Текст книги "Truth "
Автор книги: Aleatha Romig
сообщить о нарушении
Текущая страница: 9 (всего у книги 42 страниц)
Things do not pass for what they are, but for what they seem. Most things are judged by their jackets.
—Baltasar Gracian
Chapter 11
1983...
“Yes, Anton, we’ll be at Blair by the time of the ceremony.” Amanda’s voice came through the telephone receiver.
“It starts at two,” he reminded his mother.
“We know that. You know Nathaniel would never be late.”
That went without saying; Anton’s family was punctual. “Mother,” Anton hesitated, “is Grandmother coming?” He debated voicing the question but needed to know. After all, his relatives portrayed the perfect family. That image was becoming increasingly difficult to depict with Sharron Rawls’ erratic behavior. Besides, he had enough issues with his classmates. He didn’t need a crazy grandmother added to the mix.
“She is. It will be fine. I promise.” Anton didn’t answer. Amanda continued. “Nathaniel hired Sharron a private assistant. She accompanies your grandmother everywhere. With her assistance, Sharron is doing much better. It keeps her organized and focused.”
Anton liked the sound of that. “That’s good. I’m glad to hear it.”
Two days later, dressed in his cap and gown, Anton peered out into the auditorium searching for his family. Bright lights shone directly onto the stage, limiting his ability to see the audience. However, he knew they were there. The Rawls may be many things, but undependable or unreliable, were not among their list of inadequacies. If a commitment were made, it was completed.
Following the ceremony, Anton met his family in the grand hall of the Center for the Arts. It was the perfect location for graduation from this prestigious private academy. Scanning the crowd, he found his parents and grandparents, and an unfamiliar face. Walking toward the group he waited for accolades that would never come. How could Anton ever imagine he’d receive praises for graduating third in his class? Third, what a disgrace! That his GPA was above the perfect 4.0 and he’d been accepted by every university to which he’d applied were not important. He wasn’t number one.
Feeling the slap on his shoulder, he turned to see his father’s reserved, yet kind eyes. “Congratulations, Son, we’d like to take you out to dinner. This is the end of a very important phase of your life.”
Anton nodded in his direction; it was a form of acceptance. He looked toward his grandparents. Nathaniel’s expression revealed nothing. If he were proud, if he were disappointed, Anton wouldn’t know, until later. Sharron on the other hand appeared quite content. The young woman on her arm whispered in her ear as Sharron smiled and nodded.
The only positive aspect of the day, Anton could salvage, was his grandmother’s new sense of calm. His mother gently touched his elbow, “Anton, this is Marie. She’s Sharron’s personal assistant.”
Anton presented his hand, “Hello, Marie, nice to meet you.”
The young woman smiled bashfully and presented her hand, “Hello, Mr. Rawls.”
He noticed Marie’s sweet smile and soft eyes, contrasting the dark in the members of his family. He wondered her age and guessed not much older than himself.
What credentials did one need to be a personal assistant? She must have some education beyond high school, mustn’t she?
During dinner Marie impressively kept Sharron in line. Anton’s grandmother didn’t yell, complain, or argue. This even affected Nathaniel’s demeanor. He was more relaxed than Anton had seen in years. Anton even saw his grandfather occasionally smile at his wife, who smiled lovingly in return. The look in her eyes, as she focused on her husband was like one peering upon a Roman god. It wasn’t that Nathaniel didn’t deserve the reverend gazes. Anton presumed he did. After all, his patience with Sharron was more than Anton or anyone else witnessed in any other facet of Nathaniel’s life. Nonetheless, Sharon’s praises for her husband were lessened by her ability to remember anyone other than him. Her memory seemed to concentrate on their life, pre-child, before Samuel, before Amanda, and before Anton.
Being Anton’s graduation, he thought it would be nice if he were the subject of someone’s compliments. But of course, the weather was a more important subject.
On multiple occasions, Marie reminded Sharron of her duties at hand, and the elderly woman immediately refocused. It was obvious, Sharron wanted more than anything to make her husband proud. She could in fact do as she was told, with some assistance. Sharron could follow the rules.
Samuel gripped the edge of the table. His mother was no child. She didn’t need a damn nurse, and she sure as hell didn’t need to worry about his narcissistic father’s concerns. Sharron Rawls should be concerned about herself, not anyone else!
Of course, each time Samuel tried to discuss this with her, she’d smile serenely and ask about Nathaniel; where was he? When would he be back? And oh, yes, what was your name?
