Текст книги "Truth "
Автор книги: Aleatha Romig
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Текущая страница: 22 (всего у книги 42 страниц)
“You drive a hard bargain.” Derek replied, “See you tonight.”
They kissed and Sophia opened the door of his private office. Walking past Danni’s desk, her mind filled with Derek’s affection and playful banter. As she turned toward the impassive gaze of his private assistant, Sophia summoned her sweetest voice and said, “Thanks, Danni. Bye.”
From gritted teeth, Danni replied, “You’re welcome.”
Walking along the still crowded sidewalk, Sophia felt the sensation of floating. Had someone really offered 2.3 million for her art work? It didn’t seem possible. And her conversation with Derek went in such an unexpected direction. She’d expected him to be supportive, yet reserved about missing the dinner. After all, how important could attendance at a fundraiser really be for a Fortune 500 company?
Despite his executive pretense, he was just a man. Sophia told herself; she needed to remember that. After all, she was just a woman. That makes the two of them compatible in a remarkable way.
Wanting to speak to Mr. George in person, Sophia drove back to Palo Alto. She wanted to let him know she and her husband would be packaging her work and getting it west as soon as possible. Before facing Mr. White Teeth, Sophia decided to stop for a cup of tea and some lunch. Working her way into a bustling cafe on the same street as the Art Studio, Sophia scanned the crowd looking for an empty seat.
The cafe hummed with the drone of conversations at most every table. The aroma of freshly baked bread, rich coffee, and tangy spices made her empty stomach twist with anticipation. She stepped toward the counter to read the menu above, when a woman near the window with an electronic tablet, cup of coffee, and salad caught her attention. She looked vaguely familiar. Sophia didn’t want to stare. It just seemed strange that she’d know anyone eating in Palo Alto.
*****
The chatter of the busy cafe surrounded Claire, soothing her aching temples. She mindlessly picked at her half eaten salad while simultaneously skimming the latest news on her iPad. Relishing the temporary reprieve, she enjoyed one of her first free moments in the last week. She realized the irony of solitude in a crowd.
Last Saturday, her sister, Emily, and brother-in-law, John, arrived in San Francisco. Since then, she’s hardly had a minute alone. Wistfully she thought about Harry; they hadn’t had a minute alone either. Actually, since San Diego, a week and a half ago, they’d only had one opportunity to utilize his procurement of resources from that drugstore.
Multitasking, Claire read each headline on her newsfeed. However, her thoughts were of her sister and brother-in-law. They’d asked to borrow her car and take a day trip into San Francisco. She was thankful for them to get some time to themselves.
The face-to-face reunion between the three of them washed away all doubt and hard feelings from their past. When Emily walked through the archway at San Francisco International Airport last Saturday and their matching green eyes met, they melted in a sobbing embrace. It was minutes before John was able to separate the two of them, before he got his own chance to hug Claire.
Being the ever accommodating hostess, Amber offered the Vandersols the use of her third bedroom. It meant re-filing all of Claire’s research, but it was worth it. For five days Claire’s sister and brother-in-law would be only a door away.
It also thrilled Claire that Emily and John got along so well with Amber and Harry. The ease of conversation and similar interests created a comfortable atmosphere, very dissimilar to the one while she’d been married to Tony.
After a few days, Amber began to talk business with John. The two shared similar philosophies and work ethics. What started as discussion over a few interesting Rawlings Industries dealings soon turned to SiJo Gaming strategies. While the two talked shop, Claire and Emily enjoyed one another’s company. The sharing and camaraderie was wonderful.
Nevertheless, Claire couldn’t understand why she continued to fight her aching head. She was being more open and honest with her family than she’d been in years, yet she had the strange feeling of teetering on the edge of a looming argument. Her emotions felt stretched. Truthfully, she had no idea what the impending argument entailed or why it was stressing her out.
Looking up from her iPad, Claire scanned the cafe. People moved about in every direction within the cafe and outside on the street. Sitting by the window, she watched people pass the glass. Occasionally she would have the sensation of being watched. It was both annoying and familiar. In a moment of self-reflection, Claire asked, when in the past three years haven’t I been watched? Or did it date back further than that?
