“Yes, Mr. Rawlings. I am but so ready to close the curtain on this performance.”
Tony leaned toward her ear, “The press release is viral. This, my love, was only the first act.”
An older couple from the National Center for Learning Disabilities approached. With her stomach in knots, Claire bravely continued her duties. When they finally reached the golden elevator, Tony removed his phone from his jacket and sent a text. Claire remained silent until the doors opened to the Penthouse entry. “May I have my phone?”
Tony looked at his watch, 10:17 PM. “My dear, the night is still young.”
*****
Sophia looked at the list of cities: San Francisco, Seattle, Phoenix, Dallas, Chicago, Louisville, Atlanta, Miami, Charlotte, New York, Boston and Bangor. The tour consisted of two weeks in each city. Exhibition halls rented, advertised, and paid. Lodging and food stipends, as well as travel expenses. Mr. George would receive his customary fifteen percent. The mysterious buyer would receive five percent. The rest of all sales would go to Sophia. With two weeks in each city and the occasional time off, the tour would last approximately thirty months.
“I have some overseas commitments,” Sophia said as Mr. Hensley discussed the exhibitions.
“I’m sure that can be worked out.”
“I really need to discuss this with my husband.”
“Of course,” Eric replied as he glanced at his phone. “Let me give you this written information.” Looking to Mr. George, “You have my number. Please call when Mrs. Burke has made her decision.”
Mr. George responded, “Yes, we’ll talk.”
Eric Hensley turned to Sophia, “Mrs. Burke, again, I apologize for the inconvenience. I hope my employer’s olive branch will help to make amends for the missed gala. I’m sure you would like to join your husband. I look forward to talking to you again soon.”
Sophia stood with the realization she’d been released. “Thank you, Mr. Hensley. Mr. George and I will be back to you soon. Please tell your employer I do appreciate his offer.”
Eric walked Sophia to the door of the suite, “I will. Do you need an escort back to the ballroom?”
“No, thank you. I’ll be fine.”
Eric Hensley nodded as Sophia walked from the suite. As she waited for the elevator Sophia sent a text to Derek. I’M FINALLY RELEASED. DO YOU STILL WANT ME?
Her phone vibrated within seconds, DINNER IS DONE. DANCING IS ABOUT TO START. I’D LOOK FUNNY DANCING ALONE. I ALWAYS WANT YOU!
Sophia smiled as the mirrored cubical descended to the main level. When the doors opened, she hurried toward the ballroom.
The single biggest problem with communication
is the illusion that it has taken place.
-- George Bernard Shaw.
Chapter 36
Perhaps it was her look of desperation or the tears that lingered on her perfectly painted lids. The reason was not yet revealed. Nonetheless, once the golden elevator closed and Tony and Claire were alone in the entry of the Saint Regis Penthouse, he opened his Armani jacket and handed Claire her phone. She contemplated taking it to an isolated area and calling Harry. Instead, she bravely stood before Tony, waited for it to turn on, ignored the icons indicating missed calls and messages, and scrolled for the number of the SiJo driver.
Although Tony stood resolute before her, Claire refused to turn away. Maybe it was a replay of a scene from their past. Maybe it was a move, counter move. Nevertheless, she waited while the phone rang. When the driver answered, she heard, “Ms. Nichols, this is Marcus, are you ready to be picked up?”
Looking Tony in the eyes, she replied, “Hello, Marcus, yes, this is Claire Nichols...”
She didn’t complete her sentence. Tony unexpectantly took the iPhone from her hand and spoke, “Hello, Marcus. Ms. Nichols will not need your assistance this evening.” Claire could no longer hear Marcus’s response, only Tony’s: “This is Anthony Rawlings.” “That is correct.” “Yes, you are relieved of your assignment.” “Thank you, good night.” He turned off the phone and placed it back in his pocket. His dark chocolate eyes glowed in the dim light of the penthouse.
Claire wanted to fight, she wanted her iPhone back, and she wanted to be back in Palo Alto with Harry and Amber. However, after Tony disconnected the call, she dejectedly walked to the sofa and collapsed. The tight reign she’d had on her emotions all night severed. How could it not? The tension was too much. With tears cascading down her cheeks, Claire closed her eyes and waited. She’d been here before. Not this hotel or this scenario, but one with enough similarity she knew the drill. Her only option was conceding -- until her side regained strength.
Momentarily, Claire remembered Courtney, Brent, Jane, Amber, Harry, John and Emily. She wasn’t a lone chess piece -- isolated, without support. The realization fortified her. Claire didn’t stand and declare victory. Nonetheless, she silently accepted their support and sat taller. Drying her tears she stared compellingly into the depths of her ex-husband’s dark abyss. If those people could stand for her, she’d sit straighter for them. Inhaling deeply and exhaling, Claire asked, “What do I need to do, to leave?”
Tony sat next to his ex-wife. His gaze mellowed. “Eric will take you home whenever you want. You may leave at any time.”
She didn’t hesitate, “Then I want to leave now.”
Tony nodded, and removed his phone from his jacket. It was at that moment she remembered why she was there, why she’d done as he asked, “Tony?” Her voice quivered with concern, “Is SiJo secure? Did they get their problem fixed?”
He placed his phone back in his pocket and replied, “Do you want to know what I have been thinking about all night?”
Claire struggled to stay on track, “What you’ve been thinking about? All right.”
“Many things, the first -- how amazing you’ve been. I’ve endured many companions since our divorce. I have not enjoyed any of those evenings as much as I have tonight, being with you.”
Claire stared; she wondered what part of that statement was supposed to warrant her response, his many companions or her exemplary performance.
Tony continued, “Shelly was not happy with my desired press release, but I decided it was the only answer. Now the world knows of our reconciliation. It is official.”
“You say that, as if it’s beyond debate.”
He peered unquestionably into her emerald eyes, “Beyond challenge. It is public.” The failure is not an option went without saying.
“SiJo?”
“The breach has been resolved. It has been since about eight o’clock this evening.”
Claire exhaled, “Thank you.”
Tony accepted her gratitude and answered, “Actually, I will have Eric take you to your condominium. It’s probably better if you don’t know what else I’ve been pondering.”
Claire sat straighter, “Thank you, again. I’m ready to leave.” She watched as he nodded. The familiar attraction sucked her into his gravitational pull, and without thinking she took his hand in hers. Propelled by curiosity as well as concern, Claire asked, “What else have you been thinking?”