Claire couldn’t see beyond the porch, but she did notice the suddenly silent room of guests. She couldn’t help but feel their eyes on her, assessing and evaluating. She kept her mask in place. She hadn’t expected to face these people without Tony.

Courtney didn’t leave Claire’s side as she introduced her to the others. First she met Tom and Bev. Claire did her best to be polite and social. “It is so nice to meet you. I believe Tony told me that you,” looking at Tom, “and Brent are partners.” They continued with some polite conversation. Claire asked Bev about her design business. Years of bartending had taught Claire the art of small talk.

Next were Sue and Tim. “Tim, I have heard wonderful things about you.” Claire watched as Sue’s smile widened and Tim’s expression softened. She could tell he seemed stressed. Working for Tony could do that to a person and some positive reinforcement would help.

Then it was on to Eli and MaryAnn. It didn’t take Claire long to understand what Tony meant by Elijah enjoying his own stories. Lastly, Courtney introduced Claire to the couple with Eli and MaryAnn, Chance and Bonnie. Claire wasn’t prepared for this couple. She wondered if Tony knew that they were there. Courtney explained that Chance was an associate of Eli’s in town for a visit, so of course they were welcome to join them. Chance seemed nice enough, but Bonnie made no secret of her evaluation of Claire.

Courtney offered Claire a drink. Requesting water, Courtney obliged but suggested Claire consider something a little more fun, they had some fantastic sangria. Just then Tony and Brent joined them in the kitchen. Tony looked so relaxed wearing jeans and holding a beer, it almost made Claire laugh. Appearances were everything.

Brent did his own barbequing, and the men joined him out on the patio. The women gathered around the island as Courtney busied with side dishes. They all offered to help but she wouldn’t hear of it, confessing she hadn’t prepared a thing. Her cook did it all yesterday and now she was only putting them into the appropriate dishes. The conversation quickly went to cooking. Some enjoyed it, others didn’t. Did Claire enjoy cooking? She told them she did. Did Tony like her cooking? She laughed and said she hadn’t prepared many meals for him. She left out the part about her not cooking in over five months because she’d been held hostage.

It seemed like Bonnie tried to ask more Claire specific questions, but Courtney did a fantastic job of moving the conversation. Claire had apparently made a quick friend of Sue by complimenting her husband. Sue ran flank for Courtney, helping Claire avoid the invasive inquiries.

Sue looked about Claire’s age, mid to later twenties. She was very pretty, blonde and tan. It was nice to talk to a female who was her contemporary. While the men cooked, Claire learned that Sue had a degree in art appreciation and worked part-time at the art museum in Davenport. Tim didn’t feel that Sue needed to work. Financially she didn’t. However, Tim worked long hours and she needed something to do with her time. After she mentioned the long hours, Sue immediately added, “But he is glad to do it.” It took a minute, but Claire realized that this additional information was because she was the boss’ companion.

The dinner tasted fabulous. Claire hadn’t eaten normal food in five months, everything was always healthy. She wanted to devour the entire platter of hamburgers. She, however, chose the barbecued chicken or Tony did for her. She managed some of Courtney’s homemade side dishes and savored every bite.

The conversation remained benign and chatty. Bonnie didn’t only question Claire any chance she could, she also approached Tony. When they were introduced, Chance had the good sense to address Tony as Mr. Rawlings. Bonnie wasn’t as astute. Of course, Tony told Chance that at gatherings of friends he could call him Anthony.

Tony had been right about his inner circle. Even Eli was annoyed at Bonnie’s abrasive curiosity. Claire didn’t need to lie or deceive. Bonnie continually found herself cut off before Claire had a chance to respond.

After they ate, the men retired to a lower level. Claire would later learn that it contained a beautiful handcrafted bar, pool table, and large television. The women took a bottle of wine and sat on the sunporch. The sunshine with the cool air felt wonderful. To be sitting with five other women chatting felt like a performance, unreal. Their conversation ran from books to movies to sexy movie stars. This was where MaryAnn shared some inside scoops on some of Eli’s clients. Sexy stars led to sex. Claire politely excused herself and asked Courtney about the ladies’ room.

It was on her way back to the porch that she overheard MaryAnn and Bonnie in a room off the main hall. “Bonnie, what is your problem? You are embarrassing yourself with your persistence about Claire and Tony.”

“I am an inquisitive person. I want to find out what the rest of the world wants to know. Why is he, Anthony Rawlings, interested in her? She’s a nobody.”

“Frankly, Bonnie, it is none of your damn business. It is none of any of our business. Tony is a private man. And as far as a nobody, I guess that depends on who you ask. Tony must think she is somebody. If he wants Claire in his life, good for him.”

“Hell no! Good for her,” Bonnie exclaimed. “The guy is drop-dead gorgeous and has money to burn. He hardly takes his eyes off her. Do you think she paid for those clothes she is wearing? The blouse alone is over $500. She’s getting herself a sugar daddy. Look how young and skinny she is, why she—”

“Stop it. Stop it now or we will tell Courtney we need to leave. I will tell Eli what you have done and you and Chance will leave. Perhaps you can get started on Chance’s job search.” MaryAnn’s control of the situation made Claire smile. Bonnie told MaryAnn she would stop. Claire let them proceed to the porch and waited a few minutes before joining the group. Once there, she smiled at MaryAnn but didn’t glance toward Bonnie.

The men and women came together outside for some conversation, dessert, and drinks. Claire passed on the dessert and sat with Tony’s arm around her shoulders. Brent had a fire pit built into his patio. The cool autumn evening, crackling fire, warmth, and distinct aroma created a pleasurable atmosphere. At about six thirty Tony whispered to Claire that they should leave. Everyone seemed genuinely saddened, Claire included. It had been a nice day, better than anticipated.

As they said goodbyes, Sue handed Claire a piece of paper. Surprised, Claire opened it. It was a telephone number. “Call me, we can do lunch.” Claire smiled and said she would try.

They went to the car and drove away. Perhaps they drove a mile, maybe two when Tony stopped the car on the side of the road and put out his hand. He didn’t speak but she knew what he wanted. She placed Sue’s telephone number in his palm. “Tony—” With the same hand that held the little white piece of paper he roughly covered her mouth.

“Not now. We will discuss it when we get home.” He let go of her face and resumed driving.

No words were uttered during their drive home. Claire’s internal monologue, however, roared: this is ridiculous. Sue was being friendly. I had no idea that Sue would do such a thing. What is the big deal? Why does he have to react so fast and so violently like a freak’n tornado!

Tony pulled the car to the front door. He didn’t open Claire’s door. Instead, he told her to go to her suite, he would be up later. He had things to do, like cancel a spa appointment. His tone was curt and his eyes dark. She wanted to run. Instead she got out of the car and walked boldly into the house, through the large doors, up the grand staircase, and down the southeast corridor to her suite. Once she closed her door, she felt her heart race and her internal monologue continue: this was such a nice day. I met Tony’s friends and they were nice. I wanted to tell him about what I heard. I wanted to tell him what a great time I had.