The Consequences Series Box Set

by Aleatha Romig

  They hung up.

  Claire had been upset with Tony for almost two months. She despised him for his reaction in Chicago. His behavior that night had repulsed her. She detested the way he treated her in California. On some level, she even loathed the fact Simon idolized him. Yet he had tried on numerous occasions to make amends. Only superficially had she accepted his pleas. Those shallow recognitions were mainly a form of self-preservation, a ploy to pacify him, but at that moment, as he disconnected the line, she overwhelmingly, without reservation, appreciated and cherished her husband.

  The realization almost immobilized her. Every ounce of her being had been opposed to him: similar to like ends of magnets. Her self-therapy suddenly realized that all of her energy had been consumed continually fighting the repulsion and forcing herself to be near him. No wonder she was so drained; however, as he hung up the phone her magnet flipped. Suddenly, instead of repulsion, she felt attraction. The relief engulfed her, and her mask evaporated. Claire’s expression became sincere. “Thank you, Tony.” She went to him and hugged him.

  He seemed to recognize the difference in her touch as he looked down into her green eyes, and said, “I need to keep working.”

  She didn’t understand, thinking he was saying he had work to do. She pushed away to let him continue his business, when he gently pulled her back into his embrace. Claire looked up into his soft brown eyes, as he said, “No, Claire. I need to keep working to be a man you’re proud to call your husband.”

  Claire buried her face in his chest. Without a doubt, there would be mascara on his very expensive suit. He lifted her chin. “I need to work to be the man Mrs. Johnson thinks I am.”

  Later that night, they laughed, cuddled, and talked. Their interaction hadn’t been playful for months. Claire was giddy from the release of tension and stress. For the first time in ages, her head didn’t pound. She wasn’t worried about John. He was beyond reproach. Everything there would resolve itself. The looming question had been here. Unexpectedly, she believed it too had been resolved. Realistically, the resolution wouldn’t be permanent, but she would enjoy the reprieve.

  Emily e-mailed them the following week, declining Tony’s Thanksgiving invitation. She sincerely appreciated his offer, but John barely took time to eat. He worked continually to rectify the inquiry.

  Tony saw Claire’s disappointment and offered a trip anywhere for the holiday. Claire decided she’d rather stay home and celebrate an old-fashioned Thanksgiving with her husband. She wanted to cook him a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. He looked concerned, but agreed with one stipulation, she would allow him to plan a getaway for their anniversary and Christmas. Claire agreed.

  Giving the entire staff the day off, they lived through Thanksgiving dinner and even survived the carbohydrate overdose. Claire cooked turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, yams, yeast rolls, pumpkin pie, and vegetables. Tony obligingly ate some of everything, saying he liked it all; however, the exorbitant amount of calories contained within the meal far exceeded their usual diet. They both feared they would explode before the pumpkin pie with whipped cream was served.

  Although she enjoyed cooking, Claire forgot how much she disliked cleaning. Tony encouraged her to leave it. The staff would take care of it the next day. Somewhere in the recesses of her mind, Claire heard her mother and grandmother: leaving the mess for someone else was unacceptable. Claire told Tony to watch football, and she’d take care of the kitchen. To Claire’s surprise, Mr. Anthony Rawlings joined his wife in their kitchen and scrubbed pans, counters, and stove tops. Watching him, Claire decided, he was even sexier washing dishes than he was in blue jeans.

  After Thanksgiving, the house burst with Christmas decorations. Catherine told Claire that prior to her presence there hadn’t been any decorations. Claire found that hard to believe. She hadn’t asked for them; nevertheless, she did enjoy them.

  This year’s display wasn’t as extravagant as it had been for the wedding, but it was festive. It was the perfect setting as they entertained friends and some of Tony’s business associates. Claire was happy to open the house for others to see its merry charm.

  On the Saturday before their anniversary, they boarded Tony’s plane, and flew west. This time Hawaii was their destination. On their trip to Fiji, Tony had promised Claire the opportunity to enjoy the Hawaiian Islands. Being a man of his word, they had a ten day trip planned. Reminiscent of their honeymoon, they stopped in Los Angeles to refuel and continued another six hours to the island of Oahu, landing in Honolulu.

