Truth, стр. 40
Apparently, Derek had an unexpected web conference he couldn’t miss. He was very sorry. The apology came through loud and clear – on a text message. He promised a better reunion, once they made their way to their new home.
The limousine pulled into a generous semi-circular drive with a large fountain surrounding the Shedis-tics sign. Tall palm trees intermingled with soft pines created a landscaped barrier to the road. The multi-leveled glass building was more spread out than office buildings on the East coast. The building was actually a complex of interconnected glass and mirrored structures.
The car stopped, the driver opened Sophia’s door, and she thanked him for the ride. “What about my luggage?” She wasn’t sure if she was supposed to take it into Derek’s office.
“Mrs. Burke, I believe I am to wait for you. We will leave it in the car until I hear otherwise.”
Sophia agreed, all the while questioning her own ability to make decisions. Why would the driver be waiting if she were leaving with Derek? Tentatively she entered the glass building.
The large impressive lobby glowed with natural light. The white walls, huge windows, plants, and fountains made her feel like she was still outside. Sophia made her way to the information desk.
Three women were behind the tall counter. Two wore blue blouses, Shedis-tics embroidered on the front. The other wore attire screaming executive; a black pencil skirt, white blouse, and tall black pumps. While the well-fitting clothes accentuated her feminine gender, they also confirmed she meant business.
Sophia approached a woman in blue. “Hello, perhaps you could help me? I’m looking for Derek Burke.”
Before the young lady could reply, the executive woman turned to Sophia. “Hello, you must be Mrs. Burke.”
It wasn’t a conscious decision for one woman to evaluate the other, but it happens all the time. Sophia took in her features. Immediately she noticed the woman’s petite frame, probably four or five inches shorter than herself, undoubtedly younger, with blonde hair, fixed into a low bun and a beautiful smile. The assessment took only a millisecond. Sophia extended her hand as she responded, “Yes, please call me Sophia.”
The young executive eagerly accepted and shook Sophia’s hand. Her strong voice was eager and energetic, “It’s nice to finally meet you. I’m Danielle, but please call me Danni. I’ll be glad to take you to Derek’s office. His web conference should be almost done.”
*****
Claire’s plan progressed smoother than she’d hoped. She hadn’t heard Tony’s voice since she answered his call, over three weeks earlier. As she dialed his number, she wondered what big meeting she may be interrupting. While married, after she had a cellphone, she was specifically instructed to only text during business hours. Actual calls were prohibited, except in the case of an emergency. After all, he’s a busy man. He didn’t want her interrupting some multimillion dollar deal. The memory of that instruction came rushing back as she listened to the rings on her end. Utilizing the telephone that he called, she knew her number and probably name, would appear when he checked the screen.
Surprisingly, he answered on the second ring. She heard a combination of amusement and surprise in his voice. “Hello, Claire. I hope you’re not calling to cancel our plans.”
Her heart momentarily forgot to beat. Damn, if he wouldn’t have used her name – but he did. Feigning strength, she pressed forward. “I wouldn’t do that, Tony.” She could use his name too. “That would be rude, to cancel something at the last minute.”
“I must admit, I’m surprised to receive your call... on my private cell.”
“I presume you are. I wanted to contact you about tonight.”
“Yes?”
“You see, I’ve been living in this area for a while. There’s a lovely French restaurant I believe you’ll enjoy.” She didn’t wait for him to respond, she continued, “I realize you made reservations, but so have I. I’d be glad to meet you at Bon Vivant on Bryant, at 7.”
“Well, there is a car coming to pick you up...”
She interrupted, “I appreciate that. It’s very kind of you; however, I have my own car and am more than willing to drive.” She heard his soft chuckle.
“If that is what you prefer.”
She exhaled, “I do.”
“Very well, I must return to this table of directors and web conference. Until tonight.”
“Yes, good-bye.”
Her next decision involved attire. The outfit he sent was exquisite. She tried it on and expectantly, everything fit perfectly. However, the day before their reunion, she returned it to Neiman Marcus, having the money returned to the purchasing credit card. Claire planned on presenting the receipt to Tony during their meal.
She decided to wear the white dress and Dior sandals she’d worn during her discussion with Phillip Roach, in San Antonio. When considering hairstyle, she purposely styled it in a way she knew her ex-husband liked. She also figured this outing would make at least one or two publications and most likely be plastered all over the internet before she settled down for bed. Claire Rawlings Nichols intended to look the part.
Before she walked to the parking garage, Claire exited the elevator on the ground level. It was 6 PM, and the restaurant was only minutes away. She was ready to go. Her nerves were stretched to an inflexible tautness which didn’t allow her to linger in the condo any longer. Besides, Amber was out of town on business, and Claire wasn’t ready to face Harry as he returned from SiJo. She’d feel better talking to him after the dinner. Until then, she couldn’t stand to see that look in his soft blue eyes. For some reason, the way they looked at her made her feel like she was cheating, which was ridiculous. Especially since she and Harry didn’t have anything official on which she could cheat. Their mutual admiration hadn’t yet progressed to sex. Although when Claire recalled their encounters, she felt like a school girl, warm and aroused, anticipating the next move.
Exiting the front doors of the condominium, Claire walked boldly to Phillip Roach’s inconspicuous grey sedan. She watched him shake his head, as she knocked on his window. Suspiciously, he lowered the pane. “Yes, Ms. Nichols? I see you’re wearing your trapping clothes.”
Claire smiled, “I’m not sure if your employer informed you, but we’re meeting for dinner this evening. We’ll be dining at Bon Vivant on Bryant.” She handed him an envelope; slowly he accepted. “The restaurant is often crowded, and I didn’t want you to miss the fun. There’s a small shadowed table reserved in your name, please accept this gift certificate and enjoy your meal on me.” With her eyes twinkling, she turned and walked toward her building. Claire felt Phillip’s eyes upon her, not an unfamiliar feeling.
What happened in the past that was painful has a great deal to do with what we are today.
—William Glasser
Chapter 16
Arriving thirty-five minutes early, Claire noticed the parking lot wasn’t as busy as normal. She’d only eaten at Bon Vivant once, but found the service exceptional and the food delicious. It was a popular and highly acclaimed destination in Silicon Valley. Her last visit was a weekend, and it had been packed with patrons. Claire reassured herself, this was a week night; many people were still at work.
The maitre d' politely greeted her as she entered alone, “Good evening Mademoiselle, do you have reservations?”
Claire looked around the nearly empty restaurant. “Oui, deux pour Nichols.” (Yes, two for Nichols)
“Oui, Mademoiselle. Your table is not yet ready. Perhaps you would like to wait for your companion in our lounge. I will personally inform you when your table is ready.”