“I’m sorry I’m late. The walk from the grand ballroom was farther than I realized.”

Mr. George smiled nervously, “Sophia, let me introduce Eric Hensley. Mr. Hensley, this is our very talented artist, Mrs. Sophia Burke.”

Eric extended his hand, “Mrs. Burke, so nice to finally meet you. I apologize for disrupting your evening. I certainly hope this meeting hasn’t caused you too much inconvenience.”

Sophia smiled, “Well, as you see, I’m dressed for the gala down the hall. However, after your generous allocation of my paintings, I felt unable to deny this request.”

“Mrs. Burke, I apologize. I’m not the one who purchased your art, although I have seen it and think very highly of it. I’m here representing someone else. He would like to meet with the two of you privately.”

“Privately, Mr. Hensley?” Sophia asked, “I was told this wouldn’t take long. My husband is waiting for me; dinner is soon.”

“I understand, Mrs. Burke. I will let my employer know that you aren’t able...”

The shocked expression on Mr. George’s face said more than the words from Mr. Hensley. Sophia interrupted, “No, I apologize. Of course, I’d like to meet with your employer. I do hope we will meet here.”

Eric continued, “Yes, upstairs in one of the Presidential suites.”

Sophia nodded at both gentlemen, “All right, let’s go.”

With that, the three of them walked toward a bay of elevators. Once inside Eric slid a plastic card in the reader and pushed the button for the twenty-seventh floor. The presidential suites were located on the floor below the penthouse. As the compartment ascended, Eric removed his telephone. “I must text my employer. He’ll be very happy to know you’re on your way to the suite.”

*****

Anthony and Claire did not pass GO... they did not pass through the waiting room, as she’d done earlier. When the golden elevator opened, a well-dressed gentleman met and greeted them, “Mr. Rawlings, we are so happy to have you with us tonight.”

Tony shook the man’s hand, “Yes, Mr. Wilkins, I apologize for our tardiness. My companion was not feeling well, but all is better now.” Tony inclined his head toward Claire, “Perhaps you remember my companion, Claire,” he paused momentarily, “Nichols.”

Claire extended her hand, “Mr. Wilkins, it is so nice to see you again.”

Though visibly shocked, Mr. Wilkins accepted Claire’s hand and smiled weakly, “Ms. Nichols, yes. It is a surprise to see the two of you,” he regrouped. “It is always a pleasure.” Turning back to Tony, “Now, Mr. Rawlings, and, Ms. Nichols, if you’ll follow me we will make your introductions.

Tony replied, “Although I’m here to speak, I am also representing Shedis-tics and Ms. Nichols is representing SiJo Gaming.”

Mr. Wilkins nodded affirmatively and promised proper introductions. Tony once again seized Claire’s hand and slowed their pace, allowing Mr. Wilkins to lead the way to the ballroom. He whispered, “Well, if that’s any indication, reactions alone should keep this night entertaining.”

She smiled and replied, “Entertaining is not the word I’d use.”

Her quickness delighted him. Though his soft voice divulged his amusement, his grip, and words revealed his warning, “Be careful, Ms. Nichols; don’t let your recently discovered independence get you into trouble.”

Utilizing her previous southern charm, she replied, “Why, Mr. Rawlings, I believe I am already in more trouble than I can handle.”

They both quieted as the doors opened and an MC announced, “Ladies and Gentleman, we are proud to introduce, Mr. Anthony Rawlings and his companion Ms. Claire Nichols.” A hush followed by applause echoed through the large ballroom. Except for a few waiters and waitresses, the room of people stilled and looked their direction. The MC continued, “We are honored to have Mr. Rawlings, of Rawlings Industries, with us this evening as one of tonight’s prestigious speakers and as a representative of Shedis-tics. Ms. Nichols is also present as a representative of SiJo Gaming.” There was more applause and Tony placed his hand in the small of Claire’s back. They stepped into the sea of people. Immediately, they were surrounded by people wanting to meet and speak to tonight’s honored guests.

A thing long expected takes the form of the unexpected
when at last it comes.
-- Mark Twain

Chapter 35

Intermittently sipping ice water, Claire sat at the head table, two seats to the left of the podium and listened intently to Tony’s speech. As the evening progressed, each scene she performed became easier, almost comfortable. After all, it was the role she’d created; she was the original costar in their perfect couple show. The only constraint to her seamless performance was the daunting concern lingering in the back of her mind. Each time her thoughts turned to Harry or Amber, Claire immediately compartmentalized them away. She couldn’t continue this charade if she allowed herself to worry about what was happening at SiJo or imagined the hurt in Harry’s soft blue eyes when he learned about her evening.

Tony’s speech concentrated on the National Center for Learning Disabilities and its many accomplishments. Claire noted how Tony rarely referred to the electronic tablet before him. Yet, he cited statistics and philosophies perfectly. She had to wonder how someone who just came from a confrontation like the one they’d just had upstairs, could perform so flawlessly.