“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.