Harry’s tone brought light back to Claire’s dark suite. “How did your meeting with Meredith go?”
The insinuation of dread no longer lurked in corners and unknown hiding places; radiance flowed with the promise of better things. She absorbed the positive energy, closed the door between the bedroom and living room, and answered. “I think it went well. Mostly, we just reconnected.”
“That’s probably a good first step.” He paused, “I miss you. I still think I should be there.”
Claire exhaled, knowing he deserved honesty. Her voice was hushed, “I have a surprise visitor.”
She heard the change in his countenance. His voice suddenly tensed as his words came too fast, “Is he still there? Are you all right?”
“Yes and yes.”
“I’ll get a SiJo jet and be there in an hour and a half.”
“That isn’t necessary,” she continued to keep her voice low, “although, I would love to see you. But seriously, you need to work tomorrow; I’m fine. I’ll call when he leaves.”
“He isn’t the only one who can jump on a plane to see you.”
Claire shook her head. “You know, I never wanted to be someone people jump on planes to see.”
“I’ll be waiting for your call. If you change your mind and want me there sooner call, text, or send smoke signals.” His attempt at levity made her smile; he continued, “I’ll be there.”
The grin traveled through the phone, “Thanks, I will, I promise.”
“I like hearing that smile. Just remember... it’s for me.”
“How can I forget?” she asked. “I’ll call soon.”
“I hope so. I’ll be waiting. Bye.”
“Bye, soon I promise.” She disconnected the line.
Claire saw her phone, now solely used for Courtney, flashing on the dresser. She checked the screen, one text message, and hit the button: BRENT JUST CALLED. TONY’S MAKING AN UNSCHEDULED TRIP TO SAN DIEGO. YOU AREN’T THERE, ARE YOU? JUST WONDERING... THOUGHT YOU SHOULD KNOW. Claire smiled, fortified by the support of others.
Hesitantly, she approached the door to the living room. Her hand seized the handle; the cool metal calmed her nerves. She took a deep breath and pulled it open.
She half-expected to find Tony standing directly on the other side of the closed barrier. Opening the door and stepping through the threshold, she saw him standing again at the windows, holding his wine, and looking at the nocturnal vista. Claire wondered if he’d heard her open the door. If he did, he didn’t turn around. Slowly, she approached and joined him at the window.
“I apologize for the interruption.” She said, looking at the lights below.
He turned toward her, looking down from above. “Do you now, Ms. Nichols?”
Claire noted the change in his tone, more businesslike. “I do.” Perceiving the meaning of her last name, she confirmed, “You’re correct, I am Ms. Nichols, not Mrs. Rawlings.” She considered adding, “your doing, not mine.” However, she didn’t; she’d baited him enough.
Momentarily Tony stood, facing her, close enough to touch, yet, a million miles apart. Making no attempt to lessen the expanse, he replied, “I’m sure you are busy. If I were him, I’d be on a jet right now. According to my calculations, that gives us about ninety minutes to discuss what I came to discuss.”
Claire considered enlightening Tony on the difference between the two of them, explaining Harry wouldn’t be arriving because she asked him not to. She could talk about trust and communication. Instead she walked toward the sitting area, refilled her glass, sat down compliantly, and asked, “What do you want to discuss?”
“You will discontinue your discussions with Meredith Banks and any further plans you’ve entertained regarding speaking with the media.” It was a very poorly worded plea, sounding more like a mandate.
She sat back against the chair and smiled, “Will I now?”
There was no hint of humor in his reply, “Don’t push me. I’m tired and suddenly not in the mood.”
Inwardly she smirked, knowing Harry’s call upset him. With each such instance her sense of empowerment grew. “Well, I’d like to discuss something else.”
“I would like to stay on topic.”
“Then it seems we’re at an impasse. Perhaps you should go. We can continue this, another day, or not.”
“You’re not changing the subject. The non-disclosure of our relationship is nonnegotiable.”
“I don’t recall signing anything, well, other than a blank napkin. We didn’t even have a prenuptial agreement. So I have no legal restraints on what I can and cannot disclose.”
Tony stepped closer, “Legal, no. What about ethical or moral?”
“Did those concerns come into play during your acquisition or our relationship?”