What you perceive, your observations, feelings, interpretations, are all your truth. Your truth is important. Yet it is not THE TRUTH.
-Linda Ellinor Common sense would say that Tony's best friends had too much going on with their son's wedding less than a week away to take time for a visit from him; nevertheless, common sense had never been Tony's calling card-especially when it came to his personal life. Fortunately, Brent and Courtney had been his friends for long enough that they were used to his ways. That was what Tony reminded himself as he neared their home on Sunday morning following the gala. They were his first stop. After them, his day would include a visit with Tim and Sue, as well as Tom and Bev.
During their discussions the day before, Tony and Claire agreed that in two weeks they'd meet in Chicago for a weekend of business activities, and reinforce the reunification perception to the world. He hated that she wanted her own accommodations. Yes, he'd offered that, but he'd hoped she wouldn't think it was necessary. After all, they had been married, and his apartment held more than one bedroom. Shaking his head, he recalled how adamant she'd been about other issues as well. Claire refused his credit card for clothes, saying that if he didn't like the way she dressed, he could find another companion. She also refused private planes and insisted on flying commercial. On more than one issue, Tony debated his response. He wanted to demand, command, and insist. He was Anthony Rawlings; his gut instinct and intuition had created a billion-dollar industry-he knew best. However, there was something about her perceived strength, the way she demanded and insisted, yet never commanded. It intrigued him. As he listened he found himself laughing. Not because her desires were funny, no. It was the way she did it. She listened and then politely refused many of his proposals. Had there ever been anyone who had so blatantly and repeatedly told him no? Definitely no one who knew him as well as Claire.
Of course, there were other issues where Tony refused to budge, specifically his undebatable demand regarding public outings. Neither of them would be seen with anyone in a situation that could be misconstrued as a date. It was selfish and Tony would admit that, at least to himself, but when it came to Claire, he was a selfish bastard-not heartless as she'd said, but selfish.
There was little he could do at this time about Claire's living arrangements. As long as she was living with Amber, and Baldwin lived down the hall, Tony knew that Claire and Baldwin would run into one another. His new undebatable rule would at least minimize public outings. If there was something Tony was tired of seeing-both in his email attachments and on his newsfeed-were pictures of her with him.
Tony pulled up to Brent and Courtney's, and parked on their brick drive. He'd told them he needed to speak to them about the press release. After spending the past sixteen months refusing to say Claire's name, Tony realized his change of heart might be a tough bill to sell, but he was a master businessman, and talking a good game was his specialty. The thing was, he had an ulterior motive-his visit wasn't only about the press release. Tony wanted to bring Claire to Caleb Simmons' wedding. It was a revelation that occurred to him while he and Claire were sitting at the park in Redwood Shores. He didn't care that he already had a date; he'd cancel. But before he asked Claire, Tony wanted to run the idea past his friends. They needed to know his stance and understand that he no longer believed Claire tried to kill him. Of course, he never believed it, but he couldn't tell them that.
As Tony scaled the front steps, Brent opened the front door. "Good morning, Tony," Brent greeted. "Come on in."
"Thanks," he said, as he looked around. "Is Courtney here?"
"She is. She's kind of going a little crazy right now."
"I know you two must be busy. This won't take long."
Brent led Tony through the house toward the kitchen. "Cort, Tony's here."
Although she greeted him with her customary hug, volumes of unspoken questions filled the room with tension. Tony didn't like it. He had very few people in his life that he considered true friends, and Brent and Courtney were on his short list.
"So," Tony began. "I thought you deserved to question me yourself-about the press release. I'm sure it came as a shock. I would've been here sooner, but I didn't get back from California until late last night."
The Simmonses looked at one another. Finally, Courtney spoke, "I really don't know what to say. I mean, seriously, what the hell?"
Tony pressed his lips together. It was more direct than he'd anticipated.
"I don't understand," Courtney continued. Her voice cracking as her volume increased. "I wanted to help her and you forbade it!"
