Claire’s heart sank. She knew Tony’s meetings were nearby. Now her fears were realized. At first, she told the concierge no, thank you. Then she decided perhaps having someone enter the suite with her was a good idea. She handed him the few bags she carried and they proceeded to the Rawlings suite. He assisted her by using her key to unlock their door. The double doors opened to the sitting area, complete with fireplace and windows overlooking the historic center of Florence. Tony wasn’t there. The concierge placed Mrs. Rawlings’s bags on the sofa and thanked her. She reached into her purse for a tip when Tony appeared from the bedroom. He smiled gallantly at the concierge, thanked him, and handed him a generous tip from his money clip. Thanking Signor Rawlings, the concierge bowed and left.
Claire’s heart began to pound in her ears as she and Tony stood silently for what seemed like an eternity. She’d used all her resolve maintaining her facade with the concierge. She hadn’t witnessed the other Tony in quite a while. She worked diligently day and night to keep him away. But now she was late, she had broken his punctuality rule, and there was no need to explain. She knew her reasons wouldn’t matter. So she stood, tall and resolute. Her eyes weren’t full of fury, they brimmed with tears. He just watched and said nothing. The pupils of his eyes were taking over, yet his expression wasn’t keeping up. Claire waited.
Tony watched her. He’d been worried, what if something had happened to her. He didn’t even know where to begin to look. When he heard her arrive his immediate feeling was relief, she was okay. But then he saw her, knew she was safe, and relief faded into displeasure. It wasn’t conscious but he felt it happening and he didn’t want to give in to it. Her expression looked so frightened. Yet she stood so strong and proud. There was a time he would have wanted to quell her resolve, but right now all he wanted to do was make her feel safe.
Finally, without speaking Tony indicated that they should sit on the sofa. Claire sat and waited. He broke the silence. “Tell me what you saw today and what caused your delay.” He didn’t yell or strike. The relief led to Claire’s sudden loss of control. Tony reached for her and she started to tremble. It happened involuntarily. “Claire, it is all right.” His tone comforted her as he pulled her close.
“Tony, I am so sorry. I was at the Galleria dell’ Accademia, which was amazing, when I realized the time. I immediately left the museum, but I can’t understand the signs and the streets all look the same.” Her words ran together with small sobs between. “I knew the hotel was within walking distance, but I suddenly couldn’t remember the direction.”
At first, he didn’t speak, he held her. Then he said, “It is a foreign city, mistakes happen. I was worried that something had happened to you. I don’t want you to have an accident.” His voice was tender, yet his words . . .
Their discussion continued to the bedroom. She finally regained her composure. He tried his best to show her that she was safe and loved. She showed him her relief at his reaction. Later they soaked in the large marble tub, dressed for a romantic dinner, and walked through the streets of Florence. Although the streets were packed with people as they walked arm in arm, it felt like their private journey. The romantic city, beautiful structures and tepid night breeze combined to enhance the evening.
It wasn’t long until they arrived at their next destination, Rome. Tony had meetings scheduled for one of their two days. They stayed at Rome Cavalieri-Waldorf Astoria, in a luxurious suite with a magnificent view of the city. They could see the dome of Saint Peter’s Basilica.
Claire was relieved to learn that her tardiness in Florence didn’t cause the loss of her roaming pass. She was still permitted to sightsee without Tony. He did, however, remind her multiple times to keep track of time. She planned to walk and bus around the city while he attended to business. Then the next day, they would visit Vatican City together. The ancient history that accompanied everything in Rome fascinated Claire. She visited the Coliseum, the Forum, and the Pantheon. She enjoyed a latte in Piazza Navona and watched as couples threw coins into the Trevi Fountain.
The sights were breathtaking and remarkable, but the entrenched fear that she felt in Florence affected her. She enjoyed everything so much, but now it felt tarnished. She didn’t want to feel that way, but sometimes memories and emotions would overcome her. Not wanting Tony to see the change, she dutifully put on her mask and performed to the best of her ability. The sights were still amazing and spectacular.