Текст книги "Consequences"
Автор книги: Aleatha Romig
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Текущая страница: 20 (всего у книги 36 страниц)
Without friends no one would choose to live,
thoughhehadallothergoods. —Aristotle
Chapter 29
The next two and a half weeks flew by in a flash.
Sometime during their first night home, Claire awoke and heard Tony’s breathing in her bed. The drapes were open, and the moonlight illuminated her suite. She looked around and snuggled into the soft covers. She was in her suite in her home, not in New York. In three weeks, it would actually be half hers. The monetary value wasn’t what enamored her. It was the fact that he wanted it to belong to her. She possessed memories that she refused to revisit. She also possessed a promise of a future. As she cuddled under the fluffy down comforter next to her warm sleeping fiancé, she knew she would hold tight to that promise.
They met with Brad and Monica on the Monday following Thanksgiving. Claire knew they were definitely worth the expense, whatever that may be. Tony told Claire not to worry about it. Their ideas were amazing. The wedding would take place in the grand entry, with Claire descending the staircase, which would be decorated with lights and sheer tapestries. The reception would be in the backyard, in a large floored, heated tent accessible to guests from the sunporch. There would be many Christmas trees and millions of clear lights. There would be evergreens and red flowers. Emily would wear black and carry a red bouquet. There would be an open bar and hors d’oeuvres and then a full sit-down meal of multiple courses. The cake was chic and decorated with real flowers. The flavors would include white, chocolate, raspberry, and carrot. Claire was especially excited about the string quartet from the Quad City Symphony, the place of her and Tony’s first night out.
Tony gave them the list of guests that Patricia had compiled. He asked Claire about guests over and over. She repeated that she only cared about Emily and John and Tony’s close friends. She saw the difficulty that Emily had with Claire’s new lifestyle. She feared that her old friends would not feel comfortable, and mentioned Meredith as an example of why her friends from before should not attend. Tony couldn’t argue that logic. The guest list consisted of the few people who called Tony Tony and 150 of his not so close business and political allies. People, he explained, should be invited whom he liked, needed, or who needed him.
Brad and Monica had a draft of the wedding invitation:
You are cordially invited to the private
wedding ceremony of:
Ms. Claire Nichols and Mr. Anthony Rawlings.
The ceremony will take place at
the Iowa City estate of
Mr. and Mrs. Rawlings on
December the eighteenth two thousand and ten,
at precisely five thirty in the evening.
A dinner and dance reception
will immediately follow at the estate.
Patricia volunteered to receive and compile the RSVPs. It would all be handled at Tony’s Iowa City office.
The string quartet would begin playing at five, with the ceremony at five thirty. There would be valet parking and a coat check since winter coats were predictable. The reception would include a live jazz band and dancing. There would not be a DJ, but there would be an MC to make announcements and talk to the guests. Each guest or “couple” would receive a gift basket in appreciation of their attendance from Mr. and Mrs. Rawlings. The baskets would include a bottle of fine wine, two crystal wine glasses, some fine chocolates wrapped in red and green foil, and a note thanking them for their attendance.
Brad asked Claire if her father would be giving her away. She told him that her father was deceased. He asked if she had anyone else to give her away or did she plan to walk down the stairs and aisle alone. The question prompted Claire to think of John. She didn’t ask, she just looked at Tony.
He sighed and responded to Brad, “She would like to have her brother-in-law give her away.” Later Tony told Claire he liked the idea. Perhaps if John gave her away, he would accept that she was his wife first and foremost.
Tony, Brent, his best man, and John would all need matching tuxedos. Tony liked Armani and said he would contact the men to have the tuxedos tailored. It didn’t take Tony and Brent long to reach a mutual understanding regarding the prenuptial agreement. Tony agreed not to have one. Brent agreed to accept Tony’s decision.
Once Tony and Claire approved the designs and blueprints Brad and Monica created, the work began. First thing Tuesday morning crews of workers descended upon the estate. There were trucks with cherry pickers putting lights in trees, and electricians connecting wires to ensure illumination. A construction crew worked in the backyard building the large tent, with more electricians for lighting and heating. There were people in the house putting up decorations. Catherine was uneasy with the multitude of people. She made sure that everyone knew she was in charge of the house and everyone answered to her.
