The cars parked in the driveway indicated they were the last to arrive. Claire tried not to imagine the conversation occurring within. Of course, she’d probably learn the truth from Courtney later. For fear of being discovered, Claire left her work phone in California. Talking intimately with her dearest friend would wait until Claire was back in Palo Alto.

Claire compliantly stayed within the grip of the sleek bucket seat, struggling to quell her growing anxiety, until Tony parked the LFA and chivalrously came around to open her door. Upon seeing her expression, Tony whispered, “I’m not leading you into the den of lions.”

“No, you’ve already done that.”

His polished expression wavered, “This time, I won’t leave you. I’ll stay by your side. You won’t be alone.”

His valiant tone strengthened her. Nodding, Claire grasped his extended hand. Being alone was always her greatest fear. As their fingers intertwined she realized she wanted his support and presence. Walking toward the house, Tony leaned down, “I’d hoped seeing everyone here first would be easier than seeing them for the first time in a crowd.”

“It probably will be; nevertheless, I think I’m going to be ill.”

He stopped their forward movement and assessed the woman before him. “Your color looks good. You look amazing. I promise,” he squeezed her hand, “I’m right here.” His grin broadened, “A man of my word.”

She reached up and kissed his cheek. “Thank you.”

Before they could push the door bell, Tim opened the wooden barrier. With Sue by his side, he politely offered, “Welcome to our home. Tony, Claire,” he nodded with a smile.

“Please come in,” Sue added. She motioned toward the large sitting room full of familiar faces. Feeling the cool insincerity, Claire secured her mask and clung tighter to Tony.

Silence prevailed as Tom, Bev, Brent, Courtney, Mary Ann, and Eli turned and watched Tony and Claire enter with Tim and Sue. Courtney was the first to move. Without speaking she sat her wine glass on the large square table before the sofa. Ignoring Tony, Courtney approached Claire, her blue eyes glistening with tears. It wasn’t as dramatic as their reunion in Texas, but Courtney’s embrace squeezed the air from Claire’s lungs. Helpless, Tony released Claire’s hand as the two women clung to one another weeping. Courtney whispered in Claire’s ear. Could others hear? They didn’t know.

“I’m so sorry; I’m so sorry.”

Claire nodded, swallowing her sobs. This wasn’t an act. It was the reunion of two friends. The ice was broken, another release. Eventually the rest of the room began to talk. Sue, Bev, and Mary Ann led the women to the kitchen. Dabbing their eyes, all the women gave Claire the support she’d feared Tony’s friends would withhold. Everyone claimed to have doubted Claire’s guilt. They all apologized for not being more supportive. Claire knew the man in the other room was the reason for their disobliging behavior. Nonetheless, she bashfully accepted their belated validation.

When they returned to the living room, Claire devotedly sat beside her ex-husband. His expression displayed genuine pleasure with the ladies’ response. When he reached for Claire’s hand and gently brushed her knuckles with his thumb, their faces bowed toward one another and their noses touched. The light contact provoked an approving smile from her lips.

Their Oscar worthy performance was outstanding, possibly under serious consideration for nomination. Throughout the entire evening Tony was Claire’s anchor. By the time dinner was complete, even Claire believed the words coming from her mouth.

With Tony engrossed in conversation in the living room, Claire made her way to the kitchen. She’d spent the evening nursing a glass of wine, for appearances; however, water seemed to be the only liquid capable of quenching her ever present thirst. Leaving the others behind, Claire wondered, is thirst another symptom of pregnancy? She stood at the sink, filling her goblet when Brent approached and nonchalantly whispered, “Did you get my message?”

Claire looked nervously toward the other room, “No, I left that phone in California.”

He continued, “I saw some paperwork on a recent Rawlings hire. The man’s name caught my attention.” Claire looked questionably at him. Brent whispered. “Burke.”

Her mind twirled; there were so many things going through it. She tried to make a connection. “I’m sorry, should I know that name?”

Brent glanced to the other room to see everyone still talking. “Jonathon Burke worked with your grandfather...”

Claire’s eyes opened wide, “Yes, the securities officer.”

Brent nodded and whispered, “I understand why you’re doing what you’re doing. But please remember who you’re dealing with and be careful.”

Ignoring his warning, Claire asked, “Is there a connection between the Rawlings employee and Jonathon?”

“I haven’t had the chance to follow through, but I will.”

“Oh, there you are...” Courtney came loudly into the kitchen with Tony close behind. Claire finished putting ice in her water glass, grinned, and walked toward Tony.

“What are you two in here talking about?” Tony asked. Claire heard his question, but at the same time her mind tried to process the new information. Are other people suffering because of Nathaniel and Tony’s vendetta?

“Monterey,” Brent said. Claire pushed her new concern away and turned toward Brent with a grin. Brent continued, “Yes, Courtney and I’ve been there a few times and really enjoyed it. I wondered, with Claire living in Palo Alto if she’d been.”