Truth - Romig Aleatha - Страница 30

A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you for who you are today. 

—Unknown

Chapter 12

The warm gulf water lapped the shore, as the soft, moist sand enveloped their bare feet, and the sun bathed their tanned skin. Clad in swim suits, Claire and Courtney picked up the occasional shell as they walked along the beach. Although the third morning of their secret get-a-way, neither friend had run out of things to share.

Their reunion was everything Claire imagined and more. When Claire arrived late Tuesday night, or early Wednesday morning, to their rendezvous suite, Courtney was anxiously waiting.

Courtney hadn’t changed. Her bright blue eyes and brown hair were exactly as Claire remembered. Courtney jokingly said, “Honey, my hair is only the same because my beautician hasn’t decided to change colors!”

Claire’s commercial flight to San Antonio took almost four hours. Flying first class, she reasoned was a gradual downgrade from private jets. She also knew some reporter could take her picture, and the penniless thing was getting on her nerves. After landing in San Antonio, she secured a rental car, drove to the Hotel Valencia Riverwalk, and checked into her suite. It was truly beautiful, complete with a balcony overlooking the famous San Antonio Riverwalk. While there, she messed up the bed and threw some towels into the whirlpool tub. It kind of looks lived in. She thought, as she made her way back to her rental car.

Next, she drove two and a half hours to Corpus Christi. Along the way she stopped for a healthy McDonald’s salad, anything fast to get her to Courtney. Thankfully the rental car’s built-in GPS directed her around an accident on I-37, south around Mathis. The voice knew about the back-up. And although rerouting added about thirty minutes, it was better than sitting in stand still traffic. By the time Claire reached their hotel, it was almost two in the morning, local time.

Just like her suite in San Antonio, the floor of their suite was only accessible with a key. Claire’s key was waiting for her at the front desk, under the name Julia. (Courtney’s future daughter-in-law)

When Claire opened the door and stepped onto the tiled entry, she heard the familiar scream resonating from one of the two bedrooms. She barely had time to see the lovely white living area and brightly colored furniture before her entire body was encased in Courtney’s full embrace. In no time, their joyous reunion became tearful. Perhaps it was sleep deprivation; more than likely, it was their eighteen month separation and the circumstances surrounding it.

Leaving her unpacking until morning, the two sat on the sofa, knee to knee and talked until dawn. Their conversation focused more on the future than the past. There would be plenty of time for that as the week progressed.

Courtney told Claire all about the preparations for Caleb and Julia’s upcoming nuptials. She desperately wanted to have Claire attend the event; however, as long as their relationship remained secret, they both knew it wouldn’t happen. Courtney also told Claire about Caleb’s recent entrepreneur endeavor. “He’s doing very well in Chicago. It’s an investment firm and he already has some great clients.”

Claire couldn’t hide her surprise, “I’m shocked he’d want to leave Rawlings. I mean with Brent and Tony’s friendship, I’d think Caleb’s future would be set. Tony always liked your children.”

“Tony was very supportive. Being an entrepreneur himself, I think he admired Caleb’s desire to succeed on his own.”

Somewhere deep inside, Claire thought: Yes, I’m glad he can be understanding... I know it’s possible, just not usual! “I’m glad it’s working out.”

Claire told Courtney all about California, Amber, and Harry. Of course, they’d discussed much of this on the phone, but face-to-face was so much nicer. The subject of Claire’s financial backing slipped into the conversation as they talked about some of the recent reports of Claire’s life. She assured Courtney she wasn’t living with Harry, and she wasn’t penniless. She even divulged the information about the mysterious $100,000.

“Where do you think it came from?” Courtney asked as she sipped her wine. It was their second bottle of Cabernet, something which likely added to their honesty and freedom of dialogue.

“I really don’t know. It’s weird. At first, both Jane and I feared it was from Tony.”

“Why’d you think that?”

“Well, who else has that kind of money to throw away?”

“Good point, but maybe the donor didn’t feel they were throwing it away?”

Claire smiled, “I hope not. Whoever it was, I can never thank them enough. They gave me my life back.” She continued thoughtfully, “Prison wasn’t as bad as it could have been – I guess. I kept to myself a lot.” Claire fell silent as she gazed out the dark balcony doors to the still black sky.

Courtney put her hand on Claire’s knee, “You can talk to me.”

Claire fought the tears, “I know. It’s just – I haven’t spoken to anyone about this. I mean, I like Amber and Harry, I really do. They’ve been wonderful, especially considering we hardly knew one another when Amber went out on a limb and sent a jet to get me. I want to open up to them, but I’m so confused about so many things. I just don’t know.”

“Did you have anyone to talk to in prison?”

“There was a counselor, actually a psychiatrist. Her name was Dr. Warner. She took an interest in me. We met three times a week. At first I didn’t say much. It’s just hard to know who you can trust. But, over time I said a lot.”

“But, no other prisoners?”

Claire shook her head, “No. Once people found out who I was married to... well they’d be... not nice.” Looking down into her lap, she explained, “I never felt like I acted better than anyone else. I mean, I was a prisoner there just like everyone else. But, apparently they thought I did.” Claire inhaled deeply, “It was just easier to stay by myself.”

Talking to Courtney was so easy; it had always been.

Courtney scooted closer and squeezed her friend’s hand. “I’m sorry I couldn’t do more for you while you were there,” then in a quieter voice, “or, to keep you out of there.”

“I really understand.” Claire smiled at Courtney’s sad blue eyes, “But you did do something. When your letters started to arrive, I can’t tell you how much they meant to me!”

“I’m so glad. And I’m sure our entire correspondence went under the radar. Believe me, if Tony knew, Brent would’ve heard.”

Fighting her emotions, Claire said, “I know it was a big risk. Thank you.”

“So, you’re convinced it wasn’t Tony, the money, I mean?”

“Yes. Well, you helped convince me. You sent me a text saying how upset he was when he learned about my release. I mean, if he’d sent the money and letter to Jane, he’d have already known. I know it wasn’t in the papers, which is just another of the amazing miracles, but I know Tony. If he’d spent $100,000, he would’ve followed up to learn if it paid off.”

“I think you’re right.”

“And... when he called me, he said he’d just learned of my release. No, I don’t think it was him.”

“Any other ideas?” Courtney asked.

“No, not really, but whoever did it, took quite a risk. Not just with Tony, but also with Governor Bosley. That isn’t all; Jane could’ve refused to file the petition. There were a lot of pieces of a puzzle that needed to fall into place.” Claire sipped her wine and settled against the soft sofa cushions, “I don’t know who my angel is or how it all worked; I’m just thankful it did.”

“I can’t believe Jane Allyson gave you the money. Was that your angel’s request?”

“I don’t think so. I think it was supposed to be her payment for filing the petition. I tried to refuse the check, but she said it was a ridiculous amount of money for such a small amount of work. Apparently, the petition was complete except for her signature. All she did was sign and walk it to the governor’s office.” Claire took another drink. “I don’t mean all– obviously that’s a lot. But, she told me to consider it seed money to start my new life and pay her an appropriate fee. I could hardly refuse. I really believed I had nothing.”