Brent squared his shoulders. "Sorry, Tony, Courtney has a lot happening right now. This caught us both off guard."
"No," Tony hastily replied. "Don't apologize for her." Turning to Courtney, he added, "You're right. You're absolutely right. I was wrong and I deserve everything you just said."
His friends sat silently as a bit of the tension eased. After a few moments, Courtney wiped a tear from her cheek and offered, "Wow, I never expected to hear that from you."
Tony shook his head. "I never expected to say it. I think it was seeing her, talking to her-"
Courtney interrupted, "Wait, would you like some coffee? I think we need more than a brief answer."
Tony agreed.
Courtney started the coffee and excused herself for a moment. When she returned her tears had dried, and the three friends moved to the sunporch. The fresh, gentle breeze from the open windows helped to facilitate a calmer atmosphere. As Tony spoke, he explained how he never wanted to believe that Claire would want to kill him, but the evidence seemed so strong. He lashed out-at her and everyone else. He added, "I'm sorry."
Though Brent didn't respond, Courtney walked to where Tony was seated and wrapped her arms around his shoulders. Tony exhaled. It was a more welcoming hug than the one he'd received upon his arrival. After she moved back to her seat, Brent asked, "How did you secure her pardon?" His frigid tone returned the chill to the spring air.
Tony glared in his direction and the wheels turned. Honesty? Fabrication?
Before he could reply, Brent continued, "I mean, I accompanied you to Ms. Allyson's office. I know you pretty damn well-or so I thought."
"No, you do know me," Tony conceded. "I didn't know who was responsible for her pardon that day-and I still don't. Maybe this will pull the coward from hiding. I don't care anymore. Taking responsibility was Shelly's idea and I agreed to it. She thought it made the story more convincing."
"I bet she was excited about this declaration of reunification," sarcasm dripped from Brent's statement.
"She wasn't." Tony's neck stiffened. "However, I'd hoped that maybe you'd understand."
"I do!" Courtney chimed in.
Tony turned his dark glare from Brent and saw Courtney's shining blue eyes. Sighing, he said, "I'm glad, because I'm not exactly sure where this is all going. Claire and I've had the opportunity to hash a few things out, and I'm hopeful that in time we can be back together, as a couple."
"One press release won't change people's perception." Brent stood and paced. "Hell, Tony, we're your friends and I don't know what to think. What about outsiders, employees, and investors?"
"I don't give a damn," his resolve reverberated through the porch and beyond.
"You don't? I've known you for a long time, and that has always been your main concern."
"Listen, I don't have all the answers. What if I'm getting played? What if none of this is real, just some charade?" Tony used Claire's word. "Right now, I want it to be real. And," he paused. "I'd like to have her accompany me to Caleb's wedding."
Courtney gasped. Brent's eyes grew wide, masking the usually present lines.
"I haven't asked her," Tony added quickly. "I'm talking to you first."
Courtney's words came slowly. "Are you asking our permission?"
The obvious emphasis on the word asking made Tony bristle. Was he asking? Did he ask? "Yes, I guess I am."
Courtney stood and walked to the window. With her back to them, they could only watch as her head shook slowly from side to side. Finally, she turned on her heels; a new look of determination prevailed. "Here's the deal. It's not up to you, or me, or even Claire. First and foremost, it's up to Julia."
Tony nodded. He hadn't thought of that.
"It's her wedding. I mean we've seen thousands of pictures of that gala in California. I don't want my son's wedding turned into some media circus because suddenly you've had a change of heart."
"If it's the security you're concerned about, I'll gladly help pay-"
Courtney lifted her hand. "You're getting ahead of yourself. First, let me call Julia."
Tony acquiesced-did he have another choice?
Courtney stepped from the porch to make the call, leaving Tony and Brent alone in a cloud of uncomfortable silence. This whole conversation was different than Tony had imagined. In his mind he would come over to their house, explain the press release, and tell them he would bring Claire to the wedding-end of story. Of course, he still needed to convince Claire, but needing to convince his friends never entered his mind.