Between his father’s business deals and his mother’s declining mental health, there were days Samuel thought he should be the one to go completely insane. Thank god he had Amanda to keep him stable and Anton.
It went without saying, they were very proud of their son. Anton graduated third in his class from a prestigious private academy and would attend Columbia University in the fall, majoring in business and computer technology. It was no secret his son inherited a prowess for business. Samuel only hoped Nathaniel wouldn’t ruin Rawls Corporation before Anton could get his feet wet. There were so many wrong decisions being made.
Seeing his mother’s sudden agitation he started to help. However, Marie immediately assisted. It surprised Samuel to witness his mother’s sudden composure. Perhaps having a non-emotionally involved assistant wasn’t a bad idea. Although young, the girl seemed to possess a sense of calm the Rawls admittedly lacked. In some ways it reminded Samuel of his mother, before this terrible illness took hold.
In the face of the storm, otherwise known as Nathaniel, Sharron calmed the winds, rains, and rough waters. His entire life, Samuel wondered how she did it. Rarely, did he ever witness a disagreement between them. Superficially, she appeared to submit to his every demand. Yet, there were times when they looked at one another and Samuel knew, without confrontation, Sharron had made her feelings and desires known.
Samuel failed miserably in that category. He didn’t have the ability to communicate nonverbally with his egotistical father. Their confrontations were predictably loud and boisterous. Perhaps, it was a two way street. Nathaniel needed to want that communication. He accepted the glances and body language from his wife, but not from anyone else, even his only son.
Samuel believed his parent’s union had a history of rough patches, yet Sharron never complained. And now, as her mental facilities slowed, hell – derailed – the reality in which she chose to dwell was not that of a mother, or grandmother, or even a wealthy businessman’s wife. She saw the world as it had been when she and Nathaniel were first married. She looked at her handsome, yet aging husband and saw the twenty year old soldier she loved.
Samuel supposed on some level, he resented Anton for looking so much like his father. It wasn’t as though Anton could control his genetics. That would be Samuel’s doing as well. It was only that when Sharron looked at Anton, she smiled so sweetly and her eyes melted into the liquid calm reserved for her true love. Yes, it was Nathaniel she saw. Nonetheless, she never asked Anton his name; she only called him Nathaniel.
How in the world Samuel found Amanda, and had forged out some semblance of normalcy was beyond him. Talk about nature verses nurture – shit, he was screwed either way. Peering at his son, Samuel prayed Amanda’s influence would overpower the messed up Rawls blood flowing through Anton’s veins.
Yes, although the mother he once knew was rarely visible, Samuel knew Sharron’s influence was his saving grace. Therefore, if this young girl helped Sharron transition from her world of make-believe to the present, maybe Samuel could learn to accept her.
A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you for who you are today.
—Unknown
Chapter 12
The warm gulf water lapped the shore, as the soft, moist sand enveloped their bare feet, and the sun bathed their tanned skin. Clad in swim suits, Claire and Courtney picked up the occasional shell as they walked along the beach. Although the third morning of their secret get-a-way, neither friend had run out of things to share.
Their reunion was everything Claire imagined and more. When Claire arrived late Tuesday night, or early Wednesday morning, to their rendezvous suite, Courtney was anxiously waiting.
Courtney hadn’t changed. Her bright blue eyes and brown hair were exactly as Claire remembered. Courtney jokingly said, “Honey, my hair is only the same because my beautician hasn’t decided to change colors!”
Claire’s commercial flight to San Antonio took almost four hours. Flying first class, she reasoned was a gradual downgrade from private jets. She also knew some reporter could take her picture, and the penniless thing was getting on her nerves. After landing in San Antonio, she secured a rental car, drove to the Hotel Valencia Riverwalk, and checked into her suite. It was truly beautiful, complete with a balcony overlooking the famous San Antonio Riverwalk. While there, she messed up the bed and threw some towels into the whirlpool tub. It kind of looks lived in. She thought, as she made her way back to her rental car.
Next, she drove two and a half hours to Corpus Christi. Along the way she stopped for a healthy McDonald’s salad, anything fast to get her to Courtney. Thankfully the rental car’s built-in GPS directed her around an accident on I-37, south around Mathis. The voice knew about the back-up. And although rerouting added about thirty minutes, it was better than sitting in stand still traffic. By the time Claire reached their hotel, it was almost two in the morning, local time.
