by Laura Sutton
“No. It's all wrong.”
“What's wrong?” Alyssa asked in the phone, confused.
“Sorry Lyss, not you, I was talking to Todd, my assistant.”
“You have an assistant?”
“So, tell me... how was the honeymoon? Wasn't sure you were going to come back.” Claire smiled.
“Oh, I have so much to tell you.”
“How about lunch across the street, say noon?” Claire asked.
“See you there.” Alyssa laughed as she ended the call.
“Sorry about that Todd.” Claire went back to the exhibit that they were in the middle of setting up. “I didn't finish laying out the paintings correctly. Got distracted.”
“I get it. The wall you were working on looks amazing. When did you take that picture in the snow?”
“Just a random shot I got when leaving a photo shoot.”
“You don't know the person?”
“I do but I don't think that he will want anyone to know who it is.”
“Ah, your man.” Todd smiled. “I've seen the car he sends for you. Why don't you let him come in?”
“I want all of this to be perfect before he sees it. He's helped so much with bringing this about. I want to prove it wasn't a waste.”
“You think he'd think it's a waste?”
“No, he would never do that but...” Claire bit her lip. Was she afraid that he'd think he wasted money on her? No, she knew how much he loved her paintings.
“You want to show him what you can do without any help.”
“Yes.” Claire smiled. She had like Todd since he came in and interviewed with her. They had instantly hit it off talking about the different art mediums. After an hour everything was just as she had pictured it. “Why don't we break for lunch? I've been working you too hard.”
“And it should be illegal the hours you are putting in? I know you sneak back here late at night and you're always here before me.”
Claire laughed. It was so true. “What gave me away?”
“I came in at four this morning to beat you for once getting into the gallery. You were already lost working on the wall.”
“Guilty.” Claire smiled as she grabbed her purse. “Lock up for me, will you?”
“Sure.”
Claire walked quickly across the street to the gourmet sandwich restaurant. She smiled as she saw her tanned best friend. She was looking at the menu but the glow around her and the smile made Claire pause as she pulled out her camera from her bag. She snapped a few shots and put the camera back as she walked into the restaurant.
Alyssa jumped up at seeing her and soon they were hugging as two halves had finally become whole. The moment that Alyssa's arms were around her, Claire hung on for dear life. She hadn't known until that moment how much she had truly missed Alyssa. “I've missed you.” Claire almost whispered in Alyssa's shoulder.
“You've no idea how much I missed you. You never called me back by the way. Of course, I about killed Aidan to get information from him, but he told me you said to stay on my trip.”
“You are a newlywed you should be with your husband. Anyway, I already had one grizzly bear in the room, from what I was told, I didn't think that you would fit into the room as well.” Claire laughed as they sat down at their table after ordering. “So, tell me all your news. All about the honeymoon.”
“You've changed?”
“What?”
“You and Aidan must be going well. You're smiling like a little schoolgirl.”
Claire giggled. “I'm... I'm happy.”
“Good. About time. You deserve it and I have more good news.”
“The suspense may actually kill me Alyssa, spill.” Claire was getting nervous. Fear prickled at her that Alyssa was moving. That Topher had gone back into the force somewhere or they just loved their honeymoon spot so much they were moving there since Topher had the money to never work another day in his life, thanks to Aidan.
“Well, you're about to become an aunt.”
“Aunt?” Claire asked confused. Alyssa stared at her until it dawned on Claire.
“You're pregnant?” Claire practically shouted in complete shock and then a huge smile spread on her face. “That's wonderful. Oh, Alyssa, I'm so happy for you. You're going to be the best mother ever. I should know.” Claire smiled hugging her friend again. She was so happy for Alyssa.
“I wanted to tell you first.”
“You were worried how I would react?”
“I know your fear of children and I don't blame you.”
“Alyssa, I know that you and Topher will be great parents. I've been seeing Doctor Gordon a few days a week lately with all the changes. Plus, I get to spoil them.”