Later tonight Claire, Emily, John, Harry, and Amber had reservations at a local restaurant. They were going to meet Amber’s new friend. She met him a few weeks ago, at an out of town conference. He works for Google. Amber claimed it wasn’t serious, but the gleam in her eyes as she mentions Keaton made Claire smile.
It also made the idea of telling Amber about her and Harry easier. Claire reasoned if Amber were also involved with someone, she’d take the news much better. Claire assumed Amber and her family had suspicions. But no one asked, and Claire and Harry hadn’t volunteered. For the most part, the two of them kept their new familiarity private.
Claire looked up again and saw Phil Roach standing in line behind a pretty blonde woman. Her nervousness quelled. That nagging feeling of being watched was easier to deal with when you know the voyeur, or as Claire liked to refer to Phil, her bodyguard.
She wondered how he handled losing her at the airport back in San Diego. Smiling to herself, Claire realized she sometimes too thought of parts of her life as a game. And unquestionably, she enjoyed controlling the metaphorical chess board.
Refocusing her attention to the electronic tablet, she read a headline on MSNBC about Megatone, a subsidiary of Sony. She read about concerned investors. There was a recent selling frenzy of stock resulting in a plummet of share prices. Just since this morning they’d fallen from $77.12 to $48.13. Claire glanced at her watch. It was almost one-thirty, four-thirty on the East coast. The stock market would close soon. It didn’t sound good for Megatone.
The Associated Press article discussed personal wrong doing on the part of the CEO. Concerned shareholders questioned ethics in the boardroom. The underlying insinuation was if an individual in a place of power made poor personal choices, investors rightfully or wrongly transferred that to business choices. Megatone and its board of directors maintained the company’s position of strong integrity and principal. Currently no evidence of corporate wrong doing was evident. Yet, with up to the second news, the stock continued to dive.
Claire searched her stock market app; Rawlings Industries stock currently sat at $168.78 per share. That was up $2.04 since the same time yesterday. The company had been experiencing an upward spiral, despite the economy, for the last five years.
*****
Sophia searched her mind as she stood in line. Each time she snuck a glance at the brown haired woman, she analyzed her features. Finding a small table, Sophia sat sipping her tea and waiting for her salad. Suddenly, she realized it was the hair that was wrong. The woman that this woman resembled had lighter hair. Nonetheless, as an artist she dissected the woman’s features. Sophia knew without a doubt, in every other way, the woman at the window was the same woman Sophia had stared at for days and weeks. Not only had Sophia stared at her, she’d painted her, wearing a beautiful Vera Wang wedding gown.
Suddenly, Sophia wondered if she should approach her. After all, Sophia signed a confidentiality statement regarding that painting. While Sophia debated, the woman seemed lost in her tablet.
With her salad now secured, Sophia resolved to approach the woman at the window. Without warning an attractive blonde haired man sat down opposite the woman. Sophia watched as the concern and concentration the woman had been devoting to the tablet dissolved. The blonde haired man appeared to take all of her attention. Sophia wondered, could that be the man who hired me to paint the picture? If it was, she should remain silent. Breach of contract would require payment. Since she didn’t have the 1.95 million yet, talking to the woman she’d once painted was no longer an option.
Without a doubt, the possibility of an encounter with this mystery woman seemed odd!
Sophia sat back, enjoyed her lunch, and watched the man and woman converse with a heartwarming sense of familiarity. She hoped they liked her work.
The strength of a family, like the strength of an army, is in its loyalty to each other.
—Mario Puzo
Chapter 30
His sparkling blue eyes were right in front of Claire before she noticed Harry’s presence. His rich voice rose above the clatter, “Your color looks much better. How are you feeling?”
Claire beamed toward the handsome face and turned her cheek making it available for his friendly kiss. “I’m feeling much better, thank you. I’m not sure what my problem was this morning.”
Harry took the seat opposite Claire.
She continued, “I love having Emily and John here. I don’t know why I’m so on edge.”