Just like her suite in San Antonio, the floor of their suite was only accessible with a key. Claire’s key was waiting for her at the front desk, under the name Julia. (Courtney’s future daughter-in-law)
When Claire opened the door and stepped onto the tiled entry, she heard the familiar scream resonating from one of the two bedrooms. She barely had time to see the lovely white living area and brightly colored furniture before her entire body was encased in Courtney’s full embrace. In no time, their joyous reunion became tearful. Perhaps it was sleep deprivation; more than likely, it was their eighteen month separation and the circumstances surrounding it.
Leaving her unpacking until morning, the two sat on the sofa, knee to knee and talked until dawn. Their conversation focused more on the future than the past. There would be plenty of time for that as the week progressed.
Courtney told Claire all about the preparations for Caleb and Julia’s upcoming nuptials. She desperately wanted to have Claire attend the event; however, as long as their relationship remained secret, they both knew it wouldn’t happen. Courtney also told Claire about Caleb’s recent entrepreneur endeavor. “He’s doing very well in Chicago. It’s an investment firm and he already has some great clients.”
Claire couldn’t hide her surprise, “I’m shocked he’d want to leave Rawlings. I mean with Brent and Tony’s friendship, I’d think Caleb’s future would be set. Tony always liked your children.”
“Tony was very supportive. Being an entrepreneur himself, I think he admired Caleb’s desire to succeed on his own.”
Somewhere deep inside, Claire thought: Yes, I’m glad he can be understanding... I know it’s possible, just not usual! “I’m glad it’s working out.”
Claire told Courtney all about California, Amber, and Harry. Of course, they’d discussed much of this on the phone, but face-to-face was so much nicer. The subject of Claire’s financial backing slipped into the conversation as they talked about some of the recent reports of Claire’s life. She assured Courtney she wasn’t living with Harry, and she wasn’t penniless. She even divulged the information about the mysterious $100,000.
“Where do you think it came from?” Courtney asked as she sipped her wine. It was their second bottle of Cabernet, something which likely added to their honesty and freedom of dialogue.
“I really don’t know. It’s weird. At first, both Jane and I feared it was from Tony.”
“Why’d you think that?”
“Well, who else has that kind of money to throw away?”
“Good point, but maybe the donor didn’t feel they were throwing it away?”
Claire smiled, “I hope not. Whoever it was, I can never thank them enough. They gave me my life back.” She continued thoughtfully, “Prison wasn’t as bad as it could have been – I guess. I kept to myself a lot.” Claire fell silent as she gazed out the dark balcony doors to the still black sky.
Courtney put her hand on Claire’s knee, “You can talk to me.”
Claire fought the tears, “I know. It’s just – I haven’t spoken to anyone about this. I mean, I like Amber and Harry, I really do. They’ve been wonderful, especially considering we hardly knew one another when Amber went out on a limb and sent a jet to get me. I want to open up to them, but I’m so confused about so many things. I just don’t know.”
“Did you have anyone to talk to in prison?”
“There was a counselor, actually a psychiatrist. Her name was Dr. Warner. She took an interest in me. We met three times a week. At first I didn’t say much. It’s just hard to know who you can trust. But, over time I said a lot.”
“But, no other prisoners?”
Claire shook her head, “No. Once people found out who I was married to... well they’d be... not nice.” Looking down into her lap, she explained, “I never felt like I acted better than anyone else. I mean, I was a prisoner there just like everyone else. But, apparently they thought I did.” Claire inhaled deeply, “It was just easier to stay by myself.”
Talking to Courtney was so easy; it had always been.
Courtney scooted closer and squeezed her friend’s hand. “I’m sorry I couldn’t do more for you while you were there,” then in a quieter voice, “or, to keep you out of there.”
“I really understand.” Claire smiled at Courtney’s sad blue eyes, “But you did do something. When your letters started to arrive, I can’t tell you how much they meant to me!”
“I’m so glad. And I’m sure our entire correspondence went under the radar. Believe me, if Tony knew, Brent would’ve heard.”
Fighting her emotions, Claire said, “I know it was a big risk. Thank you.”
“So, you’re convinced it wasn’t Tony, the money, I mean?”
“Yes. Well, you helped convince me. You sent me a text saying how upset he was when he learned about my release. I mean, if he’d sent the money and letter to Jane, he’d have already known. I know it wasn’t in the papers, which is just another of the amazing miracles, but I know Tony. If he’d spent $100,000, he would’ve followed up to learn if it paid off.”
“I think you’re right.”