“Oh no, you don't.” Alyssa laughed.
“When are you telling the others?”
“Saturday night is family night and we are going to do it then and Sunday it's a family affair at your gallery.”
Claire winced at the mention of everyone coming to the gallery. She and Todd had it almost finished. Just a few touches here and there but...
“Claire, what is it?”
“What if he doesn't like it?”
“Aidan? Claire, he loves you and he'll love it. My only worry is that he won't let anyone else buy any of the work. That he'll keep it for himself. He had mentioned a few times hiring you to do the artwork in all of his buildings worldwide.”
“I just want it to be perfect.”
“Want me to look at it now and tell you my opinion? This pregnancy has taken away any filter I've had.
“You had a filter? When?” Claire teased.
“True. But I'm worse now. I almost made Topher cry when I told him my opinion on his shirt the other morning.”
Claire laughed. She had never seen Topher close to tears except at his wedding and that was from the pure joy she had learned recently. “You don't mind? It's almost finished just a few minor things left to finish about the gallery.”
“Sure, let’s go.” Alyssa stood up with a smile, picking up her purse. “Oh, and I want copies of the pictures you took when you walked into the restaurant.” Claire’s look was priceless. “I've lived with you for years. I know you. You took pictures of me sitting here.”
“Guilty. But I couldn't resist. You were glowing, now I know why.” Claire smiled as she nudged her friend as they walked back over to the gallery.
“Do you know what you're going to name the gallery?”
“I have a few ideas. I was thinking 'Through the Lens' since you always say that and now Aidan's saying it.” Claire's cheek flushed in embarrassment.
“It's perfect. Through the Lens gallery, Claire Henderson, artist.” Alyssa smiled as she squeezed Claire's hand. “I like it a lot.”
“Good, the sign is the next on the list of stuff to get done.”
Claire took a deep breath and unlocked the door. She started to open and stopped, “Remember it's not totally finished.”
“Claire trust me. Let me see it.”
Claire opened the door, “Close your eyes first,” Alyssa shook her head but did as Claire asked. Claire took her hand and led Alyssa in. The door closed and Claire hit all the lights and buttons to block out the light from outside and turned on the painting lights. “Ok, now you can look,” Claire said nervously.
“Wow.” Alyssa barely breathed as she walked farther in. “Claire I can't believe what you've done with the place. It's beautiful. I love it.” Alyssa turned and hugged Claire. “This is... amazing.” Alyssa kept walking through the different rooms and paintings. She stopped at the photography shots. “Does Aidan know?”
“I haven't told him yet. It wasn't planned, I saw the pictures this morning and it just happened. I had finished just before you called.” Claire was biting the inside of her cheek in nervousness. She could not believe that she was letting Alyssa see it before anyone else, but she trusted her to give her honest opinion. It was Aidan that Claire was beyond terrified for him to see the work.
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��Think that he will get mad at me using some of our pictures? Of him standing in the snow?”
“Claire, Aidan loves you and your feelings for his show in this gallery. He's going to love it, but I know that he hates surprises so at least let him know that you’re using a few pictures of him.” Alyssa kissed her cheek. “This place is amazing, and I can't wait until opening night. I better get going. Keep the baby thing a secret even from Aidan, please.”
“I won't tell a soul. You know me. I'll forget the moment I start working again.” Claire smiled as she teased. Alyssa kissed her cheek, laughing. “Go have fun with your hubby and let me get back to work.”
Claire pushed herself hard. She wanted to put the last finishing touches on the photography wall before Aidan got there to pick her up for dinner. The wall and pictures were turning out better than she thought.
“Those look good.” Claire jumped at Todd's voice. “Sorry. I thought you heard me.”
Claire smiled. “Glad you like it. This is the last one.” Claire hung the last picture on the wall. “There, perfect.”
“I finished the other galleries as you wanted them. Care to do a walk thru and tell me any changes and I can get to them tomorrow before I take the pictures for the gallery pamphlets.”
