Amber giggled, “Harry’s been avoiding these things for years. After Simon died I tried numerous times to get him to accompany me to formal events. I like the idea of manipulating him into going.” Her smile indicated possible knowledge of Claire and Harry’s increasingly familiar relationship. Nonetheless, she didn’t verbally acknowledge it, she just said, “I’m sure Harry will be relieved you don’t have another companion in mind. And, it’s formal so he’ll have to wear a tuxedo.” Amber’s voice flowed with unbridled excitement at the prospect of making her brother dress formally. “Now, if that doesn’t deter you, there is one more thing you should know before you totally sign on.”
A sudden feeling of foreboding settled over Claire, she hoped it wasn’t anything that would make her retract her offer. “And what would that be?”
“One of the companies well represented at this festivity is Sheds-tics, a subsidiary of Rawlings. It was the company where Simon started. He was always fond of his start and stayed close with the local executives. The two companies have shared a table in the past.”
Claire’s stomach twisted at the prospect of sharing a table with Tony. Her mind went over the numerous formal events she attended with Tony over the years. Her eyes squinted as she processed, “I don’t remember this being an event Tony and I attended while we were married.”
“I checked. He hasn’t attended in three years, since May of 2010. And Shedis-tics hasn’t submitted their attendees for this year. They have four tickets.”
Claire’s mind went to May of 2010, “He went to this in 2010?”
“Yes, that’s the information I saw. Why? You weren’t married until December right?”
“Right.”
“Well, he was there with someone else, early May. I didn’t recognize the name of his companion or remember the exact date. But it was in 2010.”
Claire thought about being in his house while he attended events with other women. Why had she never thought of that before? It wasn’t until late May of 2010 that she went to the Symphony with him. All those lonely evenings and nights when he was busy. Unconsciously she clenched her teeth. Oh, she didn’t want to go there. Claire tried to focus on Amber. “Oh, I guess... I’ll still do it. I owe you this and more.”
“You don’t owe me anything. However, I was thinking if he does come, wouldn’t this be a great opportunity to be seen near him, in public? You know, since he spoiled your plans for visibility during your dinner.”
Claire shrugged. “I suppose it could be.” Slowly a smile spread from her lips to her eyes, “And if I knew he was to be there, but he didn’t know I was... hmm,” she pondered, “I think this could be good.”
“I won’t have Liz send your and Harry’s name in until the last minute.”
“Thank you.” Claire leaned across the tall kitchen table and asked, “Tell me, is this an occasion for a new dress?”
“Oh girl, do you need an occasion? Seriously, you’re welcome to borrow one of mine. Check out the closet in the spare bedroom; any one is fine.”
By eight fifteen Friday morning, Claire sat comfortably in the wide plush leather seat aboard a non-stop United flight to San Diego. If she stayed true to her schedule, she’d pick-up her rental car and be in her hotel suite before noon. Claire felt devious and clever, booking her flight at four thirty in the morning, and not confirming her hotel until she was in the first class lounge awaiting her flight. Undoubtedly, Phil Roach would follow, but the momentary slip fortified her ability to manipulate the people who worked tirelessly monitoring her every move. She relished the brief reprieve from knowing eyes.
Just before take-off, Claire sent a text to Meredith proposing dinner in her suite while they discussed the impending journalistic expose. She hadn’t received confirmation and now that the plane was in the air, her iPhone had to be off. With the scrutinizing eyes of the seemingly friendly flight attendant, Claire followed the rules and kept her phone neatly stashed in the pocket of her purse. She’d check for Meredith’s response once she landed.
Preoccupied with following signs to the luggage carousel and retrieving her larger suitcase, Claire didn’t remember to turn on her iPhone until she was standing in line for her rental car. When she turned the telephone on, she saw multiple emails, text messages, two missed calls, and one voice mail message. She opted for the voice mail. After entering the necessary information she clasped her hand over her ear, trying to shut out the noisy airport clamor and listened to the voice coming from her phone. She needn’t worried. The voice was loud and clear.
“I hoped you could answer this phone, since you refuse to answer the number you know I know. I will assume you have a good reason for not answering but will call me back immediately. Shelly just called. I expect you remember she’s my publicist. We need to talk. If I do not hear from you by noon, my time, I am boarding a jet and heading to you. The choice is yours.”
Claire didn’t realize she’d been holding her breath, until the voicemail ended. Finally she exhaled. Looking to the screen she saw the time, 9:57. She tried to remember the time difference. Shit, three minutes. Why did everyone want to talk? That word no longer held a positive connotation.
Claire stepped from the line and indicated for the next patron to progress toward the counter. She wasn’t surprised Tony called her iPhone. She knew once she and Emily started communicating through it, it’d be easy prey. Honestly, at that moment she was happy he had. If he’d left this message on her other phone, she probably wouldn’t have heard it until he was already in California.