“And... when he called me, he said he’d just learned of my release. No, I don’t think it was him.”
“Any other ideas?” Courtney asked.
“No, not really, but whoever did it, took quite a risk. Not just with Tony, but also with Governor Bosley. That isn’t all; Jane could’ve refused to file the petition. There were a lot of pieces of a puzzle that needed to fall into place.” Claire sipped her wine and settled against the soft sofa cushions, “I don’t know who my angel is or how it all worked; I’m just thankful it did.”
“I can’t believe Jane Allyson gave you the money. Was that your angel’s request?”
“I don’t think so. I think it was supposed to be her payment for filing the petition. I tried to refuse the check, but she said it was a ridiculous amount of money for such a small amount of work. Apparently, the petition was complete except for her signature. All she did was sign and walk it to the governor’s office.” Claire took another drink. “I don’t mean all– obviously that’s a lot. But, she told me to consider it seed money to start my new life and pay her an appropriate fee. I could hardly refuse. I really believed I had nothing.”
Courtney’s eyes glistened. “You did have something, didn’t you?”
“I did.” Claire answered slyly. “It was actually Emily’s idea. I hadn’t considered selling my jewelry and had no idea of its value.”
“Do you miss it?”
“No! – Oh,” Claire played with the rim of her wine glass, “I answered that too quickly. As you know, I haven’t worn any of it for over a year. The rings were beautiful and when I received them, I loved them. Wedding rings are supposed to be a symbol of a feeling. Without the feeling, they’re just metal and stones.” A little more empathically, “I always disliked the journey necklace.”
“Really? It was lovely and you wore it often.”
“Yes, I did.” Claire allowed the rim of her glass to loiter on her lips, less than a subtle hint she’d said all she was saying on the subject.
“And, the earrings?”
“They were beautiful too. Tony gave them to me for my birthday, right after that party we all attended. Remember, at Eli and MaryAnn’s?”
Courtney knew, from the copy of the preliminary brief Brent obtained, what happened in California. She knew when Tony and Claire were alone on that trip he’d physically abused her. Claire didn’t know she knew. Courtney planned to share that during this visit, however, now didn’t feel right. “I remember the party. Afterwards, the two of you went to Yosemite, right?”
“Yes.” Claire’s expression lightened as her lips turned upward and her eyes began to sparkle. “I’ve considered buying myself some diamond studs. Everyone needs a nice pair, don’t you think?”
Courtney smiled, seeing her friend’s pride, discussing her ability to do as she pleased. “Well, yes! Everyone needs a nice pair of diamond studs!” Courtney agreed.
Courtney also talked about Tim and Sue. Their baby, Sean, just turned one! She showed Claire a picture on her phone from his first birthday party.
“I can’t believe their son is actually one. I’ve missed so much.”
“Honey,” Courtney’s voice reflected her look of concern, “there’re some people who truly believe you tried to kill him.”
Claire looked down into her glass. “I assumed.”
“Just so you know, I’m not one.”
“Brent?”
“No. He doesn’t believe it either. Let’s just say, we have a different perspective than most.”
Claire reached out and grabbed Courtney’s hand. Her green eyes glistened as tears teetering on the rims. “Thank you, for believing in me. I know I can’t prove it. But just knowing there’re people who believe me and support me; it means the world.”
They cried and laughed. They chatted, laughed some more, and cried some more. When the sun rose they were both exhausted. Sleepily they stood at the railing and watched the dark sky fill with light as a red hue spilled across the Gulf of Mexico. Eventually, the red became orange, brightening the sky until the black became blue. They both agreed; sleep was in order.
So many memories of their friendship filled Claire’s mind as she settled into the queen sized bed. Instantaneously, sleep overtook her.
Unbelievably, she didn’t stir until after 1 PM. Looking at the clock, she couldn’t believe the time. Walking into the empty living room she found a note:
Hi Honey – I’m at the pool. There’s coffee in the pot. Before you come join me, please look at some papers on the kitchen table. I hoped it would be easier for you to read this without me looking over your shoulder. Brent accidently received this information via Marcus Evergreen. He never should’ve had it, read it, or shared it with me. There’d probably be stiff legal ramifications if it were discovered. Of course, Tony doesn’t know we have it or read it. Those ramifications don’t need to be said, we all know they’d be stiff. Please know we love you and believe every word. I hope you’ll come down and talk to me when you’re finished.
