The end result was a twenty-three-year-old woman who’d argue her points and opinions with a sixty plus year old CEO. She didn’t realize this was wrong. After all, he brought up the conversations, why wouldn’t she answer honestly.
She spent so much time sequestered with Ms. Sharron she didn’t know she was the only one who spoke to Mr. Nathaniel Rawls with such candor. The realization suddenly became apparent at a family dinner. Anton was home from Columbia University, and the mission was to appear as a family united. Conversely, Marie felt tension bubbling from every pore and rippling through the air, resulting in an undercurrent which swallowed everyone’s words and happiness.
Marie knew there were issues at Rawls Corporation. Sometime during their long conversations Nathanial spoke about decisions and risk taking. Marie increasingly admired Mr. Nathaniel’s business sense.
That dinner was a wake-up call. She hadn’t noticed the undercurrent in the beginning of her employment; there was too much to take in. But, this perfect family suffered from serious dysfunction.
Marie understood Alzheimer’s as a sad, degenerative disease. She also wondered if on some level Ms. Sharron wasn’t better off in her own world. The toxic quality of the one around her could cause anyone the desire to escape.
She also understood why Ms. Sharron saw the world as it had been, not as it was. The man who sat by her side, conversed with Marie, and religiously kissed his wife each morning and evening wasn’t the same man who presided over the family meal. What Marie didn’t understand, was why he wouldn’t share his caring side with the rest of his family.
As Ms. Sharron weakened, she no longer made it to the family dining room. Instead her meals were eaten in her suite. At first they were served on a small dining table within the large suite. With time, her eating became less regular. Many times, physical feeding was required. For some reason, she’d only accept this action from Marie or Nathaniel.
The other members of the family faithfully visited every day. Well, Samuel and Amanda did; Anton would when he was home. Marie didn’t blame the young man for staying away. Actually, she understood the need to distance oneself from certain people. And, while Sharron’s son and daughter-in-law were kind to her, they both treated Marie with a kind of superior disregard. Perhaps it was because of Ms. Sharron’s affinity for her. Marie wasn’t sure what she’d done to warrant their acrimony.
Attached to Mrs. Rawls large suite was a smaller one, where Marie resided. The job also included generous pay. However, with no definition of hours, she rarely had time to spend her new found wealth. Besides, she had all her needs met: a place to live and food to eat. With time, Nathaniel offered to purchase clothing. Marie declined. She had plenty of money in her account and didn’t want to take advantage.
One evening, following her refusal of his generosity, she entered her closet to a complete new wardrobe. That incident taught Marie the tenacity of Mr. Rawls’ resolve. If he wanted to do a kindness, he wouldn’t be stopped. Later she would learn the opposite was also true. If he had a score to even... there would be no holds barred.
Anyone can hide. Facing up to things, working through them,
that's what makes you strong.
― Sarah Dessen
Chapter 15
The water wasn’t colder or clearer in first class, nonetheless, it was refreshing. Claire thought about Phillip Roach sitting somewhere behind her, in economy. She’d seen him at the airport. The uneasy way he turned away, as she inclined her head in his direction, made her smile. Having Courtney and Brent’s support filled Claire with more resolve than she could imagine. The feeling of invincibility wouldn’t last forever, but she’d savor it for the time-being.
With her new found strength, Claire forced herself to concentrate on the stack of boxes in her closet. She should have immediately sent them back to Neiman Marcus. She should have called Tony, and said, “Thank you, but I’m busy.” Unfortunately, Claire didn’t do any of those things. Now, she had three days to prepare for a dinner with Anthony Rawlings.
Peering around the first class cabin, she took in the leather seats and heard the hushed voices, barely audible above the drone of the engines. Laying her head against the seat, she wondered how many of the women around her would consider an invitation from the great Anthony Rawlings an honor. Amused by the thought, she reminisced about a time when she didn’t know the name Anthony Rawlings. Unfortunately, she couldn’t allow the memory to linger. Claire knew his name, both current and birth. And most importantly, she knew she’d allowed too much time to pass, to cancel their date. Now, she needed to contrive a plan to control the evening.
Upon arriving home, Amber asked all about her trip. Claire told her about the reunion with her friend. Although she didn’t share the discovery of her saviors, she made no attempt to hide her joy at the way the week progressed.
Claire hesitated telling her friends about her impending reunion. She knew they wouldn’t be happy. On the plane, she decided to concentrate on the angle of learning more about Tony and getting clarification on his confessions. She couldn’t hide from him forever. Actually, she was no longer hidden. This reunion would take place. Claire needed their support to tilt the odds in her favor.
When Amber retired, prior to Claire’s announcement, Harry smiled and asked, “So are you tired from your trip, or would you like to go next door for another video game lesson?”
Throughout her vacation Claire spent some time thinking about their last gaming lesson. Truthfully, she wasn’t looking for a romantic interest. It was even difficult to image herself with anyone but Tony. Yet, as they sat a week ago, side by side, holding the newfangled controllers and laughing at her avatar’s jerky movements, she sensed a mutual admiration. It showed in his soft blue eyes and his encouragement and support. There was no domination or instruction. After her recent loneliness, Harry’s comfort was refreshing and so different than anything with Tony. The light-heartedness, warmth and mutual appreciation allowed her to lower her guard. When he gently eased his arm around her waist, she was only mildly surprised. Instantly, Claire realized she didn’t want to protest. Therefore, when his lips neared hers, she’d intended to submit willingly. But, before she could he stopped.