“I guess I forgot you drive, without Eric I mean.”
Tony smiled. “I love to drive. It is just more advantageous to be driven and accomplish work during my commutes.” The convertible felt liberating with the wind and air invigorating their senses. Thankfully, Claire had decided to wear her hair in a side braid. She laid her head on the headrest and watched the road twist and turn, the vibrant sapphire blue of the sky and the autumn colors made for picture-perfect views as Tony drove the narrow country roads. The aroma of autumn was in the air. Claire inhaled and memories of pumpkins and leaves filled her subconscious.
The car slowed to a stop along a quiet side road. Tony gently touched Claire’s braid. “Good choice of style.” He smiled “I am needed in Chicago for a couple of days next week.” He continued to play with the end of her braid. Claire thought about her lake. “I have made you an appointment at a very exclusive spa near my apartment.” Her attention was refocused on him and his words. “Your hair needs trimming and you can have a manicure, pedicure, full body message, sauna, whatever you desire.”
She started to respond, “Thanks, but no thanks.” He stopped her and went on, “I just trust that it will not 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.
His hand moved from her braid, 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. She suddenly felt chilled.
Maintaining his forced eye contact, Claire responded, “Tony, I fully comprehend the importance of appearances. I will not 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 are clear public failure is not an option.” Claire reassured him they were clear.
The Simmonses’ 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 had her mask secure and appeared beautiful and contented, the ingredients to the perfect companion. He exhaled as his eyes 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 pictured. She looked younger than a woman with two grown children. Courtney 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 am so excited to finally meet you. My dear, you are 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 will let those two get their business out of the way, so we can have some fun and I will 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 played on these floors, a family laughed, loved, and 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 sunporch 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. She kept her mask in place. 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 is 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 had taught Claire the art of small talk.
Next were Sue and Tim. “Tim, I have heard wonderful things about you.” Claire watched as Sue’s smile widened and Tim’s expression softened. She could tell he seemed stressed. Working for Tony could do that to a person and 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 that 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 consider something a little more fun, they had 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 didn’t. 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 later twenties. She was 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 that 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 is glad to do it.” It took a minute, but Claire realized that this 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. She, however, 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 sunporch. 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. This was where MaryAnn shared some inside scoops on some of Eli’s clients. Sexy stars led to sex. Claire politely excused herself and asked Courtney about the ladies’ room.