Truth

“She has many times.”
    Shit! Claire thought. Emily doesn’t know how many times I’ve seen him.
    Emily stared directly at her sister, “What does he mean many times? I thought you just had dinner that one time.”
    Claire didn’t like Emily’s tone. It was the I’m the older sister you need to listen to me tone. Maybe their move to California wasn’t such a good idea. Claire answered, “Don’t worry about it. I’m good. If he were at the gala, Harry and I’d still be there. Things change, I can handle myself. Besides, I wouldn’t be alone. Harry’d be with me.”
    “ When else have you seen him? Besides the dinner, I mean.”
    Amber and John remained silent, hanging on each word. Emily and Claire’s stares intensified as each woman’s emerald eyes bore into the other. While Claire contemplated her answer, Harry spoke. The soft tenor of his voice eased Claire’s head, “Claire is quite capable...”
    Emily interrupted, “I’m sorry, Harry. That’s very nice of you to support my sister. But I doubt you know the complete history.”
    Claire found her voice, “Actually, Emily, he does.”
    Harry’s calm voice released the tension from the room, like the air from a gently deflating balloon. Everyone relaxed as he spoke, “I’m sorry if I mentioned something that has overshadowed our wonderful evening.” Refocusing the conversation, he added, “It’s great that the two of you are moving here. John, Amber has high hopes for your assistance with SiJo and the rest of us on the board are anxiously waiting to see if her hopes payoff.”
    John nodded, “It’s a new job description for me, but I’m excited to jump in with both feet.”
    Amber smiled to her brother. She appreciated his ability to defuse the situation. Addressing John, Amber said, “You won’t be alone. You’ll have a staff to help with your research. And I don’t expect miracles overnight.” Looking to Harry, Amber added, “Neither does the board. Don’t let Harry stress you too much.”
    As the conversation within the kitchen went to SiJo, Claire mouthed, “Thank you” to Harry.
    He embraced her shoulder and whispered, “Sorry, I didn’t know she didn’t know.”
    Claire whispered, “It’s okay. I’m not used to the protective motherly attitude.”
    “ Really,” he whispered with a grin, “I’d think protective would be old hat to you by now. After all, you’ve got me and don’t forget your bodyguard.”
    Stifling a yawn, Claire smiled and nodded into his shoulder.
    “ I think you’d better call it a night.”
    The others were talking about something; Claire had lost track of their conversation. She turned to Harry and raised her eyebrows, “Maybe I should have taken a nap today?”
    She watched his cheeks rise and his eyes do that half open -- half closed thing, “Perhaps the next time you nap, you’d rather sleep.”
    Blushing, Claire whispered, “That’s not what I said; maybe I should have slept, too .”
    Harry addressed the group, his voice once again loud enough to be heard by all, “Good night everyone. I’m headed home.”
    “ Good night,” came from the crowd.
    After the front door closed, Claire turned to a room of questioning eyes. She feigned her most innocent expression and asked, “What?” Without waiting for them to answer she added, “I’m tired too. See you all in the morning.” Claire turned to walk to her room before anyone could propose the unspoken questions. Besides, she didn’t want to revisit her conversation with Emily.
     
     

 
     
     
    Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment
that something else is more important than fear. – Ambrose Redmoon
     
    Chapter 31
     
    Sophia settled into the plush, white, leather seat and fastened her seatbelt. The tranquility of the plane’s luxurious cabin enveloped them. Just as Sophia’s tired eyes began to close, she felt the warm reassuring presence of Derek’s hand covering hers. Lifting her heavy lids, she glanced at her husband through her lashes. Despite the haze of sleepiness, Sophia saw his soft brown eyes intently watching her every move. The tender look filled her with affection. Smiling, she whispered, “Thank you so much, for all your help. I’d have never gotten so much done without you.”
    His chocolate eyes sparkled. His hand squeezed hers and he replied, “It was a fun break from routine.”
    Jokingly she asked, “Oh, now I’m a break?”
    “ Mrs. Burke, you’re the fun part. Coming