Consequences

had the chance, he continued, “I would offer you the opportunity to decide on your own if it is worth continuing, but I have decided to not take that risk. It isn’t.”
    Her chest expanded and contracted as she released a sigh. Looking at her husband, she kept her lips together and remained silent. He watched her neck stiffen and eyes flash. He waited.
    After a prolonged silence, confident of her compliance, he continued. “Now tell me about your day at the spa.”
    Claire did her best to feign enthusiasm, and reply, “It was very nice. They always do a great job and make me feel special.” Thinking, As opposed to how I’m feeling right now.
    A wall of glass extended from ceiling to floor behind Tony. Through the night sky Claire could see the head and tail lights of vehicles moving around the windy city. Somewhere deep in her soul she wondered, Will I ever drive again?
    Chicago was uneventful. She shopped without accidentally providing an interview. They dined at a steak house not far from the Tower and went to the Cadillac Palace Theater for Les Miserables . Claire saw it many years ago from the nosebleed section. It was one of her favorite live musicals. A winner of seven Tony Awards, she didn’t mind seeing it again. It amazed her that they could get such exceptional seats. The night before Tony didn’t know if they would be attending a show. “Les Miserables” had been sold out for months. Now they were seated in a premium box enjoying the outstanding performance.
    Apparently, Tony’s dealings were successful because they and Brent were able to go back to Iowa as planned. David stayed behind to finalize some contracts. Reading her book, Claire observed Tony with Brent, sensing a difference from the accustomed friendly casual interaction. Watching and listening to them discuss business issues reminded her of Courtney’s comment, “He can drive Brent crazy sometimes.” She hadn’t seen it before, but understood it now.
    Tony’s repertoire of personalities included an overpowering domineering force that apparently was reserved for those closest to him. Claire had plenty of personal experience with this personality but she’d never had the opportunity to observe it. Today she witnessed Tony’s manipulative rule being unleashed on someone else. It wasn’t pretty. She understood how Brent could relay things to Courtney, because that’s what real couples do, and Courtney could hate and love Tony at the same time.
    Pretending to be absorbed in her book, Claire didn’t want to be included in the conversation or for her presence to make Brent uncomfortable. It didn’t seem to be having an effect on Tony.
    The last week of February Claire and Tony began to prepare for an interview with Vanity Fair Magazine . Shelly, Tony’s publicist, made a point to come to their house and explain to Claire that this interview was important to Mr. Rawlings’s public relations. There were many speculations in the media about the two of them, their fast wedding, and lack of prenuptial agreement. This would be their way to shape and control the information. Claire thought it was a nice gesture. Truthfully, if Tony told her to do the interview she would do it. What surprised Claire was the extent of planning and preparation that went into it.
    Shelly agreed to Vanity Fair because of their willingness to work openly. They gave her a list of questions. She deleted, added, and tweaked them until both parties were satisfied. Then Tony and Claire were given the questions and time to work on their spontaneous answers. Next, with Shelly’s assistance they practiced and modified their answers. She arranged for cosmetologists, beauticians, and clothing designers to assist them before the photo shoot. Shelly promised to be present throughout the entire interview and photo session. She would step in and stop any unapproved questions. This was better than Mr. or Mrs. Rawlings refusing to answer a question or appearing unaccommodating. The article would then be reviewed and approved prior to publication.
    Claire thought the whole thing was hilarious. Did all people go through this before an interview? There was a time in her life when she read a celebrity interview and assumed that it was as it appeared. Being Mrs. Rawlings continued to teach her so much.
    The day of the interview finally arrived. The people who were there to make Claire and Tony beautiful arrived early, before seven thirty. By the time Shelly arrived they both