Truth

ready to be picked up?”
    Looking Tony in the eyes, she replied, “Hello, Marcus, yes, this is Claire Nichols...”
    She didn’t complete her sentence. Tony unexpectantly took the iPhone from her hand and spoke, “Hello, Marcus. Ms. Nichols will not need your assistance this evening.” Claire could no longer hear Marcus’s response, only Tony’s: “This is Anthony Rawlings.” “That is correct.” “Yes, you are relieved of your assignment.” “Thank you, good night.” He turned off the phone and placed it back in his pocket. His dark chocolate eyes glowed in the dim light of the penthouse.
    Claire wanted to fight, she wanted her iPhone back, and she wanted to be back in Palo Alto with Harry and Amber. However, after Tony disconnected the call, she dejectedly walked to the sofa and collapsed. The tight reign she’d had on her emotions all night severed. How could it not? The tension was too much. With tears cascading down her cheeks, Claire closed her eyes and waited. She’d been here before. Not this hotel or this scenario, but one with enough similarity she knew the drill. Her only option was conceding -- until her side regained strength.
    Momentarily, Claire remembered Courtney, Brent, Jane, Amber, Harry, John and Emily. She wasn’t a lone chess piece -- isolated, without support. The realization fortified her. Claire didn’t stand and declare victory. Nonetheless, she silently accepted their support and sat taller. Drying her tears she stared compellingly into the depths of her ex-husband’s dark abyss. If those people could stand for her, she’d sit straighter for them. Inhaling deeply and exhaling, Claire asked, “What do I need to do, to leave?”
    Tony sat next to his ex-wife. His gaze mellowed. “Eric will take you home whenever you want. You may leave at any time.”
    She didn’t hesitate, “Then I want to leave now.”
    Tony nodded, and removed his phone from his jacket. It was at that moment she remembered why she was there, why she’d done as he asked, “Tony?” Her voice quivered with concern, “Is SiJo secure? Did they get their problem fixed?”
    He placed his phone back in his pocket and replied, “Do you want to know what I have been thinking about all night?”
    Claire struggled to stay on track, “What you’ve been thinking about? All right.”
    “ Many things, the first -- how amazing you’ve been. I’ve endured many companions since our divorce. I have not enjoyed any of those evenings as much as I have tonight, being with you.”
    Claire stared; she wondered what part of that statement was supposed to warrant her response, his many companions or her exemplary performance.
    Tony continued, “Shelly was not happy with my desired press release, but I decided it was the only answer. Now the world knows of our reconciliation. It is official.”
    “ You say that, as if it’s beyond debate.”
    He peered unquestionably into her emerald eyes, “Beyond challenge. It is public.” The failure is not an option went without saying.
    “ SiJo?”
    “ The breach has been resolved. It has been since about eight o’clock this evening.”
    Claire exhaled, “Thank you.”
    Tony accepted her gratitude and answered, “Actually, I will have Eric take you to your condominium. It’s probably better if you don’t know what else I’ve been pondering.”
    Claire sat straighter, “Thank you, again. I’m ready to leave.” She watched as he nodded. The familiar attraction sucked her into his gravitational pull, and without thinking she took his hand in hers. Propelled by curiosity as well as concern, Claire asked, “What else have you been thinking?”
    “ Those black lacy panties.”
    Claire released his hand and stood abruptly. “What did you say?”
    “ I’ve been thinking about your black lacy underwear; there was a small bow.” His smile turned sensual, “I’ve been wondering what color you’re wearing tonight.”
    Her voice came out an octave higher, “How do you know about black lace panties?”
    Tony stood, his hands grasped her shoulders. Their chests touched and his breath quickened, “Why can’t you believe I still love you?”
    “ Really? After an entire night of blackmailing me into being your companion, threatening my friend’s company with disaster, and now learning that you ... that you,” her body trembled, tears once again flowed, her voice broke and became a whisper, “raped me.”
    His tone was more of a plea, “No, Claire. Don’t even