Truth

SiJo. John had paperwork to complete and people to meet.”
    Claire placed her glass on the linen covered table and exhaled, “So why’d everyone know about this but me?”
    Staying quiet during this personal conversation, Keaton interjected, “I didn’t know.”
    Claire smiled a weary smile, “Wow, I’m shocked.” Tears filled her eyes as she turned to Emily. “I never dreamt we’d be together again.”
    Emily embraced Claire’s shoulders. “Honey, we’re thrilled. Are you all right with this?”
    She nodded into Emily’s shoulder. The entire table laughed as Harry patted Claire’s back.
    Emily whispered, “You’re so emotional. Are you sure you’re on board with this?”
    Claire sat up and wiped her eyes with the napkin from her lap. “Shocked, that’s all.” Then as she beamed at everyone she added, “It’s a very good shock! Thank you, Amber, and welcome, Emily and John. When are you moving?”
    John answered, “We have some things to do in Indiana. A few legal hoops to jump through, but we’re hoping to be here by the first of July.”
    Claire leaned back, rested her head against Harry’s shoulder, and settled into his comforting embrace. When she refocused on the table, she saw everyone’s questioning looks. Oh, that’s right, they don’t know about us. She thought as she glanced up at Harry and grinned. He shrugged and remained quiet. Claire followed his lead and allowed conversations to resume.
     

    Back at the condo Amber, John, Emily, Harry, and Claire relaxed in the kitchen before retiring for the night. Claire was coming to terms with her family living near. “Near, not in the same condominium,” John smirked.
    “ I’ll be glad to start the search for your new place, if you’d like,” Claire offered.
    Changing the subject, Amber announced, “Liz submitted your names to the National Center for Learning Disabilities Gala today.”
    Claire didn’t know if the statement made her bristle due to the mention of Liz’s name or the apprehension regarding SiJo’s and Shedis-tics’ shared table. “I still don’t have a dress.”
    “ Oh, I’ll help you with that tomorrow, if you’d like.” Emily offered. Claire nodded enthusiastically. Yes, she’d like having her sister near.
    Amber continued, “And Liz also gave me the names of everyone at your table.”
    Both Claire and Harry stiffened.
    Amber smiled and said, “I didn’t recognize any of them.”
    Claire and Harry exhaled together.
    Emily looked at the two of them, “You two are scaring me. You’re breathing in unison.”
    Claire realized the cause of her recent headaches. She hadn’t really talked to Emily about Tony since she’d had dinner with him. That was the argument Claire had been anticipating. Emily knew she and Tony had a few discussions, but even on the phone, the subject caused tension. The only time Emily or John were open to discuss Tony was in the context of revenge.
    The only person who knew Claire’s mixed emotions: the way she hated Tony and still loved him, the way she pitied him for the tragic loss of his parents at a young age and became exasperated by him every time he foiled her plans, was Courtney.
    Harry knew about Claire’s requests , no demands of Tony, regarding her friends and specifically John’s law license. Nevertheless, Claire found it difficult to discuss any amicable or enlightening interactions with Tony with the people around her. To them, Anthony Rawlings was a monster. Claire realized she could also see him that way. However, she knew it wasn’t the entire person, only one side of the multidimensional man.
    With Claire lost in thought, Amber responded to Emily’s statement, “SiJo shares a table at the gala with a local company, Shedis-tics; it’s a subsidiary of Rawlings. In the past Claire’s ex has attended this event. We were waiting to submit SiJo’s attendees until we knew if he were attending.”
    Emily obviously stiffened, “So if he were ,” she paused and looked at Claire, “you wouldn’t go, would you?”
    The familiar throbbing erupted behind Claire’s temples. She stood straighter, looked to Harry for reinforcement and responded to her sister, “We promised to attend, no matter what.”
    Emily’s tone hardened, “Claire that’s ridiculous. Why would you willingly put yourself near him ?”
    Harry squeezed Claire’s shoulder and spoke, “Your sister is a very tough lady. She can handle any confrontation.” He added with a sense of pride,