“But you’re twenty-nine years old; I’m forty-eight!”
“Yes, and when we married our age difference was the same.”
“We never discussed children.”
“It’s a little late for discussion.” Claire felt her strength returning with the fury now surging through her veins. Damn him for not responding the way she wanted him to! “Now if you’ll excuse me, I will be downstairs in ten minutes for dinner, and we can continue your charade.”
Tony shook his head and stepped toward his ex-wife. “I’m sorry. You surprised me. Let me think about this for a while.”
“Fine, Tony, think all you want. Your thoughts and decisions don’t matter. I’m having this baby.”
“Of course you are. I never suggested otherwise. I will be downstairs on the patio.” He kissed her cheek and left. She collapsed again on the edge of the tub. Well that went well! She thought sarcastically. Then she remembered the little life inside of her and audibly comforted, “It will be all right. No matter what -- we will be fine. Don’t worry about your father -- I’m not.” Was it good to lie to your child, even if you were doing it for their own good?
When Claire stepped onto the patio, Tony attentively stood and pulled out her chair. Her hair was perfect; make-up repaired, and dress lovely. Her growing breasts filled the bodice more than they would have before. Even her color was back to normal with a glow of sun on her cheeks from their day on the lake shore.
Sincerely he asked, “How are you feeling?”
Genteel and reticent, she responded, “I am feeling better, thank you for asking.” And then Claire did what Tony had done to her over and over. She conversed about anything and everything except the pregnancy. On his few attempts to discuss it, she changed the subject. Her change of subject wasn’t as direct as saying, “The subject is closed” but subtly she’d mention something else. For instance her dress -- it was one from the closet. She told Tony how much she liked it and thanked him for having it bought.
The dessert celebration proceeded with equal poise. Claire stayed dutifully by his side and said and did everything to continue their charade. After all, this gathering contained people they didn’t know. It was Claire’s experience that information can be leaked at any moment by any source. To everyone, they appeared the happy couple trying for reconciliation.
When the waiter offered glasses of champagne, Claire smirked as Tony asked for non-alcoholic. Even he drank the disgustingly sweet bubbly grape juice. It didn’t make up for his initial reaction, but it did incite a genuine smile on Claire’s lips.
On their way back to the estate, Tony detoured to a secluded back road. The June night was warmer than the one before, and the stars were bright. Although she didn’t know where they were going, Claire didn’t ask. She remained reserved, answering questions, and continuing courteous conversation. Finally after a bumpy dirt road, Tony stopped the Mercedes. His headlights faded into the darkness illuminating a meadow. “Do you know where we are?”
Claire looked from side to side. Beyond the meadow were trees, but they were no more distinctive than any other trees. “I don’t.”
He got out of the car and walked to her door. After opening it, he extended his hand and asked, “Will you please walk with me a moment?”
Claire looked down at her shoes. They too were from his closet of clothes, Casadsi platform pumps with a very thin four inch heel. She wasn’t sure of their cost, but from experience she was certain they weren’t intended for hiking. “I don’t think my shoes are meant for...”
“I don’t give a damn about the shoes.” His polite invitation gave way to the emotions he’d been suppressing all evening.
Claire shrugged and accepted his outstretched hand. Her facade once again in place she replied, “Of course, Mr. Rawlings, I’d be delighted.”
They took a few steps when Claire stumbled, falling into Tony’s strong embrace. She straightened and secured herself. “Have you figured out where we are?” He asked.
“I really don’t know.”
“This is where I brought you the day I apologized for your accident.” Claire’s back straightened and her chin rose indignantly. He added, “I meant every word that day.”
“Tony, I don’t want to talk about...”
“I have done some things in my life I’m not proud of. I never in all of my life considered having a child.”
Claire turned to look at his face. The faint glow of the moon saved them from total blackness and shadowed his features. He continued, “I can run businesses, I can make deals, and I can multi-task better than most.” His volume increased, “Nothing frightens me. I can take on an entire board of directors and know that tomorrow they will all be jobless. I have eliminated adversaries and obstacles.” He turned toward his ex-wife, “This is totally new territory.”
Her facade melted, “I know, it scares me too.”
“Do I?”
His question surprised her. Claire considered her answer and spoke, “I’m afraid of what you’re capable of doing. You made a point of showing me your control over my friends’ futures.” She reached for his hand. “But of you – personally -- not anymore. There was a time. But I’ve changed and you’ve changed. No, I’m not.”
“I don’t want you and this baby living in California.”