Claire nodded, swallowing her sobs. This wasn’t an act. It was the reunion of two friends. The ice was broken, another release. Eventually the rest of the room began to talk. Sue, Bev, and Mary Ann led the women to the kitchen. Dabbing their eyes, all the women gave Claire the support she’d feared Tony’s friends would withhold. Everyone claimed to have doubted Claire’s guilt. They all apologized for not being more supportive. Claire knew the man in the other room was the reason for their disobliging behavior. Nonetheless, she bashfully accepted their belated validation.
When they returned to the living room, Claire devotedly sat beside her ex-husband. His expression displayed genuine pleasure with the ladies’ response. When he reached for Claire’s hand and gently brushed her knuckles with his thumb, their faces bowed toward one another and their noses touched. The light contact provoked an approving smile from her lips.
Their Oscar worthy performance was outstanding, possibly under serious consideration for nomination. Throughout the entire evening Tony was Claire’s anchor. By the time dinner was complete, even Claire believed the words coming from her mouth.
With Tony engrossed in conversation in the living room, Claire made her way to the kitchen. She’d spent the evening nursing a glass of wine, for appearances; however, water seemed to be the only liquid capable of quenching her ever present thirst. Leaving the others behind, Claire wondered, is thirst another symptom of pregnancy? She stood at the sink, filling her goblet when Brent approached and nonchalantly whispered, “Did you get my message?”
Claire looked nervously toward the other room, “No, I left that phone in California.”
He continued, “I saw some paperwork on a recent Rawlings hire. The man’s name caught my attention.” Claire looked questionably at him. Brent whispered. “Burke.”
Her mind twirled; there were so many things going through it. She tried to make a connection. “I’m sorry, should I know that name?”
Brent glanced to the other room to see everyone still talking. “Jonathon Burke worked with your grandfather...”
Claire’s eyes opened wide, “Yes, the securities officer.”
Brent nodded and whispered, “I understand why you’re doing what you’re doing. But please remember who you’re dealing with and be careful.”
Ignoring his warning, Claire asked, “Is there a connection between the Rawlings employee and Jonathon?”
“I haven’t had the chance to follow through, but I will.”
“Oh, there you are...” Courtney came loudly into the kitchen with Tony close behind. Claire finished putting ice in her water glass, grinned, and walked toward Tony.
“What are you two in here talking about?” Tony asked. Claire heard his question, but at the same time her mind tried to process the new information. Are other people suffering because of Nathaniel and Tony’s vendetta?
“Monterey,” Brent said. Claire pushed her new concern away and turned toward Brent with a grin. Brent continued, “Yes, Courtney and I’ve been there a few times and really enjoyed it. I wondered, with Claire living in Palo Alto if she’d been.”
Claire interjected as she smiled toward Tony, “I was telling him the only time I’d been there -- was with you.”
Tony placed his arm around her back. “We did go there, didn’t we?”
Courtney said, “I hate to leave this get-together, but we have a lot to do before the rehearsal and dessert celebration.” She addressed Tony and Claire, “You two will be there, won’t you?”
Unsure of their plans, Claire looked to Tony. He replied, “Of course, we will. That’s why we met tonight. I hoped Claire’s reintroductions would be easier if she could meet first with friends. Hopefully this will allow her additional support with increased people.” His arm gently squeezed his ex-wife to his side. She smiled appropriately to his friends.
“Well, you have ours. Oh, Claire,” Courtney asked, “Could I have your cellphone number? I’d love to talk more after the wedding.”
A flashback of a similar situation years earlier entered Claire’s thoughts. Before she could answer, Tony responded. “Courtney, I’ll give her your number tonight. She can call or text, and then you will have each other’s number.”
The women nodded. “We will do that.” Claire said with a smile. Maybe things do change, she pondered.
“Now if you’ll excuse us, we need to say our goodbyes,” Brent offered as they turned to leave.
Tony stopped them. “Wait, we should probably go, too. Claire’s had a pretty emotionally packed day. Besides, I believe the four of us need to speak privately. Perhaps, out by the cars?”
Claire’s insides suddenly twisted. She refused to look toward the Simmons; what could he want to discuss privately? Did he know about their clandestine relationship and support?
“All right,” Courtney managed, “But we do have a lot to do.” Her tone sounded as if she were agitated by the delay; however, Claire knew the same concerned inflections would be present if she spoke. So she didn’t.
Tony thanked Tim and Sue for hosting the dinner and the four of them said goodbye to the others. However, before they could leave Sue and asked, “Could you please wait just a minute?” Without waiting for an answer she hurried away toward the stairs.