Truth

coffee?”
    Claire grinned. It wasn’t that long ago she didn’t know how to work the strange little machine. “No, I’m in more of an orange juice mood.”
    “ Harry told me about your talk the other night.”
    “ Well, it wasn’t much of a talk.”
    “ Do you really think Anthony is responsible for our problems?”
    Claire nodded, her mouth full of banana. Once she’d swallowed she replied, “I do. I honestly don’t think it can be proven, unless there is someone working for him, and you can torture a confession out of them.”
    Having Claire’s ravenous hunger appeased and Amber’s attitude composed created the perfect environment for them to calmly discuss the gala and recent events. Claire told Amber about her agreement with Tony. How she needed to appear publically with him, and how she was worried about telling Harry. Amber agreed; Harry wouldn’t be pleased.
    Although upsetting, the thought didn’t deter Claire’s appetite. Amber laughed as Claire used her toast to sweep the remnants of egg from her plate.
    “ I only ate lunch yesterday. I’m trying to catch up.” Claire responded with a shrug.
    Before they finished, the front door opened and they heard Harry’s footsteps approaching the kitchen.
    “ That’s my cue to sneak back to my room. You two need some privacy,” Amber whispered.
    By the time Harry entered the kitchen his sister was gone. Claire looked up from her empty plate and sheepishly said, “Hi, thanks for the flowers.”
     
    *****
     
    Sophia watched Derek as he read the newspaper and sipped his coffee. Things were perfect after the gala... she wasn’t ready to mention the possible tour. Then yesterday, the time never seemed right. Could it be because she didn’t want to do it? It was a fantastic offer... why wouldn’t she want to tour the country, all expenses paid. As Sophia watched her husband, she knew the answer... because she wanted to be with him!
    The ringing of her cell phone brought Sophia back to reality. The screen said: Mom . Sophia frowned. Derek looked up from the paper, “Who is it? Why do you look worried?”
    “ My Mom, I just talked to her yesterday.” With that Sophia swiped the screen. “Hi Mom, what’s up?”
    When Sophia disconnected the line she turned to Derek’s furrowed brow and concerned expression. He’d heard Sophia’s end of the conversation, and now he wanted to know more.
    “ Is it your dad again?”
    Sophia nodded, “Yes. Mom’s really worried. She said yesterday he went to the store, someplace he’d been a million times. He didn’t come home for three hours. She kept trying to reach him on his cell. Finally when he came home, he didn’t have the groceries and couldn’t remember why he’d been out or where he’d been.”
    “ She needs to get him some help.”
    “ He’s stubborn,” Sophia said with a sigh. “I’m worried. I think part of it is financial. Dad doesn’t want to spend any money on himself.”
    “ Then help them. They sure helped you.”
    “ He won’t accept it. But Mom might. Maybe I should go for a visit?”
    Derek kissed Sophia’s forehead. “I need to leave for that ten day China trip next week. Maybe you could go then.”
    She took a drink of coffee. “I’ve also been thinking about the studio in Provincetown. You know, since I have the money from those paintings, I was thinking about hiring someone to keep that studio open, while we’re out here. I hate for it to sit closed during peak tourist season.”
    Derek agreed. The money changed so many things, giving Sophia the ability to do things she’d always wanted.
    “ I’ve been meaning to tell you about an offer I received the other night,” Sophia said.
    Derek looked up again from the newspaper. “What kind of offer?”
    “ Well, that mysterious buyer, the one who never showed up...”
    Derek listened patiently as Sophia described the tour, the cities, the exposure, and the time apart. He wanted to tell her no. However, he didn’t want to stop her dream. “That sounds amazing. What do you think about it?”
    “ I think it is amazing and I’m going to tell Mr. George no .”
    Derek’s relief was visible. “Why?”
    Sophia put her arms around her husband’s neck. Their eyes met soft brown to light gray. She kissed his tender lips. “Do you think I should do it?”
    “ I want you to do whatever is best for you.”
    “ I want to be with you. And it’s not just me, it’s us . I’m thrilled I’ve sold these paintings. I