Truth

breeze made the pool oasis a haven for relaxation. However, as Claire approached Philip Roach, his expression looked anything but relaxed.
    She didn’t ask permission to sit in the chair next to his, she just did.
    His voice was curt, “Ms. Nichols, I thought we weren’t to know one another. Can I assume we’re being photographed?”
    “ I was about to ask you the same thing.” Holding up her phone Claire continued, “It seems my ex-husband is receiving up to the minute updates. He even knows what I’m wearing.”
    “ What can I say, I have a job. I do it.”
    “ Then tell me what last night’s note was all about.”
    Phil looked away. Eventually the enticement to see Claire sitting next to him, in nothing but her black bikini, was too strong. He returned her gaze. Mindlessly he wished she wasn’t wearing the large sunglasses. He so rarely was able to look at her this close. He wanted to see her eyes. Finally he responded to her question, “It was a display of unwise judgment.”
    “ Unwise?” Her voice softened, “I thought it was kind.”
    “ Well, Ms. Nichols, I’m not paid to be kind. I suppose I momentarily forgot my place in this equation.”
    Her anger regarding Tony’s knowledge of her attire faded. She gently touched Phil’s outstretched leg and said, “Thank you. He was upset when he arrived.” She smirked, “He’s not too happy right now. But he calmed last night, he’ll calm again.”
    “ You seem to have an uncanny ability. My concerns were unfounded.”
    “ No Phillip, your concerns were admirable. Thank you.”
    He nodded.
    Claire went on, trying to give Phillip some sense of understanding. “This is nothing but a game to Mr. Rawlings. Unfortunately for me, he has the ability and resources to keep the game going into untold overtime. And you are a piece of that game.”
    “ Game? That wasn’t the impression I’ve received.”
    “ It’s like chess. I make a move, he makes a move. Eventually one of us will declare check-mate.”
    “ From my short experience, I believe you’re a worthy opponent.”
    “ You see, that’s where I’m confused. Sometimes I think I’m an opponent. Other times I think he believes I’m the prize. Thing is, I’m not interested in being a prize.”
    “ Maybe instead of chess, it is archery. And you, Ms. Nichols, are the target.”
    She pondered his observation. That scenario would take more consideration. She asked, “By the way, what happened to you at that French restaurant?”
    “ I had an offer I couldn’t refuse.”
    Claire nodded. “Thank you again for your concern. I’m in hope of you being dismissed soon, but I doubt that will happen. And at this time I don’t want to break in another bodyguard. So I’ll leave you to your work.”
    As Phil watched, Claire walked back to her chair. He considered her words and thought to himself, bodyguard -- that does sound better than paid voyeur .
     
    After her time by the pool, Claire went back to her suite and made some calls. A lot had happened with Tony since she’d last spoken with Courtney. Claire told her all about Meredith and the agreement she hoped to secure with her tonight. She also told Courtney about Tony’s surprise appearance the night before.
    Courtney filled Claire in on the progress of Caleb and Julia’s wedding. With it less than a month away, Courtney was trying to be as helpful as possible. Claire smiled, listening to her friend go on and on about dresses, rehearsal dinner, and tuxedos. Claire told her how much she’d like to help. They both knew that wouldn’t happen. Nevertheless, Courtney promised lots and lots of pictures.
    Just before they hung-up, Claire mentioned her other late night visitor. Claire couldn’t tell Amber about what they did. It was refreshing to have a friend with whom she could talk to about Harry. Courtney didn’t judge; she listened. When Claire said Harry did make her smile, Courtney said she couldn’t wait to meet him. Her last comment on the subject caught Claire off guard. Courtney remarked, “Can you imagine if Tony realized his visit was the push to advance your relationship with Harry?” Claire hadn’t thought of it like that. She remembered Harry’s question. If Courtney’s observation was right, was she pushing Tony out, instead of letting Harry in?
     
    Harry returned to the suite later in the afternoon looking delicious in new jeans and a new black t-shirt. Since he hadn’t planned on staying in San Diego, he was