Love – Cort
Although, only about seven yards from the living room to the kitchen, Claire’s feet suddenly weighed a ton apiece; with each step, her goal seemed farther away. She could see the binder thick with pages. At one time, before she married Tony, he showed her the article written by Meredith Banks, and another time, he had the news release of Simon’s death. Both of those experiences came rushing back. Claire wasn’t sure what the binder held. Somehow, she knew, it wasn’t good.
Sitting her mug of coffee and muffin on the table, she exhaled and opened the binder. Inside she read: January 31, 2012, Paul Task, Attorney At Law – Preliminary brief – State of Iowa vs. Rawlings, Claire. Claire thumbed through the pages, catching a word here and a phrase there. She didn’t need to read it word for word, she’d spoken it. Hell – she’d lived it. The account of her life with Tony, the truth, was right there in black and white. It wasn’t all inclusive, that was even stated, but it was descriptive. From her abduction, to his abuse, his punishments, his controlling nature, her near death accident, his change of behavior, their marriage, his control, his domination… and the reason she drove away from the estate. At two thirty her cup was empty and the muffin was cold, stiff, and still wrapped in a shiny tin.
Claire stared at the open binder and wondered what to do, what to say. Other than outsiders, her attorneys and Dr. Warner, she hadn’t discussed any of this with anyone. She felt a twinge of panic, if Tony finds out that they know... Oh God! It’s a direct violation of his rules.
Leaving the binder open she went to her bedroom to put on her bathing suit. Claire realized this was the information Courtney wanted to share– in person. She really did know. Claire remembered the cathartic feeling she experienced when divulging all of this to her attorneys. However, with Dr. Warner it was different. Claire felt ashamed, like it was somehow her fault; she allowed all these things to happen. Dr. Warner agreed, well – in so many words. Claire allowed Tony to dominate her.
How could she face Courtney and look in her eyes, knowing she had allowed herself to be abused and had lied?
Claire meant to go to the pool. However, somewhere during the process of getting ready, she collapsed on her bed and released years of suppressed tears. They didn’t stop. Unknowingly, she drifted to sleep wearing her new white bikini. Wakefulness came with the sensation of a warm soft hand rubbing her exposed back. She didn’t turn around. Instead she kept her face buried in the damp soft pillow and choked out her apology, “I’m so sorry.”
Claire expected compassion. Instead Courtney’s voice was stern, “You are sorry?” Heavy emphasis on you, “Claire, please turn around.” Slowly she did. Courtney looked at her puffy eyes and tear stained cheeks. “Girl – what in the hell do you have to be sorry for? It seems to me, the rest of us are the ones who should be sorry!”
It didn’t make sense to Claire. She was the one who allowed Tony to abuse her. She was the one who lied to everyone, especially Courtney. How many times did Courtney ask Claire if everything was all right? And every time, she lied.
The tears resumed, “I lied to you. I lied to you – many times. I let things happen.”
“Honey, everyone lets thing happen around Anthony Rawlings. What were you supposed to do? Do you think if you’d stood up to him more, he’d have backed down?” Claire couldn’t answer. She didn’t want to discuss any of this. It made her head hurt. “Let me tell you something, it may not be physical – like you endured – but we’re all victims of your ex-husband. Do you think for a minute we would’ve let you go to jail, much less to prison, if we weren’t scared of what Tony might do?”
Claire stared at Courtney in disbelief, wiping her nose with the back of her hand, Claire asked, “What do you mean, scared?”
“I mean scared, like frightened. We’re putting all of our cards on the table, right?” Claire nodded; Courtney continued, “We all know Tony has power – a lot of power. Brent isn’t ready to retire, and there’s no way he can walk away from Tony. Besides, most of our money is tied up in Rawlings Industries’ stock, or it was. We never discussed a fear of physical retaliation, but Brent convinced me our lives and possibly those of our children would suffer unseen consequences if we came clean about this information.”
“How long have you known?”
“Since before your divorce. The file was on a pen drive from Evergreen’s office. Like my note said, it shouldn’t have been there, and Brent shouldn’t have read it.”
Claire turned her head into the soft pillow and exhaled. Slowly, she sat and looked her friend in the eye. She truly was at a loss for words and completely uncomfortable with the mixture of emotions swirling inside her chest.
“Claire, I understand why you didn’t tell me. I wish you would’ve. I had this feeling things were different than they appeared. Truthfully, I had no idea the enormity of the situation. I understand you couldn’t say anything.”
