The ringing of her cell phone brought Sophia back to reality. The screen said: Mom. Sophia frowned. Derek looked up from the paper, “Who is it? Why do you look worried?”

“My Mom, I just talked to her yesterday.” With that Sophia swiped the screen. “Hi Mom, what’s up?”

When Sophia disconnected the line she turned to Derek’s furrowed brow and concerned expression. He’d heard Sophia’s end of the conversation, and now he wanted to know more.

“Is it your dad again?”

Sophia nodded, “Yes. Mom’s really worried. She said yesterday he went to the store, someplace he’d been a million times. He didn’t come home for three hours. She kept trying to reach him on his cell. Finally when he came home, he didn’t have the groceries and couldn’t remember why he’d been out or where he’d been.”

“She needs to get him some help.”

“He’s stubborn,” Sophia said with a sigh. “I’m worried. I think part of it is financial. Dad doesn’t want to spend any money on himself.”

“Then help them. They sure helped you.”

“He won’t accept it. But Mom might. Maybe I should go for a visit?”

Derek kissed Sophia’s forehead. “I need to leave for that ten day China trip next week. Maybe you could go then.”

She took a drink of coffee. “I’ve also been thinking about the studio in Provincetown. You know, since I have the money from those paintings, I was thinking about hiring someone to keep that studio open, while we’re out here. I hate for it to sit closed during peak tourist season.”

Derek agreed. The money changed so many things, giving Sophia the ability to do things she’d always wanted.

“I’ve been meaning to tell you about an offer I received the other night,” Sophia said.

Derek looked up again from the newspaper. “What kind of offer?”

“Well, that mysterious buyer, the one who never showed up...”

Derek listened patiently as Sophia described the tour, the cities, the exposure, and the time apart. He wanted to tell her no. However, he didn’t want to stop her dream. “That sounds amazing. What do you think about it?”

“I think it is amazing and I’m going to tell Mr. George no.”

Derek’s relief was visible. “Why?”

Sophia put her arms around her husband’s neck. Their eyes met soft brown to light gray. She kissed his tender lips. “Do you think I should do it?”

“I want you to do whatever is best for you.”

“I want to be with you. And it’s not just me, it’s us. I’m thrilled I’ve sold these paintings. I love the idea of having studios on each coast. But my mom needs help, and I want to be with you. There are too many things going on for me to travel around the country for two years.”

He pulled her close. “Good, I don’t want to ever stop your dreams.”

“You and me, we are my dreams. The rest is just frosting on the cake.”

Derek snickered, “You like frosting.”

“I do. But too much makes me sick.”

“Then by all means, Mrs. Burke, we don’t want you feeling ill.”

*****

Harry listened again as Claire explained the gala. This time he didn’t judge. He didn’t interrupt or doubt Claire’s theories. They talked about her agreement. Finally Harry asked, “How long is this supposed to go on?”

“I don’t know for sure. He gave me dates reaching into July.”

His lips started to move, and then he pressed them together.

“The first one is in two weeks, in Chicago. I’ll have my own accommodations.”

“Really Claire, what’s the point?”

“Appearances -- it is all about appearances and manipulation.”

“Do you think it will ever end?”

“I don’t know. Maybe if we learn something about his past. I need something to hold over him. I’m going to keep talking with Meredith. She’s been in contact with some publisher. They no longer want to do a series of articles, but a book.”

“Why are you still meeting if this book will never get published?”

“I still have the agreement. If anything happens to me or someone I care about, the book will be published.”

“So you’re both threatening each other?”

Claire nodded and shrugged, “Yes, it’s a great basis for a relationship, don’t you think?”

Harry placed his hand over Claire’s. “No, it seems pretty messed up to me. I just want a simple honest relationship.”

Claire sighed, “That would be wonderful.”

He bent down, their noses nearly touched. “I’ll accept friends with benefits, for now. Not forever.” His lips brushed hers.

Claire’s body relaxed and her arms found their way around his neck. “I’ll find a way out of this, I will.”

Amber joined them as they talked about SiJo. “I felt the tension ease; do you mind if I join you two?”

“Well, I don’t know. It is your place.” Claire said with a grin. She felt triumphant. Tony tried to take this comraderie away from her. He failed. It was a small victory, the saving of a pawn. But each victorious battle, no matter how small, helped win the war.

“Oh, did you listen to that message?” Amber asked Claire.

“Yes, twice. I have no idea who it is -- probably a reporter or something.”