Claire did her best to stay out of the way. Tony left each morning for work. He had a wedding in less than three weeks and the pesky challenge of a multibillion-dollar industry that needed his attention. He even needed to make some day trips to places as far away as Dallas, Los Angeles, and New England.
Claire also needed to make a few more trips to New York for dress fittings. Tony hadn’t planned for that. It was Courtney’s offer of help in any way that reduced his anxiety. He required Claire to be the one to call Courtney and inquire. Courtney sounded thrilled. They would use Tony’s jet as long as he wasn’t using it. If he needed to travel there would be Rawlings Industries jets available. Eric would accompany them.
Tony also allowed Claire to contact Emily and John after the meeting with Brad and Monica. She let Emily know about her dress, it would be black. Emily sounded elated to learn it wasn’t pink. Claire also asked John if he would do her the honor of walking her down the aisle and giving her away. He responded, “Claire, I would be honored to walk you down the aisle, but know I will never give you away.” Of course, Tony was listening as she spoke and rolled his black eyes at Claire. She didn’t let her voice falter. She thanked him for his constant devotion. Claire also reminded Emily to contact the boutique regarding her fittings and told them that Tony or his secretary, Patricia, would be contacting them about their travel plans as well as John’s tuxedo.
Everything was falling into place.
On their first trip to New York, Claire and Courtney left Iowa early on Wednesday morning, the eighth of December. With an hour time difference, it took three and a half hours to get to NYC. They left at six in the morning, which both ladies said was too early. They arrived before ten East Coast time and went directly to the boutique.
The dress was ready and in need of some alterations. Claire’s shoes were white Mary Jane-style beaded four-inch heels. They looked magnificent with the dress. When Claire exited the dressing room, Courtney screamed. It shocked Claire at first but then she started laughing. Courtney was a riot. Claire had so much fun with her. Courtney went on and on about how stunning, beautiful, and stylish Claire looked. She promised Tony would be spellbound from the moment he saw her.
After the boutique Courtney told Eric they were going to the Astor Court at the St. Regis Hotel, one of the top New York tea rooms, for lunch. She also told him he didn’t need to worry about picking them up until after three. They had some shopping to do. Claire tried to argue. She didn’t want to discuss her uneasiness, but she knew she’d only received permission for her gown fitting, not shopping. Courtney wouldn’t discuss it, Claire felt increasingly ill.
Once they arrived at the tea room, Courtney sensed Claire’s discomfort. She didn’t question Claire, she just casually mentioned, “Tony and I agreed when we spoke the other night that you need a new dress for the wedding rehearsal. And this afternoon would be a great time to find one.” Claire relaxed. She wished he had said something, but if he knew about it she felt better.
Without saying all of that to Courtney, she smiled and said, “Well, all right then, let’s have some lunch and find the best rehearsal dress in the city!” She’d shopped many times with her credit card, but shopping with a friend and her credit card was much better. Courtney helped her find a beautiful red Valentino cotton tweed dress with an asymmetrical bow. The V neck would show off her journey necklace, and of course she needed new shoes for her new dress. The Salvatore Ferragamo leather peep-toe pumps were a perfect complement. Not only did she look stunning, but the color was also perfect for the whole Christmas theme. Claire enjoyed shopping with someone who seemed comfortable with the higher-end purchases.
The rehearsal would be at Tony and Claire’s house, but Courtney insisted that the rehearsal dinner be at her and Brent’s house. After all, it was the groom’s parents’ responsibility, and they were Tony’s oldest and dearest friends. They would be honored to host this special event. Claire thanked her for her kindness, and told her that she would talk to Tony and get back to her as soon as possible.
When Claire returned home that night she was relieved that she arrived before Tony. When seven o’clock came and he arrived for dinner, she found herself nervous about the additional shopping and luncheon. He didn’t alleviate her unease when he asked about her day. How did she like her dress? Oh, she liked it very much, and Courtney liked it too. Did they come right back to Iowa after the boutique?
Claire hesitated and watched Tony. His expression didn’t reveal any knowledge of her activities. She suddenly worried that Courtney told her it was okay just to pacify her. She put on her mask, bit her lip, and casually continued, “Oh no, we didn’t. Courtney had prearranged with you,” she added, “to make a day of it.”
