The next day, at Vatican City, they walked hand in hand through the atrium of Saint Peter’s Basilica. They viewed the Vatican grottoes, Saint Peter’s Treasury, Saint Peter’s Square, and the Vatican gardens. As they walked the steep road back to their hotel Tony confessed, “With all of my traveling, I rarely sightsee. Today, when you said you wanted to spend the entire day at the Vatican I thought you were crazy. I expected to be done in an hour or two.” Claire watched him as he spoke. “But it was incredible. I just want you to know I understand how you could lose track of time in Florence. I get it.” She didn’t speak, she squeezed his hand. Something from her past came to mind and she smiled. He once said that she was trainable, perhaps he is too. It just takes longer with him.
The last country on their journey was Switzerland. Tony had meetings, first in Interlaken and then in Genève. They spent one night in Interlaken. The Swiss Alps were the epitome of pure unsullied nature and grandeur. The small town of Interlaken is surrounded by crystal-clear lakes, sparkling streams, and waterfalls. And ever present were the Monch and Jungfrau mountain range of the Swiss Alps. Claire felt like she was in the middle of a postcard.
While Tony met with investors Claire chose to relish the relaxing scenery and take in the atmosphere. She wandered the streets, enjoyed the cafés, and rested in the beauty of the tranquil landscape. Their two weeks were action packed. She could have spent her time any way she chose, the options were numerous. However, she enjoyed some downtime to reflect on all they’d seen and relax in the natural splendor.
Her memories overflowed with sights and sounds of ancient cities. She could close her eyes and recall the amazing art and architecture. Inhaling the sweet Swiss chocolate as she sipped her coffee and nibbled on the candy bar, she remembered the amazing cuisine and delicious wines. She thought about her husband. He’d spent the entire two weeks open and understanding. She never anticipated the freedoms she’d been granted. Her stack of books remained unread. Even when she was late, his voice and expression were more of care and concern than of anger. Her thoughts moved from his voice and expression to his strong, safe embrace. They’d made love at every stop. She recalled the yacht with the rhythmic rocking from the sea. Smiling, she thought lustfully about wanting him. How on many occasions it was her that initiated their carnal encounters and he who responded appropriately.
Claire slowly realized he was doing what she’d asked, filling her with good memories. She finished her chocolate and smiled contentedly.
Early Saturday morning they boarded a train to Genève. Tony had one more meeting. It was his last obligation of their trip. After it concluded, they’d spend the last night in Genève and fly home in the morning. Claire couldn’t believe how quickly the fourteen days passed. The sights they saw and the experiences they had were more than she could wrap her mind around. She felt completely exhausted and yet exhilarated. The first time she remembered Tony traveling to Europe he’d stayed for eight days. Claire remembered that upon his arrival home he said he was tired. She understood. Being absent from Iowa for over two weeks, she was ready to get home. Their destinations were spectacular. However, Claire longed for the serenity of her bed and suite.
Before they went out for their final night in Europe, Tony insisted they take some time to visit famous boutiques and shops on Rue du Rhône. Claire repeatedly told him she needed nothing. As if unable to hear or comprehend, he led her to an exclusive jewelry store. He wanted her to have something to remember their time, so he purchased a sparkling diamond watch. She wondered about a possible double meaning.
After a nine-hour flight, they arrived home. She couldn’t remember being more tired. Their flight from Fiji was longer, yet they predominately rested in Fiji or at least spent time horizontal. She felt that she had been literally sightseeing, walking, and hiking for the past seventeen days. Their dinner in New York seemed forever ago, still she knew it was not.
Before they went to bed, Tony brought Claire a large stack of e-mails from his home office; she chose to not look at them. She’d do it tomorrow. They both collapsed into her bed. She thanked Tony repeatedly for the trip of a lifetime and the wonderful memories. She drifted into a dreamless sleep with her head resting on his shoulder, listening to his breathing.
He was exhausted too as he hugged the soft warm body that nestled against his. Hearing her thank him for the memories filled him with intense satisfaction. He closed his eyes, inhaled the scent of her hair, and recalled their memorable trip. Before he drifted off to sleep, Tony said, “I plan to go into the office tomorrow.”
“Then I’ll see you tomorrow evening, I plan to sleep through your alarm.”
Tony smiled.
It’s not a question of enough, pal.
It’s a Zero Sum game, somebody wins, somebody loses.
Money itself isn’t lost or made, it’s simply,
transferred from one perception to another.
Like magic.
—Gordon Gekko
Chapter 41