Consequences

stylish, elegant, and worldly. Not the little sister she knew. “I have tried to learn about Anthony Rawlings. Everything I found about him on Google is business related. He has an impressive reputation as a businessman, but I cannot find anything about him personally.”
    “Emily, he is an impressive private man too. But I must emphasize private . He asked me to join him in his private personal life. I want you and John there, but you must respect the importance of his confidentiality.”
    They sat in standstill traffic. “Okay, we can do that. But we worry about you. Don’t you get to have a life too?”
    Claire felt her blood pressure rise. She needed to defend the life she’d despised for months. It was time to utilize the compartmentalization, bring out the good stuff. “Just because I haven’t contacted you doesn’t mean I don’t have a life. I do. I have a very full and rewarding life. I live in a beautiful home. We attend a number of events and functions. I’ve met wonderful friends in the Quad Cities area.” She surveyed Emily’s reaction. “I’m not doing meteorology currently, but I am working with Tony. As I said, he is a very busy man, with a busy schedule.” She didn’t need to offer more explanation.
    The car moved again. “Are you living with Anthony there? And how long have you been living with him?”
    Claire exhaled; as much as it killed her she knew she couldn’t spend her day like this. It was too much work, and although it was early her head pounded. “Okay. Emily, I am sorry this didn’t work.” Claire suddenly pushed the button to open the window to Eric. “Eric, we have a change of plans. You may drop me off at the boutique, but Mrs. Vandersol will be going back to the Hyatt.”
    Emily stared at Claire in disbelief. Eric answered, “Yes, miss.”
    Claire shut the window. She sat back in the seat, didn’t speak or look at Emily. She should be sad, but truly she was mad. She also realized she’d behaved like Tony. Perhaps she was being too cautious about his rules, but she knew too well that behaviors had consequences. Given the choice, she’d choose to err on the side of Tony.
    “Claire, I am sorry. You’re obviously a strong independent woman. I think of you as my kid sister, someone who needs us to look out for her. Anthony Rawlings is lucky to have you in his life. I still don’t understand how it all happened. I don’t care how wonderful he is. He is the fortunate one in this relationship. I love you and want to be a part of your wedding. If this is what you want, we will support you 100 percent.”
    Claire was too emotional to be completely like Tony. Overwhelmed with a sense of relief, she reached over, hugged Emily, and smiled. “Good! Let’s put this behind us and have fun looking at dresses!” Pushing the button again, she said, “Eric, we are both going to the bridal boutique.” She closed the window.
    “One more thing though.” Concern showed in Emily’s green eyes. Claire exhaled, she didn’t want to hear one more thing .
    “John is planning to speak to you tonight about your prenuptial agreement.”
    “What? I don’t know anything about that, he should talk to Tony.” Claire thought about that scenario. “On second thought, no , tell him not to worry about it. I totally trust Tony, and I honestly couldn’t care less about his money. It really isn’t an issue. Tell John to forget it.” Emily said she would tell him, but couldn’t make any promises. After all he was an attorney, and Claire was his kid sister-in-law.
    The entrance to the boutique was a grand ten-foot door surrounded by limestone. Above the door was a street number but no visible store name. There were no gowns in the window or advertisements evident, a different experience from when they had shopped for Emily’s dress. Claire knew from past boutique shopping that to enter the boutique you needed to ring the bell. However, Eric called ahead and as he parked the car and opened the door for Claire and Emily, the door of the boutique opened.
    A woman in her fifties or sixties dressed in posh business attire rushed out to welcome Ms. Nichols to their modest boutique . She introduced herself, Sharon Springhill. As she ushered the women into the shop, she gushed, “Ms. Nichols, we were so happy to receive Mr. Rawlings’s call yesterday. Since that moment we have worked diligently to create a collection especially for you. We truly hope that you, the future Mrs. Anthony