While Claire answered Tony looked at his plate, then moved only his eyes to Claire. “Excuse me?”
Her heart raced. “Why didn’t you tell me you had arranged for us to shop for my rehearsal dress?” He smiled. Apparently, Courtney drove a hard bargain, he couldn’t resist.
They scheduled their final visit to the boutique for Saturday, December 11, one week before the wedding. They planned to arrive at the boutique by ten, have a final fitting, and return at three to try on the dress again with the final alterations and bring it home to Iowa. This trip also had surprises planned. On Friday evening Tony’s iPhone rang as he and Claire ate dinner. He answered and handed Claire the phone. It was unusual for her to receive a call, and especially unusual for her to talk on a telephone without it being on speaker. “Hello? This is Claire?”
“Hi, it’s Cort.” Claire understood why Tony allowed her to talk, he trusted Courtney. Her voice comforted Claire. Courtney went on to let Claire know that Sue, MaryAnn, and Bev were joining them for New York City tomorrow. Since they had some time to spare between fittings, the women planned on taking Claire out for a bridal shower luncheon. Stunned and startled, Claire was thrilled. She hadn’t even considered a shower, after all Tony could buy anything she needed, but it was part of the wedding tradition. She told Courtney it sounded wonderful and asked if she could hold a minute. Claire hit the mute button on Tony’s phone and looked at him across the table. He watched her.
“She wants Bev, MaryAnn, and Sue to join us tomorrow.” His eyebrows rose as if needing more information. “They want to take me to lunch for a bridal luncheon.” She smiled.
“And do you want to do this?” He tormented her, making her request his permission. She knew Courtney was waiting.
“I do.” He didn’t speak. “I think it would be nice to have a shower.” Still no response. “May we have the shower?” He smiled and nodded. She excitedly hit the mute button, “Courtney, I think that sounds wonderful. Will we all meet at the airport or do they need to be picked up?” When she hung up she thanked Tony. This was wonderful and unexpected. She handed him back his phone.
The plane ride was joyous with talk of the wedding and excitement over Claire’s dress. The merriment continued when she exited the fitting room as all the ladies went crazy about the dress and how beautiful Claire looked. A few minute alternations needed to be completed. Eric hadn’t been available to join them on their excursion, so they traveled by taxi. Claire liked that. Having all of them pile into one cab reminded her of her past life.
At noon they arrived at King’s Carriage House, a wonderfully quaint English-style restaurant located in a brownstone on the Upper East Side. They had reservations and were taken to the second level, where the walls were painted a deep rich red and large chandeliers glowed. The intimate tables were richly arranged, very girlie. It exuded the shower feeling and alone would have thrilled Claire, but the real surprise was seeing Emily sitting at their table. She ran to hug her and asked how she knew. She explained that Claire’s good friend Courtney planned the entire thing. When Claire hugged Courtney, Courtney whispered in Claire’s ear, “Tony gave me her number.” Claire had a marvelous afternoon!
After the luncheon Emily accompanied them back to the boutique, where they all saw her in her matron-of-honor’s dress. She was surprised by Claire’s gift of a pair of black Jimmy Choo satin pumps with a jewel bow. They were perfect for the dress and the wedding. However, it was as Claire came out of the dressing room in the wedding gown one last time, completely altered and ready, that everyone, even Ms. Springhill, applauded. Claire was elated with the final result. She felt so pretty.
The five ladies flew back to Iowa with Claire’s gown, shoes, undergarments, including slip and veil. Emily would arrive on Wednesday evening. It was a great afternoon and they ended it with a bottle of champagne and some snacks on the plane home.
When Tony entered the suite that evening, she sprung up and encircled his neck with her arms. “You are awful!” And she kissed him hard.
Surprised, he replied, “Okay, remind me to be awful more often. What did I do?”
“Only assist in giving me the best bridal luncheon ever, which included my sister!” He looked at her. She quickly replied, “Oh, don’t start. Courtney told me that you were the one who gave her Emily’s number. You, who acted like you didn’t know anything about others joining us. You’re really rotten. And I love you more every day.” She kissed him again. He grinned and returned the kiss.
He asked to see her dress. She told him, “No.” He expressed astonishment at her denial. “You can’t see it until next Saturday.” He conceded to see what she would wear under her dress.