  The difference with this trip was Claire knew her journey’s end. She understood that when they landed in Honolulu they needed to board an inter-island flight to take them to the island of Lanai. It was a romantic getaway, not as secluded as their private island in Fiji, but an island paradise nonetheless. Tony had asked Claire what she wanted, She’d said sunshine and warmth. Tony delivered.

  Claire hadn’t told Tony, or anyone, that she wanted to go alone. Nevertheless, Lanai was as secluded as you could get, and Claire was happy to be alone with her husband.

  This time they had an exquisitely spectacular suite in a resort, complete the panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Without a doubt, Claire’s favorite amenity in Hawaii was their large private lanai which included a cabana bed, an intimate dining table, and lounge chairs. Tony explained that they’d have the suite for the entire stay, but they would also spend a few nights on other islands.

  Since Tony now understood that Claire enjoyed sightseeing, he planned excursions for Kauai, Oahu, and the Big Island. Kauai’s spectacular cliffs, canyons, rainforests, and picturesque beaches took them two days and one night of exploration. Claire treasured being on Lumahai Beach, the place where South Pacific was filmed. In her mind, she could see Mary Martin singing. Tony also arranged a private sea tour. They saw spinner dolphins, monk seals, green sea turtles, as well as natural wonders, the Na Pai Coast, open ceiling cave, and Honopu Valley Arch.

  The day they spent on Oahu, they arrived early on an inter-island plane, rented a car, and Tony drove them around the island. They reverently visited Pearl Harbor, walking hand in hand and reading plaques and names. Tony drove them up Pali Highway through trees and dense forest vegetation until the city below disappeared, and they found themselves in the clouds. It was Nuuanu Pali Outlook. They could see the Koolau Cliffs, amazingly lush coastline, and mountain peaks all from the stone terrace one thousand feet above the Oahu coast. The view was spectacular.

  That evening, they returned to Lanai for more private and sensual explorations. Neither of them moved fast or needy. Instead, they both were thorough, sensual, and loving. The sea breeze and sound of the surf provided the ultimate aphrodisiac, and their lovemaking went on and on.

  On the Big Island they enjoyed a two-hour helicopter tour of Volcano Park. This was a first-time experience for both of them, and they found the process of creation and destruction thrilling. Claire couldn’t help remembering the volcano on Mount Etna in Sicily, also active. In one year she had witnessed two active volcanoes erupting violently, yet without peril. Something told her she was pushing her luck. The pilot explained to them that Pele, the Volcano Goddess who lives in the volcano, was very unpredictable. It could continue to erupt for another one hundred years or it could quit tomorrow. Claire nodded her head. She understood unpredictability.

  After the helicopter tour, they spent a few hours hiking trails which took them directly into volcanic craters, scalded deserts and rainforest, and a petroglyph. She had read about them, but to be in a volcanic tube exhilarated her. Another Big Island activity Tony insisted they complete was to walk on the Black Sand Beach. Claire didn’t think she would like black sand. Sand, after all, is supposed to be white, but it was unusual and magnificent. Removing their shoes, Claire felt the warmth of the black sand under her feet. She’d expected it to be hot. Actually, she’d experienced hotter white sand in Florida, another unpredictable conclusion.

  Christmas day they spent on Lanai in t
heir suite. Claire was prepared for the holiday this year. She had a gift for Tony, an exquisite d. Freemont Swiss watch which she’d purchased on Rodeo Drive in October. If he’d seen the bill, he hadn’t said a thing. On Christmas morning, he acted surprised and delighted. Claire knew how he appreciated punctuality.

  Also planning ahead, Tony had a gift for Claire; however, his gift wasn’t as extravagant. Actually, it was very basic and left her speechless. He placed his surprise in a slightly larger black velvet box, the kind that might contain a necklace. At first, she thought he forgot her comment about black velvet boxes, but his grin told her otherwise.

  Slyly he said, “It isn’t jewelry, so I thought I could use a black box, but if you don’t want it—” He started to pull the box away.

