Her eyes filled with tears. “Thank you.”
Amber came forward and hugged Claire. “I’m disappointed and confused. But more than anything, I’m happy you and your baby are safe.” Her smile sparkled, “I guess it wasn’t food poisoning, was it?”
Claire shook her head and smiled. “No, it wasn’t.”
“I don’t know your plans, but you can stay with me as long as you want.”
Claire remembered her impending argument with Tony. “I really don’t know what I’m going to do, but thanks for the offer.”
Once Amber left the room and Emily and Claire were alone, Emily spoke first, “What do you mean you don’t know what you’re going to do? Are you seriously considering moving back to that prison?”
Claire closed her eyes. “I don’t know. Tony wants me to move back to Iowa. I was resisting, but, after Patrick Chester, I just don’t know. At least on his estate, I’m safe and so is my baby.”
“Safe? Is that what their calling imprisonment these days?”
Claire regretted telling Emily the truth of her and Tony’s past. She thought of Tony’s recent words: 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 tried to explain, “I can’t make you understand, but when I was there last week, things were different.”
“Right -- and once you decide to stay, I’m sure it will stay that way.”
“I’m going to call him. He’ll be here soon. The nurse said I can have two visitors. Emily, the choice is yours. When he arrives you can stay or go, but he’s coming. I want him here.”
The next time the door opened, an orderly entered carrying two large bouquets of flowers. The first one had a card which simply read: Tony. The second bouquet was from Courtney and Brent, with wishes for fast healing. Claire wondered if Tony told them about the baby.
Emily stayed until Tony arrived. When he did, she kissed Claire on her cheek and said, “We have more places to see today. I’ll check on you later.” She turned, made eye contact with Tony, and left.
He immediately went to Claire’s bedside, “Well, I seem to have that effect on all of your family.”
Claire’s eyebrows rose, “All? Did you see John again?”
“Briefly, he’s in the lounge down the hall.”
Wrinkling her nose in anticipation, “Did you two speak?”
“No.” Tony grinned, “I’m pretty sure if you ever decide to accept the ring I offered, he won’t give you away – again.”
Claire sat taller, “I’m not anyone’s to give away. And I don’t care any longer what others think.”
“Does that mean...” His brown eyes twinkled as he lifted her hand. When she smiled in response, she winced at the pain near her swollen eye. Tony’s voice hardened, “I wish that ass hole were still alive, so I could kill him.”
She rested her head against the pillows and closed her eyes to the pain. “It means ... we’re dating.”
Looking around the small room, Tony whispered jokingly, “This hardly seems public.”
Claire’s eyes sprang open. “I need to contact Meredith. I don’t want her to misconstrue this and think it means she can publish her book, but my phone is at the condo.”
Tony removed his iPhone from his pocket. “I have her number.”
Claire eyed him suspiciously, “How do you have her number? And now that I’m thinking about it, how did you have Harry’s?”
He looked down, “Before I answer, you must admit the information was useful.”
“Yes, I admit that. How?”
He handed her his phone with Meredith Banks on the screen. “You just need to hit call.”
“I know how to use a phone, thank you.” She waited. She remembered how Tony didn’t like asking the same question more than once. She knew the feeling and continued to stare.
“The night of the gala I copied your contacts.”
Claire shook her head and hit call. While she spoke to Meredith another orderly entered her room with another bouquet of flowers. Tony accepted the arrangement and sat it on the large window ledge. He reached for the card and began to carry it to Claire. Suddenly, he stopped. Claire watched as he opened the envelope and the color drained from his face. She wondered if it were from Harry.
“Thank you, Meredith, our agreement is still intact.” “Yes, I’m fine.” “This had nothing to do with Tony.” “I need to go.” “Thank you, good-bye.” She disconnected the call. “Tony what is it?”
He hesitated. “I’ll be back in a minute.” He started to leave her room with the card.
“No, you don’t.” Her voice rose. “Show me that card.”