Claire grinned. They were alone in her suite. Seductively she began to unbutton her blouse, one button at a time. Tony didn’t mind the consolation prize, at all.
Love one another, but make not a bond of love,
letitratherbeamovingseabetweentheshoresofyoursouls. —Kahlil Gibran
Chapter 30
Emily arrived on the Wednesday evening before the wedding. Tony sent his private plane to pick her up in Albany. John, however, was involved in a hearing and wouldn’t be available until Friday. He apologized to Claire for the mix-up but couldn’t change the trial date. Claire decided it would be nice to have Emily all to herself. However, she worried about her reaction to the private plane as she sat in the back of one of Tony’s cars at the airport waiting for the jet to arrive. The interior of the BMW was warm and permeated the smell of leather. It was significantly better than the cold Iowa chill outside the windows.
Once the door of the jet opened and stairs descended, Claire got out of the car, feeling the brisk air. It snowed the past three days, and everything was brilliantly covered with a beautiful clean white blanket. Claire wore jeans, a furry jacket, and snow boots to stay warm. Keeping her leather gloved hands deep in her pockets, she watched the crew clear the runway and the pavement as the snow continued to fall.
Emily descended the stairs and hugged Claire. “Hi, sis, are you by yourself?”
“Carlos drove me here, but Tony is still at work.” They got into the warm car while Carlos retrieved Emily’s luggage and placed it in the trunk. Emily smiled and said, “You know, when you and Tony offered to arrange our travel plans, I was kind of expecting a ticket on United or something.” Claire didn’t speak, she waited. “But I am not complaining. I am, however, anxiously anticipating your home.” Claire could sense Emily’s honest attempt at acceptance.
Relieved, Claire excitedly continued, “Good. I can’t wait for you to see it. Right now, it is very busy and cluttered. There have been hundreds of workers preparing for the ceremony. But we can get away from all the people and have some time to ourselves. Have you eaten?” It was seven thirty in Iowa, the sky was very dark, yet the snow, which continued to fall, made it appear brighter. Emily said she had not, only some snacks on the plane. Claire said, “Good, we will eat when we get home.”
The estate looked stately on any given day. In the snow, it appeared splendid. With the addition of millions of white lights lining the drive, the trees, and bushes around the residence, it was grand. Claire was very pleased to have Emily visit. She never would have dreamed of asking Tony to allow her and John to stay. Therefore, his invitation wasn’t only unexpected but remarkable. Of course, there was plenty of room. With Tony, room wasn’t the issue—privacy was.
During the past two weeks, privacy had been at a premium. There were workers everywhere. When you turned a corner on the main level, you never knew for sure who you might encounter. For that reason, Tony and Claire spent most of their time hidden away in her suite. Tony even felt that the people were too close on the first floor while in his suite or office.
While the car wound up the driveway Emily speechlessly watched as the estate came into view. The house glowed from the decorations for Christmas and the grand event. Carlos stopped in front of the house, where a grounds worker busily cleared the walk for Ms. Claire and her guest. Emily reached for her door. Claire touched her hand and she hesitated. Carlos got out and went around and opened their door and then opened the door to the house.
Once inside Catherine greeted them. Claire happily introduced two of her favorite people. Emily sensed an exceptional relationship between Claire and Catherine.
Catherine informed them that their dinner could be ready at any time. Mr. Rawlings was delayed due to weather. He would be home late and they should eat without him. Claire thanked Catherine and told her she would show Emily to her room, let her freshen up, and they would return in fifteen minutes.
Emily and John were given a room down the hall from Claire’s suite. It was a room with one of the doors that Claire was surprised to see many months ago. These were bedrooms that were rarely used by anyone and kept immaculate just in case they may be needed. It was a suite about half the size of Claire’s, with a queen-sized bed, bedroom furniture, a sofa and chair, a small gas fireplace, attached bath, and walk-in closet. There were large windows that looked out onto the backyard. However, all that was visible now was the top of a very large tent.
Claire showed her the room and told her that Carlos would have her luggage there soon. Then she showed Emily to her own suite. It was just a few doors away in the same corridor. Emily tried to be polite, but she could only say “this is beautiful” so many times. She asked about Tony. Was this his room too?
“No. He has his own room on the first floor.” Claire smiled. “But he does visit.” She could sense Emily’s surprise that Claire and Tony didn’t share a bedroom. Tony had just earned a few points in Emily’s book.
