Consequences

from her and divulge as little information as possible. Evasive answers would be best. There was a time she had loved parties, getting together with people, laughing, talking, and sharing. Now she was petrified of saying or doing something wrong.
    Stepping from the shower Claire discovered her clothes laid on her bed. Sometimes that upset her, other times like today it was reassuring—one less decision to mess up. She did her hair, makeup, and dressed. At ten thirty she was ready, an hour before they were to leave.
    The balcony held two chairs. She sat plaintively and watched the trees through sunglassed eyes. The bright sunshine caused a rapid increase in temperature. The trees rustled in the gentle breeze. Vibrant hues of yellow and orange were beginning to emerge from the green canvas. Her mind wandered through the woods to her lake. She hadn’t been back since Tony’s return. That is to say, physically. Mentally she would be sitting on the shore, watching the minnows or listening to the water rhythmically lap at the shore. As a matter of fact she was sitting on the shore in her mind when Tony materialized behind her. “Oh, good morning, Tony, I didn’t hear you enter.” He sat in the other chair.
    “Good morning, where were you?”
    “I’ve been here. I have nowhere else to go.”
    “You seemed to be reflecting thoughtfully.”
    “I was thinking about the trees,” being partially honest. “Their leaves are changing already.”
    It was as if he never really looked at them, so he did. “I guess they are. That happens.” He didn’t concern himself with matters that he couldn’t influence. “Are you ready for our outing?” She said she was and they proceeded down the grand stairs. “I have a car out front, we can go.”
    When Tony opened the door she saw a small Lexus SC 10 convertible, but no Eric. Tony opened the passenger door and she got in. He went around to the driver’s seat. She couldn’t help but smile at him. He wore jeans that accentuated his trim waist, a button-down shirt, white, which showed his tan and his powerful chest and shoulders. His hair was perfect, and as she beheld his profile she saw the “red-hot sexy” that People Magazine mentioned. He glanced at her as he started the car, her smile seemed different. “What?”
    “I guess I forgot you drive, without Eric I mean.”
    Tony smiled. “I love to drive. It is just more advantageous to be driven and accomplish work during my commutes.” The convertible felt liberating with the wind and air invigorating their senses. Thankfully, Claire had decided to wear her hair in a side braid. She laid her head on the headrest and watched the road twist and turn, the vibrant sapphire blue of the sky and the autumn colors made for picture-perfect views as Tony drove the narrow country roads. The aroma of autumn was in the air. Claire inhaled and memories of pumpkins and leaves filled her subconscious.
    The car slowed to a stop along a quiet side road. Tony gently touched Claire’s braid. “Good choice of style.” He smiled “I am needed in Chicago for a couple of days next week.” He continued to play with the end of her braid. Claire thought about her lake. “I have made you an appointment at a very exclusive spa near my apartment.” Her attention was refocused on him and his words. “Your hair needs trimming and you can have a manicure, pedicure, full body message, sauna, whatever you desire.”
    She started to respond, “Thanks, but no thanks.” He stopped her and went on, “I just trust that it will not need to be canceled.”
    Confused, Claire asked, “Why would it need to be canceled?” As the words escaped her lips she wondered why she cared, she actually didn’t want to go to a spa. She wanted time alone to go to the lake.
    His hand moved from her braid, gently removed her sunglasses, and lifted her chin, holding her eyes to his. She watched as the dark deepened. “If today doesn’t go as I believe it should, a massage may not be possible. We wouldn’t want appearances to be questioned.” There was no ambiguity to his statement. Claire received his meaning loud and clear. She suddenly felt chilled.
    Maintaining his forced eye contact, Claire responded, “Tony, I fully comprehend the importance of appearances. I will not let you down.”
    He handed her the sunglasses, moved his hands back to the steering wheel, and put the car in gear. “As long as we are clear public failure is not an option.” Claire