  Smiling, she replied, “No, I want it.” She grabbed the box. Her curiosity getting the better of her, she lifted the lid to reveal a basic calling and texting only cellular telephone. In times past, she’d opened velvet boxes to lavish diamonds and gold which hadn’t moved her like this inexpensive cellular phone.

  With her emerald eyes glistening, Tony decided the accompanying lecture could wait.

  Claire felt like she received the milestone of liberties. It was a wonderful Christmas. That night, lying on the cabana bed under the stars, they listened to the sound of waves in the distance. Completely relaxed, spooning in front of her husband, Claire’s mind went back to a snowy afternoon in Tony’s suite. That afternoon she’d made requests. She’d also made a request as they lay upon a rug in Lake Tahoe. Tonight, she realized, they’d all been granted. As her mind started to slip into sleep, she heard Tony say, “Merry Christmas, my love.” She hugged his strong arms. “What are you thinking?”

  Claire turned to face him. “I was thinking that I have everything—everything I asked for. Thank you.” She kissed his lips. “I love you.” They drifted off to sleep.

  They arrived back to Iowa on December 28 where snow blanketed the estate and the decorations glistened. Tony had a meeting in Chicago on December 29. Worn-out from their trip, Claire decided to stay home. She told Tony she’d try to appreciate the Midwest winter until he returned.

  Chapter Forty-Six

  Sometimes it’s the smallest decisions that can change your life forever.

  —Keri Russell

  Tony’s lecture regarding his gift came on the plane ride home. It started as operational instructions, which Claire considered this futile; she’d received her first cell phone in middle school and knew how to dial a number, answer a call, send a text message, and receive one. Nevertheless, his lessons did contain useful information: her telephone was linked to his computer and iPhone. If she received a call or text, he received a notification. If she sent a text or made a call, he received a notification. He even had an application allowing him to access telephone numbers and the entire content of text messages. Claire told herself: Compartmentalize. She had a cell phone.

  He instructed her to only answer calls from numbers programmed into her phone with an asterisk. Examples: *Tony Cellular, *Home Private, and *Eric. There were other numbers programmed into her phone: Emily cell, John V. Cell, Vandersol home, Courtney S., MaryAnn F., etc. They could leave voicemails or texts and then together they’d listen or read and decide appropriate responses. Claire obediently listened and sighed. This is ridiculous!

  “You asked for me to be able to contact you directly. This will accomplish what you asked.”

  She pressed her lips together. He’s right. I did and it will. She wanted more!

  Deciding to capitalize on the Christmas spirit, she pushed. “Maybe I could at least text Courtney and Sue back immediately? I mean, after all, didn’t you say you can read the texts in real time from your iPhone?” Her husband made a fortune with the Internet, he had technology which allowed him to watch, listen, and monitor her every move. She knew that.

  He contemplated his answer. “We’ll start with my rules. After a time, we can revisit them.”

  She submitted. He hadn’t closed the subject. It was a minor victory, or a minor defeat. Either way, it wasn’t the end of the war.

  They celebrated New Year’s Eve at their home with friends. The Simmons, their son Caleb and his fiancée Julia, Tim and a six-month pregnant Sue, and Tom and Beverly all had a wonderful time. Together, they spent most of the evening in the lower level, playing cards and pool, drinking champagne, talking, and laughing.

  Courtney couldn’t contain her enthusiasm regarding their son’s engagement. Julia appeared overwhelmed by her overly zealous future mother-in-law. Claire couldn’t help herself. She offered Julia some advice. “Smile and give in. It makes life a lot easier.” Although the young couple hadn’t set a date for their wedding, Courtney told Claire she may have more charitable responsibilities this year. Courtney planned on helping Julia as much as possible with the wedding. Claire read Julia’s expression and whispered in her ear, “I promise to talk to her later.”

  Julia smiled. “Thank you.”

  Tim and Sue’s baby was due March 20. All the women oowwd and ahhhed at Sue’s growing midsection. It made Claire think. She and Tony had never discussed children. About six months before she met Tony, she had the birth control insert implanted. In hindsight, that’d been fortuitous; however, considering Tony’s age, maybe it was a subject they should discuss.

