The only person who knew Claire’s mixed emotions: the way she hated Tony and still loved him, the way she pitied him for the tragic loss of his parents at a young age and became exasperated by him every time he foiled her plans, was Courtney.
Harry knew about Claire’s requests, no demands of Tony, regarding her friends and specifically John’s law license. Nevertheless, Claire found it difficult to discuss any amicable or enlightening interactions with Tony with the people around her. To them, Anthony Rawlings was a monster. Claire realized she could also see him that way. However, she knew it wasn’t the entire person, only one side of the multidimensional man.
With Claire lost in thought, Amber responded to Emily’s statement, “SiJo shares a table at the gala with a local company, Shedis-tics; it’s a subsidiary of Rawlings. In the past Claire’s ex has attended this event. We were waiting to submit SiJo’s attendees until we knew if he were attending.”
Emily obviously stiffened, “So if he were,” she paused and looked at Claire, “you wouldn’t go, would you?”
The familiar throbbing erupted behind Claire’s temples. She stood straighter, looked to Harry for reinforcement and responded to her sister, “We promised to attend, no matter what.”
Emily’s tone hardened, “Claire that’s ridiculous. Why would you willingly put yourself near him?”
Harry squeezed Claire’s shoulder and spoke, “Your sister is a very tough lady. She can handle any confrontation.” He added with a sense of pride, “She has many times.”
Shit! Claire thought. Emily doesn’t know how many times I’ve seen him.
Emily stared directly at her sister, “What does he mean many times? I thought you just had dinner that one time.”
Claire didn’t like Emily’s tone. It was the I’m the older sister you need to listen to me tone. Maybe their move to California wasn’t such a good idea. Claire answered, “Don’t worry about it. I’m good. If he were at the gala, Harry and I’d still be there. Things change, I can handle myself. Besides, I wouldn’t be alone. Harry’d be with me.”
“When else have you seen him? Besides the dinner, I mean.”
Amber and John remained silent, hanging on each word. Emily and Claire’s stares intensified as each woman’s emerald eyes bore into the other. While Claire contemplated her answer, Harry spoke. The soft tenor of his voice eased Claire’s head, “Claire is quite capable...”
Emily interrupted, “I’m sorry, Harry. That’s very nice of you to support my sister. But I doubt you know the complete history.”
Claire found her voice, “Actually, Emily, he does.”
Harry’s calm voice released the tension from the room, like the air from a gently deflating balloon. Everyone relaxed as he spoke, “I’m sorry if I mentioned something that has overshadowed our wonderful evening.” Refocusing the conversation, he added, “It’s great that the two of you are moving here. John, Amber has high hopes for your assistance with SiJo and the rest of us on the board are anxiously waiting to see if her hopes payoff.”
John nodded, “It’s a new job description for me, but I’m excited to jump in with both feet.”
Amber smiled to her brother. She appreciated his ability to defuse the situation. Addressing John, Amber said, “You won’t be alone. You’ll have a staff to help with your research. And I don’t expect miracles overnight.” Looking to Harry, Amber added, “Neither does the board. Don’t let Harry stress you too much.”
As the conversation within the kitchen went to SiJo, Claire mouthed, “Thank you” to Harry.
He embraced her shoulder and whispered, “Sorry, I didn’t know she didn’t know.”
Claire whispered, “It’s okay. I’m not used to the protective motherly attitude.”
“Really,” he whispered with a grin, “I’d think protective would be old hat to you by now. After all, you’ve got me and don’t forget your bodyguard.”
Stifling a yawn, Claire smiled and nodded into his shoulder.
“I think you’d better call it a night.”
The others were talking about something; Claire had lost track of their conversation. She turned to Harry and raised her eyebrows, “Maybe I should have taken a nap today?”
She watched his cheeks rise and his eyes do that half open -- half closed thing, “Perhaps the next time you nap, you’d rather sleep.”
Blushing, Claire whispered, “That’s not what I said; maybe I should have slept, too.”
Harry addressed the group, his voice once again loud enough to be heard by all, “Good night everyone. I’m headed home.”
“Good night,” came from the crowd.
After the front door closed, Claire turned to a room of questioning eyes. She feigned her most innocent expression and asked, “What?” Without waiting for them to answer she added, “I’m tired too. See you all in the morning.” Claire turned to walk to her room before anyone could propose the unspoken questions. Besides, she didn’t want to revisit her conversation with Emily.
Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment
that something else is more important than fear.
– Ambrose Redmoon
Chapter 31