Claire smiled looking at Amber’s expectant expression. She was thrilled to be able to do something for Amber, after all she’d done for her. “Then yes. I’d be honored to represent SiJo Gaming for you and for Simon. Am I going alone, or will there be someone else with me?”
“SiJo has two tickets. I kind of assumed you’d want Harry to go with you, but if you have someone else in mind.”
Claire’s eyes flitted to her plate to avoid Amber’s direct gaze, “No, I’m relieved to have someone I know. I thought there might be another SiJo representative you wanted there.”
Amber giggled, “Harry’s been avoiding these things for years. After Simon died I tried numerous times to get him to accompany me to formal events. I like the idea of manipulating him into going.” Her smile indicated possible knowledge of Claire and Harry’s increasingly familiar relationship. Nonetheless, she didn’t verbally acknowledge it, she just said, “I’m sure Harry will be relieved you don’t have another companion in mind. And, it’s formal so he’ll have to wear a tuxedo.” Amber’s voice flowed with unbridled excitement at the prospect of making her brother dress formally. “Now, if that doesn’t deter you, there is one more thing you should know before you totally sign on.”
A sudden feeling of foreboding settled over Claire, she hoped it wasn’t anything that would make her retract her offer. “And what would that be?”
“One of the companies well represented at this festivity is Sheds-tics, a subsidiary of Rawlings. It was the company where Simon started. He was always fond of his start and stayed close with the local executives. The two companies have shared a table in the past.”
Claire’s stomach twisted at the prospect of sharing a table with Tony. Her mind went over the numerous formal events she attended with Tony over the years. Her eyes squinted as she processed, “I don’t remember this being an event Tony and I attended while we were married.”
“I checked. He hasn’t attended in three years, since May of 2010. And Shedis-tics hasn’t submitted their attendees for this year. They have four tickets.”
Claire’s mind went to May of 2010, “He went to this in 2010?”
“Yes, that’s the information I saw. Why? You weren’t married until December right?”
“Right.”
“Well, he was there with someone else, early May. I didn’t recognize the name of his companion or remember the exact date. But it was in 2010.”
Claire thought about being in his house while he attended events with other women. Why had she never thought of that before? It wasn’t until late May of 2010 that she went to the Symphony with him. All those lonely evenings and nights when he was busy. Unconsciously she clenched her teeth. Oh, she didn’t want to go there. Claire tried to focus on Amber. “Oh, I guess... I’ll still do it. I owe you this and more.”
“You don’t owe me anything. However, I was thinking if he does come, wouldn’t this be a great opportunity to be seen near him, in public? You know, since he spoiled your plans for visibility during your dinner.”
Claire shrugged. “I suppose it could be.” Slowly a smile spread from her lips to her eyes, “And if I knew he was to be there, but he didn’t know I was... hmm,” she pondered, “I think this could be good.”
“I won’t have Liz send your and Harry’s name in until the last minute.”
“Thank you.” Claire leaned across the tall kitchen table and asked, “Tell me, is this an occasion for a new dress?”
“Oh girl, do you need an occasion? Seriously, you’re welcome to borrow one of mine. Check out the closet in the spare bedroom; any one is fine.”
By eight fifteen Friday morning, Claire sat comfortably in the wide plush leather seat aboard a non-stop United flight to San Diego. If she stayed true to her schedule, she’d pick-up her rental car and be in her hotel suite before noon. Claire felt devious and clever, booking her flight at four thirty in the morning, and not confirming her hotel until she was in the first class lounge awaiting her flight. Undoubtedly, Phil Roach would follow, but the momentary slip fortified her ability to manipulate the people who worked tirelessly monitoring her every move. She relished the brief reprieve from knowing eyes.
Just before take-off, Claire sent a text to Meredith proposing dinner in her suite while they discussed the impending journalistic expose. She hadn’t received confirmation and now that the plane was in the air, her iPhone had to be off. With the scrutinizing eyes of the seemingly friendly flight attendant, Claire followed the rules and kept her phone neatly stashed in the pocket of her purse. She’d check for Meredith’s response once she landed.