They ate dinner in the formal dining room. As they finished, Tony arrived home. He behaved as politely and graciously as possible. He kissed Claire and hugged Emily, told her how happy he was that she arrived safely in spite of the weather. Luckily, the snow was scheduled to stop tomorrow and the forecast was clear for the weekend. Then he turned to Claire. “But you know those weather reports, you can never trust those meteorologists.” She playfully threw her napkin at him and he smiled. When he sat, Catherine brought him his dinner. The ladies had coffee while Tony ate.
After dinner Tony offered to take the lead on a house tour. Secretly Claire was delighted. She had been concerned about the magnitude of a tour. It was much easier to defer to Tony. Emily said she loved their home and asked if maps were available at the guest relations desk. Tony and Claire laughed, saying it wasn’t that big. She would know her way around in no time.
Tony added, “However, it did seem to take Claire a few weeks before she found her way around.” His statement caught Claire by surprise. However he didn’t notice, as he was watching for Emily’s reaction. Her obvious lack of understanding satisfied his unasked questions.
Her mask secure, she said, “Well, I finally learned the secret. Everything is connected to the main house, and if you need anything just ask.” Her response received a twinkling eyed smile from her fiancé.
Emily retired after the tour, promising to be more fun tomorrow. However, after a day of work, travel, and the magnitude of her surroundings she was exhausted. Claire hugged her and told her how happy they were that she was there.
It wasn’t long after Claire readied for bed that Tony joined her. Claire couldn’t help but inquire, “Explain that comment, please.”
Tony laughed. “My dear, I was just checking your reflexes.”
“Well, you nearly caused whiplash.”
“Perhaps there are other reflexes that we could investigate?”
John’s hearing adjourned at noon on Friday. He offered to fly commercial, but the earliest he would make Iowa City would be after 10:00 p.m. Tony graciously provided a company plane that allowed him to arrive in Iowa City by three thirty. Emily prepared him for the house and its amenities. He repeatedly expressed his gratitude to Tony and Claire for the flight and told them that their home was stunning.
It was a beehive of activity, with people everywhere making last-minute adjustments and preparing for the event. They were even beginning to prepare the food. The tent had been transformed into a picturesque banquet hall.
Claire and Emily readied themselves for the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. Tony accepted Courtney’s kind invitation and agreed that the dinner could be held at the Simmonses. The rehearsal was scheduled to begin at six thirty, with dinner at eight. It was late, but everyone had to get to the Rawlings home after a long day of work. The intimate guest list for the rehearsal included the minister, musicians, Brad, Monica, Patricia and a guest, the Vandersols, the Simmonses and their children, the Millers, the Bronsons, Elijah Summer, and MaryAnn. Of course, these guests would be at the wedding tomorrow, but this informal private gathering would allow them more relaxed friendly conversation than would be possible at the big event.
Everyone congregated in the grand hall by six fifteen. This group of friends respected Tony’s affection for punctuality. Claire waited for Tony in her suite. He wanted to make an entrance with his fiancée. “Ms. Nichols, you are stunning this evening.” Just before entering the hall, he beamed and whispered, “Tomorrow at this time you will be Mrs. Anthony Rawlings.”
She kissed her fiancé and smiled. “I can’t wait.”
There was a brief discussion by the head of security about some issues for the wedding. In an attempt to limit pictures, all cell phones, iPods, cameras, and any recording equipment, visual or audio, would be confiscated at the door. They would be returned on leaving the ceremony. The only recording of the wedding would be done by the hired photographer and cinematographer. Those photos would be reviewed by Shelly prior to release. However, as Tony and Claire’s personal friends, the head of security asked them to be observant, and if they noticed any prohibited recording notify security personal immediately. They would be everywhere. Claire felt like she was back stage at a rock concert.
