Catherine’s smile prompted tears to trickle from Claire’s green eyes. Claire wanted to go up the steps, but her feet refused to move. Lowering her head, she closed her eyes and surrendered to the sobs within her chest. Her shoulders shook with intense anguish.

Unexpectedly, a comforting embrace surrounded Claire. Her head settled onto Catherine’s shoulder, as Catherine’s arms encircled her petite frame. Stroking Claire’s hair, Catherine murmured, “Ms. Claire, it is all right. I’m here.”

At first Claire could only nod into Catherine’s blouse. Finally Claire reached into her purse, retrieved a tissue, and wiped her eyes and nose. “I’m sorry, Catherine. I’ve just missed you so much.”

The two women embraced. “Oh, Ms. Claire, I have missed you, too. Please come in the house and let us get you settled.”

Claire willingly followed. How many times had Claire confidently followed this woman despite lurking apprehension?

Claire paused as she stepped onto the marble entryway floor. The grand staircase wound upward toward the railed second floor. Her eyes continued to move skyward taking in the elaborate chandelier and the shimmering ceiling beyond. Inhaling deeply she peered around the foyer. Even though it had been almost a year and a half she knew every inch of this massive mansion. She took in the archway leading to the sitting room and the sunporch beyond. She saw the hall leading to Tony’s office and the French doors to the formal dining room.

Her body trembled as she mentally moved from room to room. Catherine reached for her hand, “Ms. Claire, may I get you something? Perhaps you’d like to rest after your trip?”

Finding her voice, Claire asked, “Is Mr. Rawlings here? Eric said he was still at work.”

“He still is, Miss. Eric is on his way to Iowa City to bring him home as soon as he is able.” She patted Claire’s hand. “He wanted to meet you at the airport; however, there were pressing matters. He should be here in another hour or so.”

Claire nodded. With increased concern she asked, “Where am I staying? What room?”

“Mr. Rawlings instructed to have all rooms ready. It is your choice.”

“My choice?”

“Yes. He said to tell you, all of the suites have locks that operate from the inside.”

Claire smiled, “Is my old suite available?”

“Oh yes, it is. And it is ready for you. It’s even been redecorated. Would you like to see?”

The nausea hit fast. Claire felt her face flush. “I think I need to sit down first. May we go to the porch?”

Catherine noticed the pallor overtaking Claire’s complexion and walked her through the sitting room. Together they stepped down into the open sunporch. Instantaneously, a breeze blew Claire’s hair and settled her nerves. Beyond the windows and screens she saw Tony’s lush backyard bursting with color. Besides the intense green of the lawn, reds, pinks, whites, and yellows shimmered from the flower beds, pots, and gardens in the distance. Instinctively, Claire turned toward the pool. The blueness of the water rivaled the clear Iowa sky as the fountains sprayed high into the air. The lounge chairs and umbrella tables sat ready for occupancy. At one time, it had been Claire’s private resort. She closed her eyes and settled onto the rattan loveseat.

“May I get you something, perhaps a drink or something to eat?” Catherine asked with obvious concern.

Claire looked at her watch. Although it said after two in the afternoon, Claire knew it was after four in Iowa. She had an airline lunch in flight, but it wasn’t much. “I know we are supposed to dine later, but I could really use something now, something light.”

Catherine smiled tenderly, “Of course. Would you like me to bring it to you here or in your suite?”

Tears threatened Claire’s resolve. She couldn’t think of it as her suite. She wasn’t even sure she could sleep there. But then again, could she sleep anywhere else? “I would like to stay here right now and enjoy this beautiful afternoon.”

Catherine quickly left to find Claire a snack.

When Catherine returned, she had a tray with a bowl of chicken salad, a sleeve of crackers, some grapes, and a tall glass of iced tea. Claire sighed and asked Catherine to join her as she ate. Catherine did. The food was perfect. It warmed Claire’s soul to be near this woman. Somehow, no matter the circumstance, Catherine always knew what was best.

While Claire ate, they chatted about nothing -- very superficial. Once Claire’s food was gone and color returned to her cheeks, Claire breached the subject looming omnipresent. “Catherine, do you believe I tried to hurt Tony?”

Catherine took Claire’s hand and watched their entwined fingers for a longtime. The sounds of nature from the other side of the screens filled their ears until Catherine looked to Claire and said, “Ms. Claire, I have known Mr. Rawlings for a longtime. I was very concerned for his well-being.” She squeezed Claire’s soft hand. “I know there were times when you were not happy. I know there were times when being with him was difficult. I also know you are the best thing to ever happen to him, and in his own way he loves you more than he has ever loved anyone.” She paused, “No. I never believed you could hurt him, not like that.”

Claire allowed the tears to flow, not from sadness but from relief. “Thank you Catherine. I wouldn’t do that.”

“No, Miss, I know you wouldn’t. However, you have in you, the ability to hurt him deeper than any poison could. Your absence has been very difficult for him. If you chose to abandon him again, I do not know what will happen.”