It was as if he never really looked at them, so he did. “I guess they are. That happens.” He didn’t concern himself with matters that he couldn’t influence. “Are you ready for our outing?” She said she was and they proceeded down the grand stairs. “I have a car out front, we can go.”
When Tony opened the door she saw a small Lexus SC 10 convertible, but no Eric. Tony opened the passenger door and she got in. He went around to the driver’s seat. She couldn’t help but smile at him. He wore jeans that accentuated his trim waist, a button-down shirt, white, which showed his tan and his powerful chest and shoulders. His hair was perfect, and as she beheld his profile she saw the “red-hot sexy” that People Magazine mentioned. He glanced at her as he started the car, her smile seemed different. “What?”
“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.