When he looked up, Brent's tired eyes were bearing down on him. "What?" Tony asked. "I get the feeling there's more you want to say."
"No. I'm just processing. I'm trying to figure out why the hell I went to Mitchellville and threatened Ms. Nichols with a civil suit. What has she said or done that has made you do a one-eighty?"
Customarily, a rebuke such as that would send Tony through the roof; instead, he sagged against the soft cushion and exhaled. "I don't know. You know that I was angry when she refused my offer of the mental institution."
Brent harrumphed.
"I sent you there... because..." Tony stood and paced. "...I wanted her to know that I was angry."
Brent continued to glare.
"I know, I know. I wish I could explain. Honestly, I don't even know where to start. It's just that when I'm with-"
"She said yes!" Courtney interrupted, filling the room with a ring of happiness like Tony hadn't heard since he arrived.
"She did?" Brent asked. "Does Julia have any idea what this will be like?" Turning to Tony, he asked, "Do you plan on bringing Ms. Nichols to the rehearsal reception?"
"You may," Courtney quickly added.
Tony ran his hand through his hair. "Claire, her name's Claire, and I don't know. I haven't even talked to her about it. Shit."
"What?" Courtney prodded.
"This has been much more difficult than I anticipated. What about everyone else?"
"I thought you said you didn't care?" Brent quipped.
"I don't, but I'm thinking of Claire." Tony thought out loud. "I wish there was some way to reintroduce her to our inner circle, without all the wedding guests or even the wedding party."
"Have you spoken to anyone else about this?" Courtney asked.
Tony explained that he'd been waiting to speak to them. Then, he planned to visit Tim and Sue and Tom and Bev. He would call Eli and Mary Ann.
"You do that and then call Claire. Let me see what I can do." Courtney's enthusiasm was contagious.
Tony shook his head. "No, you have too much happening."
"Nonsense." She put her hand on Tony's arm. "Just tell everyone what you've told us. None of us wanted to believe that she was guilty. If Claire's willing to face all of us, the least we can do is make it easier for her."
Tony peered into Courtney's sincere blue eyes. "Thank you."
Once back inside of his car, Tony dialed Claire's number; she didn't answer. Next, he tried Tim Bronson. "Hey, Tim, this is Tony. Are you and Sue home?" "Good, I was wondering..."
By the time Tony made it back to his estate, he was exhausted. He'd stated his case with all of his closest friends; he'd even been able to reach Eli and Mary Ann in California. They all agreed to support his decision, although somewhat apprehensively at first. It was during his drive home that he received the call from Sue. She'd spoken to Courtney and asked if the reunion of the inner circle could take place at their house on Thursday night. Momentarily speechless, Tony accepted her invitation. Sue had been the least receptive regarding Claire's return. She rightfully questioned the presence of someone with even the possibility of having attempted murder being around her family. Of course, she meant their son, Sean. Tony assured her that since Sean wouldn't be at the wedding or rehearsal, there would be no need to worry. Since her tone, during the call, still held the slightest bit of trepidation, Tony suspected that Courtney had played more than a leading role in the plans. He wanted to ask if Sue planned on sending Sean out of state; instead, he said thank you.
The next step was Claire. He'd tried calling her between Tim and Tom's house and again didn't receive an answer. Looking at the corner of his screen and seeing that it was almost 3:00 PM, he dialed her number.
He was just about to give up when Claire answered, "Tony, this is the third time you've called today. We aren't making any public appearances for two weeks. Please give me some space."
A chuckle came from the depth of his throat. "Hello, Claire, so nice to hear your pleasant tone."
"I've got a lot going on. What do you want?"
Tony contemplated her agitation. Part of him feared that allowing her any distance was asking for her to change her mind. He tried to keep his voice light. "Let me say, I would call less frequently if you would answer your phone." She didn't respond, so he continued, "I made plans for us, for this coming weekend."