  Together, they all welcomed the New Year with enthusiasm. “To another great year for everyone and for Rawlings Industries!” Everyone tapped glasses.

  Claire and Tony both told the Simmons how fantastic Fiji would be. Claire added, “We can’t wait to hear all about it.” Then she smiled. “Well, not all about it.”

  Courtney blushed. Tony embraced Claire. She’d filled him in on her packing advice. They kissed.

  Brent looked at Courtney questionably. She grinned, and said, “I’ll explain later.”

  That made them giggle some more. The year began with a bang.

  Although Tony contacted Claire directly each evening, she didn’t feel like she’d gained any liberties regarding communication. Emily had her number and would leave text messages and voicemails. Claire could read them or listen to them, but she couldn’t respond until Tony’s input was added. She learned deleting texts or voicemails was strictly forbidden. Apparently, it implied hiding. She didn’t ask, but wondered why? If Tony had access to every text, why did he need to see it on her phone before she deleted it?

  The Simmons left for Fiji, and Tony missed Brent. Claire found it amusing. He would never admit Brent’s full worth, yet his absence left Tony lacking. She planned to share this secret knowledge upon their return. Courtney asked Claire to fill in with her multiple charities during her absence. Being January, the heart of her winter blues, Claire happily agreed to the additional tasks. Unfortunately, Claire agreed to help Courtney without first consulting Tony.

  “I agree they’re admirable charities. I don’t think you need to be gone that much.”

  “It’s only for two weeks, and I already said I would help.”

  “You agreed without discussing it. Did you forget about your responsibilities here? I certainly hope you’re not having memory problems, again.”

  “I didn’t forget, and I’m sorry. I just wanted to help a friend. I promise nothing will go undone here.”

  “You’re right, because you won’t be going, or do you not feel taking care of your husband is important?”

  Claire knew her pleas were useless. “Tony, I’m sorry.”

  She called each organization. “I’m truly sorry. I won’t be able to attend your meeting. It seems that I’ve double booked my calendar. If you could e-mail the information, I’ll forward it to Mrs. Simmons.” Those calls were made on the speaker feature of her new phone with her husband present. Suddenly, her calendar was open to Tony’s whims.

  Although Tony would never admit it, Claire believed these consequences resulted more from Brent’s absence than from her insubordination. Her attraction toward her husband was waning. Experience t
aught her it was a cyclical process. It would wane, and then it would wax. She encouraged herself to be patient for the wax.

  This January was less snowy than the last, which helped Claire’s disposition. Less snow meant fewer clouds, and more sunshine. The Iowa air still registered below freezing, but the view from her suite wasn’t of frozen white tundra. The winter, combined with the feeling of unpredictability was predictably returning, giving her the teetering on the fence sensation from before. Continuing her personal self-therapy, Claire reminded herself Courtney would be back in another week and spring was only three months away.

  Admittedly, more of an attempt to pacify than an act of devotion, she tried desperately to alleviate Tony’s concerns. She obediently waited for him each evening, dressed appropriately for his arrival, attentively listened to his day and concerns, discussed her e-mails, texts, voicemails, and expressed her undying affection. She even chose to not pursue the e-mails and text messages from Emily. That was, until she heard a recent voicemail. The distress in her sister’s voice was unnerving. She respectfully asked Tony if they could call.

  They did, from Claire’s telephone. Having her cell phone saved the long walk to his office. They tried three times and didn’t receive an answer. Tony willingly agreed to try again later. When they finally reached Emily, the information from the call was difficult for Claire to fathom. John had been accused of fraudulent billing. The Vandersols were devastated.

  The next morning, Claire opened her eyes and realized she was waking in Tony’s bed. The feeling of disorientation came more from her concern over her family, than from the dark surroundings. She rolled toward him, but he was gone. The clock read 7:03 AM. If she hurried to the dining room, she might catch him before he left for work. She wanted to thank him again for the ability to talk to her sister during this difficult time. Truth be known, she hoped her gratitude would facilitate her opportunity to support Emily in the future. She put on slippers and her cashmere robe and walked to the dining room. The rich aroma of coffee met her halfway down the corridor. Tony was at the head of the table, drinking coffee, his plate empty, and his laptop open.