“If I would’ve, I wouldn’t have been allowed to see you.” A sob came from somewhere deep, buried under years of suppression. “I needed you.”
The two women hugged like never before. After a time Courtney started to laugh, “Aren’t you glad you came all this way, for all this fun?”
Claire looked into her honest blue eyes now reddened like her own and snickered, “At this moment, I’m not too sure.”
“I am. I needed you to know what we know. I needed you to know we understand. And, if for some reason you feel responsible, or like you deserved something, anything that happened to you… you’re sadly mistaken. I told you once; I loved and hated your husband. That’s still probably true. He’s capable of wonderful things. We just never knew the extent to which he’s capable of terrible things.”
Courtney continued, “Claire, you’re a saint for loving him despite all of that. Please, never think you deserved any of it. No one should endure what that brief says you endured.” Courtney shook her head, “The thing I keep thinking is – I really believed he loved you. I believed you loved him too. As his friends, we worried about a woman wanting him for his money. I never got that feeling from you.”
“I wish I could explain it.” Claire replied, “Hell – I wish I could explain it to myself. When I met him, I didn’t know who he was. Even after he took me to his house, I didn’t know who he was. Believe me, I hated him. I told him how much I hated him, multiple times. Maybe it was the isolation; I didn’t have contact with anyone but him. Yet, overtime I did love him, or I thought I loved him. And, he did get better, a lot better.” Claire smiled a sad smile. “I think it’s true. Love and hate are very close emotions, both intense and consuming. Even after he left me in jail, and still today, I find myself struggling with those two emotions.” Claire shook her head. “I know it doesn’t make sense. It’s just that when he was good, he could be so good. When he wasn’t… It was just... there was always so much stress and pressure.” Claire thought about Brent. “I think you do understand. I think if anyone would, it would be Brent and you. I’ve seen that same stress on Brent’s face.”
Courtney nodded, “I’m glad you believe me. We wanted to help you. We weren’t sure it would pay-off. Honey, it wasn’t throwing away our money. It was more than worth it!”
Claire sat straight. Her mouth gaped with surprise. Finally words came from her lips, “Oh my god, it was you?” Courtney nodded again. “Of course, the petition was filled out. An attorney would know how to do that. Brent’s an attorney.” Claire’s voice sounded shrill with amazement and gratitude. “Let me pay you back. I can now. I sold the jewelry.”
“No. Consider it guilt money. We were so helpless, wanting to do anything to stop what was happening to you – like you said, it was a risk – a good risk that paid off.”
Claire hugged her again. “So it’s true, Brent does believe me.”
“I said he did.”
“Yes, I know you said... but he really does. It’s just when he came to the prison…”
Courtney interrupted, “Tony warned him. He said the tapes from those visitors’ rooms were available for a price. He told Brent the visit was strictly business.”
“Did Tony ever watch the video?”
Courtney smiled, “I don’t know. Brent hoped he would.”
“Why?”
“Because, when Brent came home he was so impressed by you. He didn’t know what to expect and didn’t want to face you.”
“He didn’t have a choice, did he?”
“No, he didn’t. Yet, afterwards he was glad he went. He talked about your strength, resilience, and determination. I don’t know if you remember, but you told him to tell Tony to bring on the liable case, that you’d be glad to testify to a larger audience.” Claire grinned and nodded, she’d said that. “Of course, Tony wouldn’t tell Brent what warranted such a case, but Brent knew. He also knew – there was no way Tony would pursue it. It was some stupid mind game. Honestly, we don’t know if it was meant to hurt you or Brent, but I can tell you, it inspired Brent.”
“Inspired?” Claire asked.
“Yes, we knew before then we wanted to distance ourselves and Caleb from Rawlings Industries. Seeing your strength, being away from him – in prison no less – has been a constant reminder to us to stay the course.”
“I’m glad. I remember feeling bad for Brent when he left.” Claire’s eyes were drying. She couldn’t believe she had this support – from Tony’s closest friends.
The two ladies went to the pool and ate lunch. They lounged on chairs at the beach and sipped drinks. They walked along the shore and talked about everything. Claire even told Courtney about her mixed feelings regarding Tony. She hated what he did. Nevertheless, sometimes she’d remember good times and miss him too. Claire knew he wanted to see her and the idea terrified her. She wasn’t afraid of a physical threat; she was doing everything she could do to avoid a repeat of that history. Honestly, it was her own resolve she questioned. If the charming, loving, friendly Tony approached her – she wasn’t sure she could resist him.