Harry leaned over and covered Claire’s hand. “Your sister is thrilled to be here with you. Just enjoy the time. They’re leaving Thursday.”
Claire looked down toward her half eaten salad. “I know,” she looked up and her emerald eyes twinkled, “and on Friday I get to see you in a tuxedo!”
Harry shook his head from side to side, “It’s not too late. We can get someone else to go to that gala. It’s nothing more than stuffed shirts acting all self-righteous about their donation.”
Claire smiled smugly, “I know what to expect, been there done that. But, I haven’t seen you in a tux, and I want to do that. Besides, I promised Amber.”
Harry picked a strawberry from Claire’s uneaten salad and plopped it in his mouth. Immediately, she thought about his lips as they closed around the small red fruit. She tried to compartmentalize the thought smoldering deep within her. To aid in her diversion, Claire chose to speak, “I thought Amber said you hadn’t been to any of these things with her. How do you know what to expect?”
“I haven’t been, as a guest. I’ve worked security at events like this, as a cop and for SiJo.” He reached for a sleek slice of orange.
Claire giggled, “Do you want the rest of my salad? I’m really not hungry.”
Bashfully he replied, “No, you should eat it. I don’t think you had much breakfast. Besides,” his voice slowed, “I was wondering...”
Looking up, Claire saw his expression change subtly, with a gleam to his eyes and a crease on his forehead. She couldn’t pin point the exact difference, but whatever it was, it caused that fire she’d felt moments ago to reignite. Trying to sound more seductive than shy, Claire leaned toward Harry, “Yes?” She allowed the word to be drawn out, asking a question, not answering one. “What were you wondering?”
“Well, you see I was at work – minding my own business – when I received this text.”
Claire raised her eyebrows, yes, she’d sent a text. It wasn’t intended as a request.
He went on, “It said something like: hope your day’s going well. Heading to Clancy’s on Hamilton for some lunch. Emily and John took my car for a road trip to San Francisco for the day.”
“Yes, I believe I know about that text. I sent it. And I received one in return. It said something like: have a good lunch. Oh, there may have been a smiley face.”
Harry shrugged, “Well, yes. But then I started to think about you... all alone.”
“I’m a big girl.”
His eyes now held the same smoldering fire she’d been trying to conceal. “Yes, you are.” His fingers rubbed the top of her knuckles. “You see, I wasn’t sure how you would handle being all alone back at the condo. It seems like with your company, you haven’t been alone in a while.”
Claire’s grin caused her eyes to twinkle; the fire now glowed behind the green. “You’re very kind to leave work just to assist me. Maybe, I do need some help.”
He seized her hand as she started to push her chair away from the table. “I’m here to assist, anyway I can.”
She leaned closer to his ear, “What would your boss say about you playing hooky?”
“My job definition is open to outside security.”
“Oh, so you’re providing me with security?” She smiled, looking back at Phil sitting with a sandwich and tea. “Should we tell Phil to take the afternoon off?”
Harry shrugged, “I don’t think it’d do any good. Now Ms. Nichols, what assistance do you need?”
Claire felt her cheeks flush, “Well, maybe from here to the condo, we can think of something?”
The Brazilian restaurant offered amazing cuisine with impeccable service. Keaton, Amber’s friend, held his own in their small crowd. He jumped right in, as the conversation moved from person to person. Claire enjoyed hearing her brother-in-law banter jokingly with the others. Her shoulders relaxed realizing the stress she used to feel whenever John and Tony were together was now gone. Maybe that old feeling was what had been bothering her.
Harry laughed as Emily questioned Claire’s diet. “Why are you so hungry?”
Claire smiled... perhaps her afternoon activity had helped return her appetite. “I guess I really like this restaurant.”
Emily couldn’t see Harry’s hand squeezing Claire’s dress covered knee.
After the waiter cleared the dishes from their main course, Claire noticed glances, bemused smiles, and nods between Amber, John, and Emily. Her curiosity got the better of her, “What’s going on?”
Amber raised her glass of wine and said, “I’d like to propose a toast.”
