To: Claire Rawlings
[email protected] From: Emily Vandersol
[email protected] Date: July 19, 2011
Re: Hi.
Hi, Claire, How are you and Anthony? We are doing very well. I’m on summer break, which you know. Would be great to see my little sis, but anyway, know how busy you are. How have those dinner party things been going? Still cracks me up. You being the one hosting parties! Would never have guessed it. Anyway, didn’t you say you two were going on vacation? I heard something on the television about you being on another private island. Really? Have you been gone? I never know what to believe. But I wanted to let you know John and his associate just had a big win in court recently. They made a huge impression on the partners. Not to mention some big money for them too. We’ve been invited to multiple dinners and John has had some “lunches” with a few of the partners recently. It is looking like all his hours and hard work will be paying off soon. Would love to hear from you. Please give Anthony our love. How is Iowa? I have some time, maybe you and I could visit in person? Or are you too busy for your big sister. (I’m trying guilt.)
Love ya,
Em
Claire read it, sighed, and wrote on the top: “Patricia, please respond,” then moved on to the next. She could sense Tony’s eyes penetrate her consciousness. He’d read it. She didn’t need to discuss the contents, she wasn’t requesting anything. Lifting her gaze she saw his eyes and answered, “I don’t want to deal with it, okay? I am too excited about our trip.”
He shrugged his shoulders. “Well, that’s fine. I just thought you might want to see her and John while we are in New York before our trip. It sounds to me like a celebratory dinner for your esteemed brother-in-law is in order.”
Claire looked at Tony in disbelief. “Are you suggesting we meet them this weekend before we leave for Europe?” She watched for his reaction. There was none. He continued reading on his laptop and making notes on his iPad. “Please don’t tease me.”
His smile appeared genuine. “I am not teasing. If it will make my wife happy as we head out on our European adventure, I can suffer through a few hours of Mr. Wonderful.”
She got up from the table and went to him on the sofa. “Really? Can I please call her and see if they’re available?”
He said she could, but first he had something he wanted to do. She was wearing a light pink sundress. His hands began to roam under the hem, up her thighs, and to his desired destination. Dinner and the phone call would need to wait.
They arrived in New York on Thursday night and planned to leave Sunday for Paris. Tony thought Claire might need to shop before their trip, but she assured him that she’d done enough research to learn she could do plenty of that in Paris, Italy, and Switzerland.
Tony laughed. “That even scares me. Mrs. Rawlings, I believe you are getting too good at this shopping thing.”
They arranged to meet John and Emily Saturday afternoon at a restaurant in Newburgh, a scenic little city on the Hudson River, midway between NYC and Troy. Tony said their apartment could lend itself to a longer visit than he wanted. Claire knew this was difficult for him and appreciated his honesty. Besides, she liked the idea of a public setting. Tony would never do or say anything in a public place that would jeopardize his image. She knew that no matter how the dinner progressed she would reap the consequences, negative or positive. However, seeing Emily and John for the first time since their wedding was worth Tony’s chosen aftermath. She could endure the night. Tomorrow they leave for Europe.
When they stepped outside the apartment building, NYC was stifling. The air between the tall buildings sat unmoving with the heat, noise, and smell of automobiles. The July sun penetrated her sunglasses, making her squint after the dimness of the lobby. She used to like the city, but now she thought about the tranquility of the Iowa countryside. As they drove the hour and a half drive, Claire was thankful for the tinted windows and air conditioning of the limousine.
During the ride, Tony worked on his latest project while she tried to read. She packed many books for their trip. Between flights, drives, and waiting for Tony, she anticipated significant amounts of downtime. The words on the page didn’t make sense. She read and reread, but her thoughts were miles ahead at the restaurant. It’d been seven months since they were together. She wanted it to go well. However, she overwhelmingly feared it would not.
Trying desperately to ignore the onset of another headache, she anticipated problems. What if John said something? What about the job topic? What if Emily pursued her earlier concerns? Her mind raced through these situations and more. If possible, she considered how she could fix them. It didn’t always work, but having backup plans made Claire feel better.
They were an hour out of Newburgh when Tony broke the silence. “Claire, please stop.”
Shocked she turned to him, “Stop what? I am reading.”
“No, you’re not. You are sighing, fidgeting, and stressing about things over which you have no control.”
“I’m sorry. I just want this afternoon to go well.”
“Are you planning to do or say something wrong?”
“Of course not.”
“Let me tell you about this project I am working on.”
She really wasn’t interested, but he rarely offered to share. She closed her book. “All right.”
“These are perspectives on a company. Actually, a family owned business in Pennsylvania that at one time employed over seventy-five people. Today it employs forty-six. I don’t care about this company or the employees, but I am significantly invested in their major competitor.” Claire definitely didn’t see the connection to their lunch but she nodded and replied, “Okay.”
