Consequences

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.
    After the lights flashed, he gently touched her elbow and led her to their seats. They stepped through the black curtain and Claire could see the entire theater. Anthony had directed her to a private box above and to the right of the stage. They sat and she beheld the magnificent view, the ornate walls, crowds of nicely dressed people, and beautiful velvet curtain. Too quickly the auditorium darkened and the spotlight hit the stage.
    A woman with a German accent began to speak. “Before we begin tonight’s performance, I would like to thank everyone for their attendance. I would like to ask you, the audience, to join us at the Quad City Symphony in thanking the one man who made this evening’s performance, as well as future performances, possible, Mr. Anthony Rawlings.”
    Suddenly, the spotlight shone directly into their box. The crowd erupted in applause and a standing ovation. Claire watched as Anthony stood and acknowledged the gratitude with a dashing smile and a wave. He sat back down, and with the light still on them, leaned over and took Claire’s hand. She smiled at him, his eyes were so light. The spotlight turned off and the