed her gloved hands deeper into the pockets of her fur jacket and considered the implications. Did she really care anymore about technology? Was it worth pushing this discussion? She knew immediately the answer was
no.
“I think my decision is to not reopen the conversation. However, I want you to know it isn’t the technology I long for. It is the
ability
to access it.”

Tony smirked. “Claire, your talents were wasted in meteorology. You would’ve made a wonderful businesswoman. You just said you didn’t want to pursue the subject, yet you managed to enlighten me about your motivation. I am, once again, impressed.”

This didn’t help her disposition. The snow was coming at the windshield with enough velocity to make her feel as though they were flying thought space at
hyperspeed
. Her lips pressed tightly into a line. Finally, she asked, “What kind of response do you expect?”

“Honest, as always.”

“Okay. Seriously, who do I have left to contact? I don’t understand why you feel the restrictions are still necessary. God knows I know the rules.” The branches of the pines lay low with inches of heavy accumulating snow. Keeping her gaze to her right, Claire could see them through the side window. They were nearing the Millers’ home and the sound of soft music filled the air. Tony didn’t respond. After all, this discussion was closed. The familiar feeling of powerlessness filled Claire’s chest. She wanted the conversation to end. “I love you. I will do whatever you want or expect of me. I admit I’m not pleased by your verdict, but I’m okay. Let’s spend tonight with our friends and welcome the New Year.” At least she’d explained her view. That was something.

The Millers’ home was magnificent. Beverly had fantastic taste in decor. It was ultramodern yet amazingly inviting. The unique style was a combination of stone, brick, and wood, accentuated with glass and chrome. Despite the numerous windows, the house was warm. They could watch the snow and wind and stay snug inside. Perhaps it was the fire in the fireplace or the wine in their glasses, but the gathering radiated warmth.

Their friends happily celebrated their return. They wanted to know all about the honeymoon. Claire told them that it had been wonderful. Tony had literally taken her to paradise. Everyone told Tony and Claire how wonderful their wedding was. They were a beautiful couple. Sue mentioned how beautiful their pictures were in the press release. Claire hadn’t thought about press coverage until that moment.

“I haven’t seen the released pictures. Do you have copies?” Bev said she didn’t but would be glad to pull them up online. Glancing at her husband, he didn’t speak, but his eyes did. Claire knew she shouldn’t, but she agreed. “Thank you, I would love to see them.”

Instead of bringing out a computer, Bev removed a remote from a drawer and pointed it at the large television on the wall. The New Year’s countdown from Time Square changed to a homepage. Bev entered “
Anthony
Rawlings
” into the search engine. Nine months ago, the procedure would’ve seemed mundane, but now it fascinated Claire. She would’ve loved to take the time to read the multitude of pages that appeared as options. Bev reduced the search by entering “
wedding
.” Claire briefly saw an accompanying article; but within seconds, Bev clicked, and the pictures appeared on the screen. Claire stared. There
they
were in their wedding attire. There were three different pictures: a head shot, a full-length frontal view, and one of them dancing. Everyone watched Claire as she beheld herself on the screen. She looked at Tony and herself. They looked like models. Tony was tall, handsome, and buff, dark hair, dark eyes, and tuxedo contrasting dramatically with Claire. She looked petite, blonde, and striking. Her hair was so light she assumed some of her friends from before may not recognize her. Next to Tony, she seemed small. Tony had been right about her eyes. In the head shot, her green eyes shined vividly. She’d seen her dress in the mirror. But seeing it on the television screen and looking at it from afar, it was obviously eye-catching, elegant, and spectacular. She smiled. It had been a good choice.

Claire realized that everyone in the room was watching her, especially Tony. Most were happily awaiting her response. Tony seemed less pleased with the entire situation, but she knew he wouldn’t say anything there. It would be a matter better discussed in private. Finally, Sue put her hand on Claire’s knee and asked, “So what do you think?”

Claire giggled. “I just can’t believe that my wedding is news.” Everyone snickered. What did she expect? She married Tony, Anthony Rawlings. Claire looked up at him. He had eyes only for her. Those eyes were darkening. Daringly she got up and walked to her husband. Lifting herself by her toes she reached his cheek and gave it a kiss. He obliged, bending down to allow his cheek to meet her lips. Addressing the group, Claire nonchalantly replied, “I guess I just forget who he is. But I have a lifetime to remember.” She kissed him again.

They toasted the New Year with champagne. Brent, Tom, and Tim especially wished Tony a profitable year. If his year was lucrative theirs would be also. It was after one in the morning when the party broke up.

The coldness of the leather transcended Claire’s slacks. She wanted the heater to warm the seat as well as the interior of the car quickly. The roar of the defrost in the stillness of the night told Claire that the poor Mercedes was trying its best.

Tony scraped the snow from the windows and talked with Brent and Tim as they did the same. Everything was blanketed with several more inches of white. Thankfully, it had stopped falling. Absently Claire wondered how often Tony needed to scrape his own windows. She knew she was trying to divert her thoughts from the reprimand she was about to receive.

Her husband remained pleasant and attentive during the party but his expression as he opened her door let her know that
this
subject wasn’t closed. Claire pondered that thought. Wasn’t it really the same subject? So shouldn’t it be closed?

