She smiled all the way to her emerald eyes and kissed his cheek. “Thank you, I really mean that.”
The country roads wound like a ribbon before them. Claire closed her eyes and tried to comprehend the evening. There were so many things to think about. Yet, the only vision which managed to find its way to her consciousness was Sean, the way his pudgy little arms encircled Sue’s neck, his giggle as Tim propelled him in the air, and his security at landing on Tim’s strong stable shoulder. Would their child ever have that? Would Claire’s baby have a father willing to embrace him unconditionally?
Tony’s squeeze of Claire’s knee brought her back to the present. She focused on his words, part of a statement already in progress. “... it takes longer than you would expect. But, Brent thinks it can be resolved before the end of the year.”
Claire turned, “That’s a long time away. How long did it take to set him up?”
Tony turned. His expression suddenly darkened. “I’d rather not talk about that.”
With her preoccupation of Sean, she’d forgotten to weigh her words. “Why? I know you did it. You told Brent and Courtney you wanted to be honest. So be honest.”
Tony’s neck stiffened and he peered forward through the windshield. Finally he spoke, “From the time he turned down my job offer.”
Claire sat straighter and looked out the side window. She tried to keep her mind on the passing scenes. Subtle interruptions in the nocturnal darkness were visible with the occasional house or opening in the trees. The light from the quarter moon illuminated each field or a yard they passed. Although, the familiar terrain gave Claire comfort, she wrestled with Tony’s confession.
“You asked. Now, you won’t comment?” Tony asked.
“I don’t know what to say. Do you want my bold and cheeky response or the reticent and genteel one?”
Claire saw his knuckles blanch upon the steering wheel. She waited. Instinctively she knew she’d baited him enough. He’d been honest. She should give him credit for that.
“This is why I haven’t answered all of your questions. You may think you’re ready for answers, but you’re not. Bits and pieces may help you understand. But, the blatant truth is too much.”
Claire watched the passing scenes without comment. It wasn’t that words didn’t form in her head; they did. She chose to keep them to herself. In the past her silence may have been the result of fear regarding Tony’s reaction. Exhaustion was her current motivator. Without a doubt, Claire was tired of confrontation.
When Tony pulled the silver Batmobile onto the brick circular drive in front of his house, Claire turned to him. Sincerely and serenely, she placed her hand on top of his and spoke softly with confidence, “Thank you.” He turned -- showering her with the intensity of his dark glare. Every fiber of his expression displayed his unspoken resentment regarding at her recent silence. Undeterred she continued, “Thank you for supporting me tonight with your friends. I was very nervous. It turned out much better than I could have possibly hoped. And thank you for helping John. I know you don’t like him, and you created his problems, but helping him now – it means a lot to me.” She leaned in and lightly kissed his lips.
The touch ignited feelings deep within her. The change in Tony’s breathing revealed a similar response. She searched his eyes in the dark stillness of the car.
“Claire, I am trying to give you space. But I’m on the edge.”
She leaned back and undid her seatbelt. “I know you’re trying. And I appreciate it.” She opened her door and started toward the house. She heard his door slam as he made his way to her, grasping her arm; he stopped her progress. They stood in the night upon the brick drive. His chest pressed against her hypersensitive breasts.
“I am very glad you are here.”
Claire smiled and looked up at the mansion before her. “I’m surprised at how much I like being here. I was afraid the bad memories would overpower the good.”
Tension escaped his lips in an audible sigh as a grin emerged, “Does that mean... the good overpower the bad?”
Claire shrugged. “I don’t know. I wish I could say yes. You said you want honesty, and honestly, I don’t know. They’re both there. It’s just that the familiarity of here is heartwarming.”
He kissed the top of her head and with lightened eyes offered, “I need to go into the office tomorrow morning. I hope to be done and home by noon. The dessert celebration isn’t until eight. Would you like to go for a walk tomorrow?”
“A walk?”
His encouraging smile peeked her curiosity. “Yes, Claire, to your lake?”
She smiled and nodded. “I would. Very much, I would like that.”
He kissed the hand he’d secured. “Please allow me to escort you to your suite. I will give you Courtney’s number and you may use the lock you requested. Actually,” his eyes narrowed, “I suggest you do.”
Claire pressed against his chest. “You know, we never did this.”