“Sure.”
The sun was going down by the time that Claire's alarm on her cell phone went off. She quickly turned off the lights and went upstairs. Stripping down she showered and changed into a shorter, deep purple dress. She slipped on the high heels and slowly put on some make-up. She wanted to look her best that night since she had been a wreck the past week and Aidan deserved the best all of the time. Claire smiled as she looked in the mirror. She checked her phone and saw that she was right on time. She went downstairs and went outside locking up the studio. She was so use to Aidan being on time she was a little surprised that he wasn't already waiting on her. She looked at her phone and tried calling Aidan, no answer. She scrolled through her contacts and found Max, his personal guard, and called him. “Hey Max, I was wondering where Aidan was?”
“Ms. Ella came by and he's with her. Did you have plans?”
“Must have gotten the date wrong.”
“Should I send a car for you? Sam is right here.”
“No, it's all good. Thanks, Max.” Claire closed the phone. Ella, he had chosen Ella over their special evening. She knew that she didn't have the date wrong. The hurt brought a sting to her eyes. She hated when she cried, and she refused to let it. So, what. He chose family over her, it's not like he was with another woman. Claire squeezed her eyes shut as she reminded herself that Aidan loved her, and he never paid attention to other women the whole time that they were together.
“Well, well, well. Look who I bumped into.” A rough voice broke into Claire's thoughts as she was trying to calm herself about Aidan. A new panic started at the sound. She opened her eyes and saw her first contractor, Peter Engberg, standing there. His face was healing from what looked like a brutal beating. “Ah yes, my face. Your Beloved Aidan,” he sneered, “did this to me.”
“He wouldn't,” Claire said quietly. She knew that he would do anything to protect her. Him beating Peter did make a lot of sense to her especially the old, controlling, rage-filled Aidan that she had met on the first day in the studio. With her he was different but with his business and most people he was still as hard and cut off from them.
“He did. Though I have no proof. But now I have you.”
Claire backed up as he took a step. He pulled a gun, aiming it at her. “It's time that I teach him a lesson. He should never pick on people everyone has a weakness if you know where to look. You are his weakness.” Peter cruelly smirked.
He hit her with the butt of the gun as she fell to the ground, he started to kick her until she pretended to be unconscious. At the sound of a car, Peter grabbed her and pulled her up and behind one of the columns outside the building. Pushing her hard into the column as the car drove by. He grabbed her keys, wallet, and purse. “Death would be too easy for you.” He hit her again as she slides down the column and blacked out.
Cold. Wet. That's the first thing she felt when she finally came too. She didn't know how long she had been out. She went to look for her phone to call someone or keys to get back into her apartment. Then she remembered that he took everything. She slowly stood up. It took her a few minutes to get her bearing but finally, she let go of the post and started walking towards Aidan's building. Her ribs ached but she was used to that kind of pain. The pain did not really bother her anymore, though Aidan may notice the bruises. What could she say? That she fell down her apartment stairs? She knew that Aidan would never believe that. “I'll just tell him the truth,” Claire whispered aloud to the empty street.
She started walking slowly, almost shuffling. She hated wearing high heels except if they were just going from point A to point B but walking almost two miles so not ok. She rounded her block and heard tires screeching to a stop. Fear took over as she looked to the vehicle. It took a few moments to notice Sam jumping out of the car and running towards her.
“Hey, Sam! Thanks for the ride. The walk would have been a bitch.” Claire smiled as he put her arm around her waist.
“Claire. What happened?”
“Did you know that Aidan beat up my old contractor?” Sam was silent so Claire continued. “Aidan can't know.”
“The blood messed up clothes, and bruising may be a huge neon blinking sign. God. Why didn't you wait until I got here?” Sam was angry but mostly he was scared that she would have been even more hurt. He had come to care about her with all the time he spent protecting her.
“I told Max I didn't need a ride.”