Each time she exhaled she noticed the faint white crystals that formed in the air. She straightened her posture and squared her shoulders, she was ready. The windows were clear and she could hear Tony and Brent’s voices, his door would open at any moment. With each passing minute her demeanor moved from anxious to indignant. All she had wanted to do was see
their
wedding pictures. Why was that such a big deal? After all, it was
her
wedding. The fact the pictures were available online shouldn’t matter.

Once on the road, the only sounds were those of the tires on the snow and the hum of the heater. Claire waited. After a significant silence Tony spoke. “Do you remember that I told you I received e-mails from Emily and she would like you to call?”

“Yes, and you said I could call her tomorrow.” Claire felt a sudden panic.

“I was just wondering. Your memory seems to be failing you.”

“May I still call my sister?”

“Yes,
I
keep my word.”

Claire exhaled. This was a more indirect Tony than she was accustomed to. Maybe that was the advantage of being his wife. She had been looking for that
perk
. “Thank you.” She glanced toward her husband, his jaw muscles defined as he clenched. He was waiting for her to approach the subject. Reluctantly she did. “What did you think of our wedding pictures?”

“I think you were absolutely stunning and I am a lucky man.” That wasn’t the response she anticipated. Yes, she was annoyed that this was a big deal. However, her intuition told her to back off.

“I’m sorry about encouraging Beverly. My curiosity got the better of me.” Apologizing seemed like the best option, even if it only sounded sincere.

“It isn’t just what you did. It is what you said.” Claire couldn’t remember what she said, so she asked. “You said you forget who I am.”

“I forget that marrying you is newsworthy, I love you for you. I forget that you are Anthony Rawlings. To me, you are Tony.”

His grip intensified on the steering wheel and she could feel his tension. “I have told you over and over you must remember who I am. If you forget who I am, you will forget who you are and the significance of your behavior.” It was a different version of the
appearance
speech
. He was right. He had said it over and over. She listened and replied at all appropriate times. At least this was the abridged version.

Tony returned to work on the first. He did so from his home office. He had a lot of things to do. Apparently, he had tried to keep up-to-date while in Fiji, but
someone
kept him distracted. With him working in his office and her free to do as she pleased within the house, Claire soon realized how event filled the last month had been. She was suddenly overwhelmed with a feeling of solitude.

Claire arrived at Tony’s office before lunch to make her call. She expected the
limitations
lecture
. Surprisingly, he didn’t give it. He dialed the telephone, turned his back and worked on his computers while Claire waited to speak. John answered. She prayed that John wouldn’t say anything to upset Tony. “Hi, John, it’s Claire, is Emily there?”

“Hi, Claire. Welcome back to the United States. You are back, aren’t you?”

“We are, we returned on the thirtieth.” She was sending out mental signals, put Emily on the phone!

“So was it as beautiful as the article described?” Tony turned to Claire, she needed to conclude with John and move on to Emily. She looked at him pleadingly, she knew.

“I didn’t read the article. But it was amazing. Tony definitely took me to paradise for our honeymoon. Hey, is Emily there?”

“Oh yes. She’s right here. Good to talk with you. Please tell Anthony I said hello.” She made eye contact with him, hi.

“I will, thanks, John.” She heard Emily take the receiver. Apparently, they weren’t using a speaker phone.

“Hi, Claire, how is my jet-set sister?” Claire smiled. Emily was trying her best to accept Claire’s life.

“I’m wonderful, glad to be home. How are you?” Tony turned back to his work. Emily explained that she and John were well. They wanted to thank Claire and Anthony again for the transportation. A Rawlings Industries jet took them back to Albany on Sunday following the ceremony. She also thanked them for allowing them to stay in their home, it was amazing! She asked Claire more questions about the honeymoon. Claire made it sound magical but not too over the top. Tony politely kept his back to Claire during her conversation. She knew he was listening to every word, but appreciated the gesture.

After ten minutes Claire’s internal clock told her time was running out. “Well, it sure was good to see you two and to talk to you—”

Emily interrupted, “I wanted to let you know John’s been offered a job with a different company.” This shocked Claire. She didn’t know he’d been looking for a different job. Emily said he hadn’t. It was a surprise to them too. Claire asked if it was in Albany. No, it was either in New York City or Chicago. The company had offices at both locations, as well as others. Claire knew that meant Emily would have to leave her teaching job. Emily said she knew that. They were weighing the pros and cons. Financially if he took the job she wouldn’t need to work. It was a tremendous pay increase. Claire was happy to hear that, but she knew how much Emily loved teaching. Claire also added the
pro
that Chicago was much closer to her and Tony. Would John be doing the same type of law? Emily said it was international corporate. He’d studied it. But for the last four years he has practiced mostly corporate within the United States. Tony pointed to his watch.

Claire told Emily she was interested and she would try to call again to see how things were going. She also told her she hoped they thought it through. Don’t just jump for the money. Emily said that was easy for her to say. Claire understood but wanted them to be happy first and foremost. Emily asked when she would hear from Claire again. And if there was a better way to contact her than Tony’s private e-mail? Claire told her that was the best way. She was still trying to understand the whole
Mrs.
Rawlings
thing. So many people trying to interview her and the like, well she was sure Emily understood. Tony’s private e-mail was best. They bid each other goodbye and Tony hit the disconnect button.

Claire thought about the call as she stood to leave his office. “Thank you. I appreciate the chance to talk with her.” She turned to let him work.