Through the tinted windows she saw multitudes of people gathered behind velvet ropes. Looking around the vast cabin of the car, she wished desperately for Harry. How had their evening changed so dramatically, so fast? Claire tried to convince herself it was all coincidence, but a voice in the back of her head warned otherwise.
Just before the SiJo car arrived to take them to the gala, Amber and Harry’s phones rang. The urgent message to both of them was the same: the computer systems at SiJo Gaming had been hacked. It wasn’t just their current operations, but also prospective projects and technology. One of their designers recently created a unique application which theoretically threatened cellphone gaming forever, the next Angry Birds. That new creation was in jeopardy. To make it worse, clients’ billing information had been assessed -- a potentially huge public relations problem for SiJo. If they couldn’t keep billing information secure, no one would ever buy their games.
Fortunately, the breach was discovered virtually minutes after it occurred. Unfortunately, it doesn’t take long in computer terms to steal millions of gigs of information. Everyone was needed back at SiJo immediately to work on the problem; every creator, forensic specialist, computer specialist, everyone.
As the car inched forward, Claire thought dreamily about Harry in his tuxedo with his hair gelled into place. Despite his unease in such an outfit, he looked wonderful, sexy, and handsome. Mostly he looked different -- a very good different.
It was painful to watch his expression. Claire could tell immediately he was torn. He wanted to go to SiJo: his skill set was needed. It’s his sister’s company, and he’d do anything to protect it. That being said, Claire knew he also wanted to be with her.
After Amber hung up she looked at both of them and said, “I can’t believe this! Harry, if you want to make an appearance at the gala and then come to SiJo, I understand. Lee’s at SiJo, but we need you sooner rather than later.”
It would have been easier for Claire to assure Amber and Harry of her ability to attend the gala alone if they hadn’t just learned of Tony’s attendance. Truly, Claire didn’t mind going alone; although, she hated the idea of being unescorted and seeing some gorgeous model on Tony’s arm. The idea rekindled ideas about him attending this gala in 2010, while she was held captive in his house.
Thoughts start out as single idea: attend the gala alone, and soon stream together: Tony with gorgeous companion, and become a river flowing uncontrollably: he went out with other women while I was there; what did he do with those women? Claire knew what he did with her, many late nights when he’d return home. If she hadn’t had the medical examination in prison, these thoughts surly would have propelled her straight to the doctor checking for every possible disease known to man.
Before the figurative damn broke and her thoughts became too difficult to contain, Claire secured her formal mask and spoke earnestly to her friends, “I’ll be fine. You two do whatever needs to be done. SiJo has enough problems right now without wasting two dinners at this gala.”
Amber responded, “The tickets are part of the donation. If you don’t want to go alone, I understand.”
Claire kissed Harry’s cheek and spoke sincerely, “You two go do what you do. I’ll do the one thing I’m good at doing. I’ll hob-knob for SiJo. I will do my best to make you two and Simon proud. Now go!”
Harry’s angst quickly turned to relief. He kissed Claire. Not on the cheek, as she’d done, but a kiss full of emotion. His lips took hers as his arms embraced her. She sensed thankfulness at her understanding and concern for her evening alone. Thankfully, Amber turned away and pretended not to notice. His voice was strong, “You’re amazing. IF you need me, call and I’ll get there as soon as possible.”
“I’m a big girl. I’ll see you here later tonight.”
Amber looked at her phone. Her words staccato, “Claire, the car is here.”
Harry volunteered, “I’ll walk her to the car and meet you in the basement garage.”
Now, alone in the limousine, through the windows, Claire watched the people in the car before hers. They were waving to the people behind the velvet ropes. Claire remembered Harry’s penetrating blue eyes as he helped her into the SiJo car. His voice was slow and steady, “I know you’re a big girl, but if you have any problems with Mr. Rawlings, call me immediately. I hate not being with you. You should know every man there will want to be your escort. You are undoubtedly the most beautiful, brave, and intelligent woman I know.”
His words warmed her soul. She smiled bashfully as he closed the door to the SiJo car.
That same car now stopped. While Claire waited for the driver, or an attendant, to open her door, she secured her mask. As the door opened, the voices from behind the rope came into range.
“Ms. Nichols, why are you representing SiJo Gaming?”
“Ms. Nichols, how does it feel to be out of prison?”
She followed Tony’s instructions, from so long ago at the Symphony, “Do not act surprised or shocked. Just flash a beautiful smile and radiate confidence.” Claire smiled, nodded politely to the crowd, and gracefully made her way into the Saint Regis Hotel.
Once through the front door, a woman with an ear piece and an electronic tablet approached. Claire noticed multiple people fitting that description, all directing attendants through a set of double doors.
“Hello, welcome to The Saint Regis. May I have your name and the name of the company you’re representing?”