Claire obediently lifted her Chianti filled goblet and listened, “To Claire,” the temperature of the room rose as Claire felt self-conscious at the sudden attention. Amber went on, “The past three months, well almost three, have changed Harry’s and my lives. We’ve not only found a good friend, but learned about life in the spotlight.” Everyone giggled. She continued, “You’ve done more than that. You’ve brought others to our life. Thank you.” Everyone sipped their wine. Amber continued, “Now to John and Emily. When Claire spoke to me about your visit, I was thrilled to have you stay with us, for her. But as the two of you know, it’s become more than that. Here is to a long relationship between us and more importantly, between you, John, and SiJo Gaming.” Again glasses went to lips.
Claire’s glass didn’t move. Her stomach lurched; she had to ask, “What does that mean?”
Emily leaned toward her sister; their shoulders touched, “It means we’re moving to Palo Alto.”
Claire glanced around the table still in disbelief. Amber continued, “John and I spoke about the possibility of him working for SiJo. I called an emergency meeting of the board yesterday and they agreed. SiJo needs someone to spearhead our investment division. Diversifying is essential and we’re lacking. Claire, your brother-in-law is very intelligent and I’ll be forever grateful that we’ve met.”
Stammering, Claire looked at the wide eyes around her. Turning to Harry, “You’re on the board, you knew about this?” He nodded. Looking to Emily she asked, “Did you go to San Francisco today?”
Emily shook her head, “No, we spent the day at SiJo. John had paperwork to complete and people to meet.”
Claire placed her glass on the linen covered table and exhaled, “So why’d everyone know about this but me?”
Staying quiet during this personal conversation, Keaton interjected, “I didn’t know.”
Claire smiled a weary smile, “Wow, I’m shocked.” Tears filled her eyes as she turned to Emily. “I never dreamt we’d be together again.”
Emily embraced Claire’s shoulders. “Honey, we’re thrilled. Are you all right with this?”
She nodded into Emily’s shoulder. The entire table laughed as Harry patted Claire’s back.
Emily whispered, “You’re so emotional. Are you sure you’re on board with this?”
Claire sat up and wiped her eyes with the napkin from her lap. “Shocked, that’s all.” Then as she beamed at everyone she added, “It’s a very good shock! Thank you, Amber, and welcome, Emily and John. When are you moving?”
John answered, “We have some things to do in Indiana. A few legal hoops to jump through, but we’re hoping to be here by the first of July.”
Claire leaned back, rested her head against Harry’s shoulder, and settled into his comforting embrace. When she refocused on the table, she saw everyone’s questioning looks. Oh, that’s right, they don’t know about us. She thought as she glanced up at Harry and grinned. He shrugged and remained quiet. Claire followed his lead and allowed conversations to resume.
Back at the condo Amber, John, Emily, Harry, and Claire relaxed in the kitchen before retiring for the night. Claire was coming to terms with her family living near. “Near, not in the same condominium,” John smirked.
“I’ll be glad to start the search for your new place, if you’d like,” Claire offered.
Changing the subject, Amber announced, “Liz submitted your names to the National Center for Learning Disabilities Gala today.”
Claire didn’t know if the statement made her bristle due to the mention of Liz’s name or the apprehension regarding SiJo’s and Shedis-tics’ shared table. “I still don’t have a dress.”
“Oh, I’ll help you with that tomorrow, if you’d like.” Emily offered. Claire nodded enthusiastically. Yes, she’d like having her sister near.
Amber continued, “And Liz also gave me the names of everyone at your table.”
Both Claire and Harry stiffened.
Amber smiled and said, “I didn’t recognize any of them.”
Claire and Harry exhaled together.
Emily looked at the two of them, “You two are scaring me. You’re breathing in unison.”
Claire realized the cause of her recent headaches. She hadn’t really talked to Emily about Tony since she’d had dinner with him. That was the argument Claire had been anticipating. Emily knew she and Tony had a few discussions, but even on the phone, the subject caused tension. The only time Emily or John were open to discuss Tony was in the context of revenge.
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.