“Well, I knew that you two had plans and I also dropped you off this morning which meant you had no car, so he sent me after finding out the truth. You have to let us protect you or Aidan will kill us for you being killed on our watch that you won't allow.” Claire could see the anger in his eyes.
“I'm sorry,” she said quietly.
“You have nothing to be sorry for. I should have been here at six.” Sam helped her into the SUV. He quickly closed her door and went to get into the driver’s side door. “Cops or hospital first?”
“What?”
“You have to give a statement. So, I can take you to the hospital and get checked out first or the police station. Hospital is better so then they can come to you.”
“I don't want to do either. Can't we just forget this happened.”
“If you forget it happened then I will tell Aidan and you will be put on a 24/7 guard detail.”
“The hospital, but you have to promise not to tell Aidan.”
“I won't tell him, but he'll know. He always does.”
“I know,” Claire said quietly as she closed her eyes. “Can't I just grab clothes out of the locker room at Ashby Enterprises and clean up there. I can easily make myself invisible at the house.”
Sam laughed wholeheartedly, “You invisible is impossible but interesting to think that you think you can be.” He smiled as she looked back in the rearview mirror. “Ok. Are you sure nothing's broken?”
“No. Just bruises and they should be gone in a couple days.” Claire smiled. “I'm fine, Sam. Nothing that some painkillers won't cure.”
He pulled inside the parking garage and jumped out helping her get down. “Come on I'll get you some clothes.” He leads her into the men's locker room and opened one of the lockers. He pulled out a pair of shorts and a t-shirt. “Showers are over there. Just yell if you need me. I will be one set of lockers over, making sure you aren't disturbed.”
“Thank you, Sam.”
Claire stepped into the shower. The warm body showed her how much it was hurting when the water washed over it. She looked down and noticed the pink water circling the drain. She knew that she should probably have a gone to a doctor, but she could not stand to be poked and prodded when she could feel the pain, but it wasn't overbearing. She stepped out of the shower and quickly d
ried and got into the clothing that Sam gave her. She walked to where he was standing guard. “Do you think that Aidan is home?”
“No. He took Ms. Ella home.”
“Thank you again, Sam.” Claire followed him out of the room and up to Aidan's suite.
In the elevator, same turned towards her. “He's still going to notice. Even if you were able to stay away for a few days.”
“I know. I have a few calls to make and then I'm going to bed. I'll deal with him later.”
Claire was up in their room. She had called and had the locks changed on the gallery instantly when she got upstairs, and they were bringing the new keys back to her. She had also called and left a message with Todd about the new keys and canceled her credit cards. She lied down on the bed, but it felt weird without Aidan there. She lied there for a while until she got up, grabbing a pillow and blanket and walked back downstairs and into the living room. She laid down on the couch and stared out the window at the skyline until sleep finally took her.
Aidan walked in and saw Claire asleep on the couch. He smiled as he came over and went to kiss her, stopping when he saw the cut on her forehead. He moved and went towards the guard’s quarters as Sam and Max both stepped out of Max's office.
“What happened to Claire?” Aidan's fury was apparent. The only reason he wasn't screaming was that he did not want to wake Claire that was just in the other room.
Max stepped up. “Sam just explained...”
“Sam, tell me now,” Aidan ordered.
“The old contractor, he was angry that you beat him up. He knows that she's your weakness. She's fine but he stole her keys, wallet, and cell phone. I pulled up as she was walking towards here. She doesn't want you to know, she thinks that she can be invisible for a few days until the bruises go away. Please, don't tell her that I told you. I promised that I wouldn't.”
“She doesn't want me to know?”
“She's trying to protect you.”
“Always the protector. I want you personally on her detail for right now until the police have him in custody.”
“Yes, sir.”
“I guess I'll call the police.”
“Sir?” Sam said quietly as Aidan was walking away. When Aidan turned Sam finished, “I already called the cops and sent them the footage from the security cameras you had installed. They are locating Mr. Engberg and bringing him in. I made sure that they would not need a statement from Claire. I thought that she'd been through enough.”