"I agreed to go to Chicago, in two weeks." Each phrase grew a bit louder and more clipped. "I'm not going anywhere with you next weekend."
"I believe I might be able to persuade you otherwise."
"Is that a threat? What are you going to do this time, arrange a walk-out of SiJo's employees?"
"No, Claire. No threats," he reassured. "I believe you'll want to attend this function."
"Why? What function would I possibly want to attend with you?"
"Caleb and Julia's wedding."
Claire gasped. "B-but all of your friends think I tried to kill you."
"The press release says differently."
"That doesn't mean they've changed their opinion. They probably don't want me there-"
"That's not true," he interrupted. "I promise that I've spoken to all of our closest friends. I've explained things to them."
"I-I don't know?"
Tony had put too much effort into this. It was the perfect plan to get Claire to Iowa, not just to be there, but to be there willingly. He wouldn't stop until she said yes. He explained about Brent and Courtney and how Courtney had talked to Sue. There may have been a few details that he forgot to mention: questions and tones of voices, but that wasn't lying-it was omitting. Slowly, Claire began to come around. The irritation Tony heard when he first called morphed to what he hoped could be interpreted as excitement.
By the time their discussion concluded, Claire agreed to fly commercially, but only if she had a return ticket to Palo Alto on Sunday. She also agreed to the get-together at Sue and Tim's on Thursday, the rehearsal reception on Friday, and the wedding on Saturday. The subject of accommodations took a little more persuasion. It was when Catherine was mentioned, and Tony expressed how badly Catherine wanted Claire at the estate, that her undebatable stance began to sway.
Tony smirked at Claire's ultimatum. "My room will need a lock."
"That isn't a problem." It wasn't a problem at all. Tony imagined the electronic lock that could so easily be reactivated on the door of her suite.
Perhaps sensing his thoughts, she qualified, "It needs to be a lock that operates from the inside. Also, I will keep my phone at all times and have access to your Wi-Fi."
"You drive a hard bargain. I've told you before that you should go into business. You're a master negotiator." Hell, he'd have promised the moon and the stars if it meant she would once again be under his roof-their roof.
Thursday couldn't come soon enough.
The first condition of progress is the removal of censorship.
-George Bernard Shaw Everything happened in slow motion, from Eric's driving, to the opening of the large iron gates. If Tony didn't get into his house soon, he might combust. It didn't help that his recent conversations with Mr. George and Danielle grated on his already frayed nerves. With Sophia in New Jersey, it was the perfect opportunity for Danielle to convince Derek Burke that he could find comfort elsewhere. Why the stupid girl hadn't gone to China with Burke in the first place was beyond Tony. Did all of these people need him to micromanage their lives? He had much more pressing matters with his own life.
Eric had barely put the car in park on the brickyard in front of Tony's estate before Tony had his door open and was halfway up the steps. From his peripheral vision, he saw Eric's head shake. That man knew Tony better than anyone else, probably even better than Catherine knew him. It wasn't that Eric pried, like she did. No, Eric was observant and omnipresent. He didn't comment or judge; he just was. Tony appreciated his objectivity, such as how he concisely described picking Claire up at the airport and taking her to the estate. In every situation, Eric was calm, ready, and loyal. Tony couldn't ask for more.
The grand foyer of his home shone with a welcoming glow that he hadn't noticed in over a year. As Tony entered the grand doors, Catherine turned the corner. "Oh, my, Mr. Rawlings, you seem to be in a hurry."
"Come to my office." He didn't wait for her to respond before his quick step and long legs had him safely within the confines of his private domain.
Following closely behind, Catherine entered and closed the door behind her. "Yes?" she asked, the word elongated and her brow lifted.
"Where is she? What was she like when she arrived? Eric said that she was upset. Why?"
Catherine chuckled as she settled on a nearby chair. "She's in her old suite."