At five fifty they left the suite for the foyer. Instead of the usual route, Catherine took Claire the longer way, forcing them to descend the grand stairs. When they reached the top of the stairs Catherine coughed ever so slightly. She looked up at Claire, taller than her in her heels, and gave her one more reassuring smile. Catherine gestured for Claire to descend the staircase first.
Waiting by the front door, iPhone in hand texting, stood Anthony. He emitted confidence and animal magnetism. His tuxedo, obviously tailored specifically for him, looked exquisite as it accented his broad shoulders. There wasn’t a piece of his dark hair out of place as it was gelled and combed to perfection. His face smooth like he’d recently shaven. Claire couldn’t help but think that he looked incredibly handsome. Following the sound of Catherine’s cough he glanced to the top of the stairs. Suddenly, the business that was demanding his attention appeared to be forgotten. He watched as Claire gracefully descended the flight of steps. As his eyes beheld her every move she wondered if she should smile. She wasn’t sure how he would react. His expression emanated favor. Claire wanted his approval. She told herself she didn’t need it. She was happy with the way she looked, but she knew she wanted it.
Once at the bottom of the stairs she proceeded to Anthony’s side. He didn’t speak at first, then not to Claire but to Catherine, “My dear Catherine, you have outdone yourself. You are an artist.” He bowed to her at the waist.
“Mr. Rawlings, an artist is only as good as her canvas. You are accompanying a beautiful canvas.”
“Or should we say, she is accompanying me.” Now to Claire, “We must go, Eric is waiting.”
If Claire was concerned about conversation topics on the drive to Davenport, she needn’t have been. After assisting Claire into the back of the limousine Anthony once again became engrossed in his iPhone and multitasked with his iPad.
On days he worked from home, Claire was often expected to stay in his office in case her services were required. She overheard many business calls, web conferences, and webinars. Therefore, listening to him discuss some dealings on the phone on the way to the symphony seemed strangely comfortable.
Claire wanted to thank him, tell him how excited she was to leave the house and see something, anything. However, his work preoccupied him throughout the ride. She was busy too, watching out the tinted window, seeing different views and different things. Even the sensation of being in a car exhilarated her. She had never ridden in a limousine. The interior was exquisite and she could smell the soft leather seats that formed a horseshoe.
They approached Davenport as the sky filled with a mixture of pink and purple, like vibrant paints swirled together. Soon it began to darken and the lights of the city illuminated the horizon. It was the most splendid combination of sky and skyline she’d ever seen.
Minutes before their arrival Anthony ceased his business and turned to Claire. “Has Catherine prepared your behavior for the evening as well as she has your appearance?”
Claire thought to herself, Somewhere in that statement is a compliment. I’m going to take it. “She has given me her advice, but I would feel better if I heard yours.”
“Very well, when we arrive there will probably be photographers. Do not act surprised or shocked by the attention. Just flash a beautiful smile and radiate confidence. Stay next to me at all times. There will be reporters who will try to learn your identity. I have a publicist that will know the time to release any necessary information. That is not you. I will do most of the talking. However, common sense will need to be with you. If spoken to, you will need to respond, but do not share information that is privileged. Do you understand?”
“I do.”
“I have been asked to attend this event because of a donation I made to the Quad City Symphony and the Support the Arts Foundation. Have you ever been to a symphony before?” Claire said that she had not. Anthony continued as the limousine snaked and crawled along narrow streets. Traffic was stop and go. Claire thought this meant they were getting closer. “The symphony is a delightful evening. I believe you will enjoy the music. The conductor is incredibly talented.”
“Thank you, Anthony, for allowing me to join you this evening.”
“I admit you have learned your lessons well. Now it is time to see if you can continue to follow the rules outside the boundaries of my land.”
“I will do my best.”
Anthony gently took Claire’s chin and turned it toward him, “You will succeed. Failure in a public setting is not an option.” Their eyes locked on each other.
“Yes, Anthony. I will continue to follow your rules.” The car slowed and stopped.
Anthony whispered, “Wait for Eric, he will open the door and assist you in getting out. I will be right behind you and we will enter the theater together.”