The minister took a few minutes to discuss the important meaning of marriage and its significance. “Many people enter into marriage in this day and age without the understanding of eternity. When two individuals are joined in the sight of God, those two become one. They are one for eternity.” Tony and Claire looked at each other. She was in awe. How did she end up in the grand foyer of Anthony Rawlings’s estate, holding his hand, looking into his chocolate eyes, and listening to a minister talk about their marriage? The minister continued, “And after speaking with Anthony and Claire, I believe they are fully aware of the commitment which they are about to make, a commitment to God, to friends and family, and to each other. So to you, the intimate group of friends that Anthony and Claire have chosen to share in their special day, please join me in a prayer. Let us ask God to provide for Anthony and Claire, not in a monetary way. Let us pray that God will provide them with love, understanding, and patience. That He will provide each of them with the qualities necessary to take what they begin tomorrow and continue it into eternity. Let us pray.” Claire closed her eyes, Tony tenderly squeezed her hand, and a tear trickled down her cheek.
Brad and Monica then took control. They told Claire, John, and Emily to go upstairs. Tony, Brent, and the minister went to Tony’s office. The string quartet began to play. Brad and Monica wore earphones and microphones. They directed the participants. First they instructed the men to leave the office and walk to the back of the grand hall. A raised platform surrounded by sleek Christmas trees and lights had been constructed in front of the large windows. The only decorations on the trees besides the white lights were deep red crystal globes. The windows behind the platform exposed snow covered trees with more lights. The quartet was positioned slightly off to one side of the platform and the harpist was on the other. Once the men were in place, Emily was directed to descend the stairs and make her way down the aisle to the platform. After she arrived at her destination, the quartet concluded and the harpist began the traditional wedding march. Although it was the rehearsal, Claire and Tony’s friends rose to their feet and Brad motioned to Claire and John to descend the steps.
John offered Claire his arm, kissed her cheek, and began to take her down the stairs. Before they reached the first step he stopped, leaned near, and whispered, “Claire, we love you. We only want you to be happy. Tell me that he is good to you and that he makes you happy.”
With tears in her eyes, she said, “John, he can be. He does.” He tried to smile and patted her hand. They descended the stairs and made their way to the platform.
After another song by the string quartet and a verse from the minister, he asked, “Who gives this woman to be wed?”
John spoke loud and clear, “With great love and respect, her sister and I agree to share this magnificent woman.” He kissed Claire’s cheek and gently lifted her hand from his arm and placed it in Tony’s hand.
Shit, was the only word that came to Claire’s mind. She looked up at Tony. He was looking at her but his face didn’t register John’s words. He apparently had a mask too. Claire was certain that if he was a cartoon character there would be smoke coming from his ears. She mouthed, “I am sorry.” He squeezed her hand gently and they both smiled. The minister continued speaking.
They all four rode together in the limousine to Courtney and Brent’s house. Claire told Emily that in the late morning there would be a masseuse, manicure technician, cosmetologist, and hair stylist all coming to do miracles on them. Catherine and Courtney would be in her suite to assist them both with their dresses. Tony upheld appearances much more proficiently than John. He remained polite and friendly to both Emily and John. He was loving and attentive to Claire.
Once they reached the Simmonses’ house, he was the totally devoted bridegroom and the man of the hour. John was friendly but quiet. His unhappiness made Claire uneasy. She privately begged Emily to do something. “Don’t let him ruin my special day.” Emily promised to try.
Courtney provided a wonderfully delicious Italian dinner with antipasto salad, bread and oil, red wine and pasta. The festive mood and atmosphere filled Claire with hope and joy. Tim and Sue chatted with Tony as Claire walked up and overheard them discuss Tim’s role during Claire and Tony’s honeymoon. At first, she stood politely by Tony. But when they paused, Claire tried to be sneaky. “Now, Tim, tell me again how long you will need to be at the helm?” Tony laughed and pulled her close.
“Good try.” Addressing Tim, “You are one of the few privileged individuals to know where we will be, in case of an emergency. Most people, including my beautiful new wife, do not know our destination. So do not let her try to worm it out of you.” He smiled. “Or you, Sue, if Tim has shared.”
“Oh, you are so mean. How will I know what to pack?”
“Another ‘A’ for effort, Catherine has taken care of it for you.” Claire smiled at the Bronsons. They smiled and put their fingers to their lips. They wouldn’t spoil Tony’s surprise.
The dinner party began to wind down about ten thirty, at which time the gentlemen announced that it was time to celebrate Tony’s last night of freedom. They headed to the lower level for cognac, cigars, and some serious poker. Tony should be prepared to lose more than his freedom. He would be losing some serious money during their tournament. “Ladies do not wait up.”
