Catherine insisted that Claire eat a light dinner before dressing. The beaded silk gown with the halter bodice fit like it had been made for Claire. With the Ralph Lauren black high-heeled shoes the dress’ length was perfect. The beading made the material heavier than Claire had anticipated. Watching herself in the mirror, Claire turned ever so slightly and the skirt pitched that direction. It was the most stunning dress Claire had ever seen, much less worn. Next Catherine assisted Claire with a lightweight black silk wrap and matching handbag. Inside the handbag she placed lipstick and powder. There would be people everywhere, remember that appearances are everything.

“Ms. Claire, you are striking!” Catherine’s eyes shone in approval. Claire looked at herself again in the mirror. She felt like she was viewing someone else. Tentatively smiling at that person in the mirror, Claire agreed she looked beautiful.

At five fifty they left the suite for the foyer. Instead of the usual route, Catherine took Claire the longer way, forcing them to descend the grand stairs. When they reached the top of the stairs Catherine coughed ever so slightly. She looked up at Claire, taller than her in her heels, and gave her one more reassuring smile. Catherine gestured for Claire to descend the staircase first.

Waiting by the front door, iPhone in hand texting, stood Anthony. He emitted confidence and animal magnetism. His tuxedo, obviously tailored specifically for him, looked exquisite as it accented his broad shoulders. There wasn’t a piece of his dark hair out of place as it was gelled and combed to perfection. His face smooth like he’d recently shaven. Claire couldn’t help but think that he looked incredibly handsome. Following the sound of Catherine’s cough he glanced to the top of the stairs. Suddenly, the business that was demanding his attention appeared to be forgotten. He watched as Claire gracefully descended the flight of steps. As his eyes beheld her every move she wondered if she should smile. She wasn’t sure how he would react. His expression emanated favor. Claire wanted his approval. She told herself she didn’t need it. She was happy with the way she looked, but she knew she wanted it.

Once at the bottom of the stairs she proceeded to Anthony’s side. He didn’t speak at first, then not to Claire but to Catherine, “My dear Catherine, you have outdone yourself. You are an artist.” He bowed to her at the waist.

“Mr. Rawlings, an artist is only as good as her canvas. You are accompanying a beautiful canvas.”

“Or should we say, she is accompanying me.” Now to Claire, “We must go, Eric is waiting.”

If Claire was concerned about conversation topics on the drive to Davenport, she needn’t have been. After assisting Claire into the back of the limousine Anthony once again became engrossed in his iPhone and multitasked with his iPad.

On days he worked from home, Claire was often expected to stay in his office in case her services were required. She overheard many business calls, web conferences, and webinars. Therefore, listening to him discuss some dealings on the phone on the way to the symphony seemed strangely comfortable.

Claire wanted to thank him, tell him how excited she was to leave the house and see something, anything. However, his work preoccupied him throughout the ride. She was busy too, watching out the tinted window, seeing different views and different things. Even the sensation of being in a car exhilarated her. She had never ridden in a limousine. The interior was exquisite and she could smell the soft leather seats that formed a horseshoe.

They approached Davenport as the sky filled with a mixture of pink and purple, like vibrant paints swirled together. Soon it began to darken and the lights of the city illuminated the horizon. It was the most splendid combination of sky and skyline she’d ever seen.

Minutes before their arrival Anthony ceased his business and turned to Claire. “Has Catherine prepared your behavior for the evening as well as she has your appearance?”

Claire thought to herself, Somewhere in that statement is a compliment. I’m going to take it. “She has given me her advice, but I would feel better if I heard yours.”

“Very well, when we arrive there will probably be photographers. Do not act surprised or shocked by the attention. Just flash a beautiful smile and radiate confidence. Stay next to me at all times. There will be reporters who will try to learn your identity. I have a publicist that will know the time to release any necessary information. That is not you. I will do most of the talking. However, common sense will need to be with you. If spoken to, you will need to respond, but do not share information that is privileged. Do you understand?”

“I do.”

“I have been asked to attend this event because of a donation I made to the Quad City Symphony and the Support the Arts Foundation. Have you ever been to a symphony before?” Claire said that she had not. Anthony continued as the limousine snaked and crawled along narrow streets. Traffic was stop and go. Claire thought this meant they were getting closer. “The symphony is a delightful evening. I believe you will enjoy the music. The conductor is incredibly talented.”

“Thank you, Anthony, for allowing me to join you this evening.”

“I admit you have learned your lessons well. Now it is time to see if you can continue to follow the rules outside the boundaries of my land.”

“I will do my best.”

Anthony gently took Claire’s chin and turned it toward him, “You will succeed. Failure in a public setting is not an option.” Their eyes locked on each other.

“Yes, Anthony. I will continue to follow your rules.” The car slowed and stopped.

Anthony whispered, “Wait for Eric, he will open the door and assist you in getting out. I will be right behind you and we will enter the theater together.”

Catherine said there would be people looking at them and Anthony warned about photographers, but Claire hadn’t expected the Emmy red carpet treatment. There were cameras everywhere and people shouting questions.

At WKPZ there was a meteorologist, Jennifer, about ten years Claire’s senior. She took Claire under her wing and taught her all about working for a news station. Jennifer was preparing Claire for the cameras prior to the buyout. The stage advice Jennifer gave her about appearance and demeanor proved helpful. She told Claire, “When those cameras turn on and your image transcends people’s living rooms, they don’t care if your dog just died, your boyfriend cheated, or you won the lottery. They care about the weather. So find a mask, keep it polished, and when that red light turns on wear it proudly.” It worked for Jennifer. She retained her position after the buyout.

Eric opened the door. Claire gently swung her legs outside the car and put on her mask. It was the mask of the beautiful face she had seen smiling back at her in the bathroom mirror earlier that evening. Her movements proceeded gracefully and her smile never waned. She diligently followed everyone’s advice.

Anthony exited the car, nodded with a handsome smile to the crowd, and gently placed his hand in the small of Claire’s back. Her nervousness changed to exhilaration as they advanced through the crowd and into the theater. Waiting inside the doors was a man who enthusiastically greeted Mr. Rawlings and escorted them upstairs to a private room. Once there, the reporters were gone, but the people remaining were equally anxious to speak with Anthony Rawlings.

As they mingled, Anthony took two crystal flutes of champagne and handed one to Claire. His voice sounded different, chatty, as he greeted and was greeted by people. He graciously introduced his companion, Claire Nichols, to the individuals and couples they encountered. Claire smiled politely, shook hands, and made small talk. Claire watched the man she’d come to know, he seemed so different. Many people wanted to talk to him and he knew all their names. His social skills captivated her.