“When founded, the original president made wonderful decisions. In the past five years, the reins have passed, and the decisions have been less fortuitous. The chairman is now seeking to sell the company, recognizing the economic climate. They need money to continue, banks are not lending money. If he doesn’t sell, the doors will probably close in the next two years.” Still lost, she maintained eye contact and nodded, he went on. “I am considering a very low-ball offer. The benefit to me is to reduce the competition. If my offer is accepted, the doors will close immediately. According to my accountants, the company in which I am already invested is projected to increase sales by over 18 percent immediately upon the close of this company. This means I reap benefits. They project my venture in this company will be recouped in profits in less than two years. The long-term benefits are increasingly fiscally rewarding. What do you think the employees of the Pennsylvania Company are hoping will happen?”
“They either want their company to go on as it is or to be sold to someone who’ll keep it running.”
Tony said, “Good, why?”
“So that they will keep their jobs.”
“The people on the manufacturing floor, custodians, and secretaries played no part in the decisions that will now have direct consequences on their lives.”
“Yes, but they have families, debts, and responsibilities.” Claire thought about Tony’s daily decisions and how far-reaching their impact. “And I’m sure they’re all worried.”
“Exactly, just as you are worried about this afternoon. What can the people in that plant do to help their situation?”
Claire thought about it. “Nothing. It isn’t in their hands.” The reality made her sad. Not for her, her situation suddenly seemed trivial, but for those forty-six people.
“Correct again. You have done all you can do.” He was now talking about this afternoon. “You have done much more than I ever imagined possible. Continue to behave as you have. If Emily or John do or say anything, it is their doing, not yours.” She thought about John’s words in the past and how she had experienced consequences, just like those people are about to.
Tony started to read again, but Claire had questions. “Tony?” He looked at her and raised his eyebrows. “Sorry, but I have some questions.”
/> “Go ahead.”
“So are you saying that the actions of the people who do not have control have no consequence?”
He closed the screen of his laptop. “Are we talking about Pennsylvania or here?”
“Let’s start with Pennsylvania.”
“No. Their actions may have great impact. A lot depends on the goal of the person who has control. Let’s say someone else with capital decides they’re interested in this company. More than likely they will either personally visit, or as I did, send an envoy to investigate the company. If those employees are hardworking, loyal, and if this investor is interested in keeping the doors open, their actions will be an important piece of the equation when those decisions are made. Their attitude could actually determine if their company will or will not remain open. On the contrary, if the employees are dissatisfied and disgruntled, investors interested in maintaining the company will shy away.” Momentarily loss in thought, Tony continued. “One of the issues that affect these situations is the knowledge of the employees, or the people seemingly out of control. It is interesting how many people live their lives completely unaware of decisions unfolding around them.” Claire listened as Tony went on. She worried about these forty-six people and their families. “Now if they’re aware and proactive they may try to recruit investment on their own. I have controlling interest in a few such companies, funded by Rawlings Industries yet run and invested in by the employees. They now benefit from not only paychecks but also dividends. It creates a wonderful incentive for hard work and dedication.”
Thinking out loud, she said, “So if I decided I was tired of shopping for clothes and wanted to shop for companies, I could go to Pennsylvania, offer them a little more than your low-ball bid, and keep the company going, assuming the employees are hardworking, loyal, and want to keep the doors open.” She smiled as she spoke.
Smiling in return, he said, “Well, yes, Mrs. Rawlings, I know you have the capital. However, if you use my bid as a baseline, you will end up arrested for insider trading. You cannot make an offer based on the offer of a competitor unless it has been made public. Mine has not.”
With nothing more than concern in her voice, she asked, “How can you make a deal without considering the people and lives it affects?”
“It is called business. It is how we have what we have and will have much more.” He wasn’t gloating or harsh, just stating facts. “Closing that business is my concern, the people are not. If my bid is accepted, their presence is no longer needed.”
“So there are times that innocent people reap the consequences of others due to no fault of their own.” Claire spoke from experience yet now seeing the principle from a different perspective.
“Yes. It happens all the time.”
“All right, tell me about our situation. You were comparing the two. You were saying my actions have no effect on the outcome of this afternoon so not to worry about it?”
“No. I said not to worry about it. Your actions have already had a great effect on this afternoon.”
Claire saw his eyes, brown and genuine. She wanted more information. “Please, Mr. Rawlings, tell me what I have done to affect this afternoon.”
He sighed. “Claire, why are we going to Newburgh?”
“To see Emily and John.”
“That isn’t the entire answer.” He waited.
“We are going because of me?”
“Of course, do you on any level believe this is my first choice of a Saturday afternoon activity?”
She knew it was not. “But it was your suggestion. We wouldn’t be going if you hadn’t allowed it.”
“You are right. But we are going because you want to. We are going because you have patiently accepted every challenge, every test, and every ordeal that has come your way. And for the record, not all have been my doing, merely a byproduct of being Mrs. Rawlings. Apparently, it can be a difficult role.” She knew that too and smiled. He continued, “You have not just accepted, you have conquered.”
She didn’t know what to say. He complimented her regularly but she never knew his sincerity. He reached out and squeezed her hand. “You have exceeded any and every preconceived idea I have ever had about you. The one limitation that has been placed on you that I recognize has caused you anguish is your sister. Truly I have no ill feelings toward Emily. She can be excessively inquisitive, but you two share a bond.” He watched her eyes. “I told you months ago I would try to be a better husband. I have spent most of my life only concerned about myself. I am truly trying, even if it does not always appear so.”
She prayed that her smile radiated into her eyes but she could feel the moisture too. “Tony, I love you. I know you are trying. I am contented with the strides you’ve made. That doesn’t mean I don’t hope for more. That may make me ungrateful, but I do. I think you’re amazing. That is why I want you, Emily, John, and I to be a family. I want them to know the remarkable man I married.” She kissed him and he kissed her too. She still wasn’t confident in the outcome of their family reunion but her expectations had improved, as did the feeling in her head, the ache subsided.
When they arrived, Emily and John were already seated at a private table with a wonderful view of the Hudson River. They greeted one another with hugs and handshakes. Tony watched as Claire’s eyes sparkled when she talked with her family. Tony was civil, refined, and mannerly. To the unknowing observer he may have even seemed cordial and friendly. Claire was glad John and Emily qualified as unknowing. He was a master at appearances and was even the first to extend his hand and congratulate John on his accomplishments.
“We are still sorry you didn’t decide to join us at Rawlings Industries. I believe that despite what your sister-in-law said, you would have been a real asset.”
Claire smiled and shook her head at John. “I didn’t say a word. I was as shocked as you when I learned of the offer. Tony and Tom did their homework. But we definitely respect your decision and are thrilled with your success.”
John respectfully thanked them both. The job offer was a huge compliment and he is honored. He also accepted their congratulations on the result of his trial, but as far as partnership nothing was currently set. He added, “The jury is still out.”
Tony’s comment pleased Claire. It cleared the air, allowing her to breathe easier. The four of them had a nice dinner. Claire told her sister and brother-in-law about their upcoming trip to Europe.
Emily said she had spent a long weekend in Fishers, Indiana, visiting some old friends. She named a few and told Claire how they all sent her their best. The mention of her past life darkened Tony’s eyes a few shades. Claire didn’t pursue the subject, only smiling and nodding acceptably. Emily also commented on Claire’s hair, did she like it so blonde? Of course, it looked beautiful. Emily actually said that she looked stunning but so different. Some of their old friends asked if it was really her in the pictures, the name was right, she just didn’t look the same. Claire wondered if that meant she wasn’t stunning before.
Claire asked how they liked the wedding pictures she sent. They both said they liked them very much. Emily even said she had gotten some new dresses to wear with her wedding shoes. She’s never had shoes like those before and planned to get Anthony’s money’s worth out of them. Tony smiled at Claire and commented on how nice that would be if she tried to wear some of her shoes a second time. They all laughed. The mood was jovial. The dinner tasted delicious, and catching up was fun.
In the car on their way back to Manhattan Claire told Tony, “Thank you, but I am glad that’s done. It’s too much stress for me. Besides, I’m too excited about our trip!”
His eyes lightened again. If that night needed to qualify as a type of consequence Claire would call it positive. The next day, they flew east across the Atlantic.
Believe that life is worth living and your belief
will help create the fact.
—William James
Chapter 40
In Paris, Tony booke
d their suite—more like an apartment—in the Second Arrondissement located in the heart of Paris. Many of the major attractions Claire wanted to visit were within walking distance. Tony gave her complete freedom to roam the city while he was in his meetings. At first, she worried about the language barrier; after all, he spoke French like a native. However, unlike the rumors she’d heard, as long as she attempted to speak their language, the French were polite and fluent in English.
She did her best to frequent the shops along Rue de Faubourgs Saint Honoré, but she found the styles too bold for her liking. After his business was complete, they experienced Paris together. They took romantic walks along the Seine and in the Tuileries Gardens. They also dined on amazing cuisine. The cultural differences fascinated her. Dinner didn’t begin until 8:30 p.m.; but earlier than that, they could experience l’apéritif (from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.), where cafés and bistros offered their best cocktails or wine by the glass. Tony’s understanding of the French was not limited to their language. He was also well versed in their wines. Apparently, the French consider wine to be an adjunct to each meal and snack. It reminded Claire of college.
Paris claims to be capital of romance, but Claire would suggest that the Côte d’Azur or the French Riviera seek to take the title. Located in the southeastern corner of France on the Mediterranean coastline, it boggled her mind to think that she was actually there in the playground for the wealthy. She didn’t realize that Tony planned this portion of their trip with no business obligations, no meetings, commitments, or other recipients of his attention. He was totally devoted to her.
The French Riviera is a major yachting and cruising area. Unbeknownst to Claire, they had reserved a private one-hundred-foot luxury sailing yacht complete with their own captain and first mate. It would be their hotel for two nights. They boarded their yacht in Beau lier-sur Mer, a beautiful Mediterranean resort village.