She knew Tony and knew he was angry. To the casual onlooker, he appeared fine. He excelled at the art of maintaining appearances. He chatted, listened, laughed, and watched. Every now and then, his and Claire’s eyes would connect. She wanted to tell him she was sorry. She hadn’t asked for the counsel, but of course, she maintained her mask and didn’t approach the subject. Emily didn’t know about the hallway conversation. She innocently conversed.
By the end of dinner Emily and Claire decided that Claire would wear the Vera Wang dress. She liked the lace sleeves, it would be best for a winter wedding. They also decided on the dress for Emily. Tony had printed off all the contact information for the boutique. Claire gave it to Emily and told her she was sorry but she would need to return to the city one or two more times for fittings. Emily said it was all right.
John asked them what time their flight back to Iowa was in the morning. Claire looked at Tony. She didn’t want to say, “Oh, we can go anytime. It’s Tony’s jet.” He answered, “We plan to leave early. This wedding is coming together very fast. Our wedding planner will be at the house tomorrow at two. Luckily, we gain an hour on our way back.” Claire sighed, he was good. She also decided he either had genuinely begun to relax or he could fool her too. Regardless, he appeared very accommodating. After their appetizers, salads, and main entrée, they all had coffee. Surprisingly, after the uncomfortable hallway confrontation, the dinner went well.
Earlier, back at the apartment, Claire shared Emily’s comments regarding the cost of the wedding with Tony. He hadn’t said much other than to acknowledge her concerns, but apparently developed a plan. “John and Emily, I want to thank you for joining us this Thanksgiving. It means so much to Claire. She told me about the loss of your family, the two of you are important to her.” Claire listened intently, as did the two of them. “I can be impulsive. I must admit after so many years of bachelorhood I am delighted to have met the one woman I want to spend my life beside.” He looked at Claire and smiled. She smiled in return. “That is why Claire agreed to such a fast wedding. That can be difficult on those people we hold dear. You may have had plans for that weekend, and I doubt you were planning a trip to Iowa.” He had everyone’s attention. “Therefore, I would be honored if you would allow me to take care of your travel plans to and from Iowa. I am speaking for Claire, but I believe she would like you to be there a few days before the ceremony. Our home is not near hotels. Please know you are invited to stay with us. We have room.” He sounded gallant and magnanimous. Claire reached his hand under the table and squeezed. He squeezed back and held her hand. She didn’t know how John would respond, but she was exceedingly pleased with her fiancé. “And while I have your attention, I want to give Claire her dream wedding. Please allow me to take care of any wedding apparel and accessories.”
At first, Emily and John said nothing. Claire knew it was killing John. He was a successful attorney, but they had education loans they were still paying. They had a mortgage, car loans, probably credit cards. Tony had more money than he could spend in a lifetime. She prayed they would accept.
Finally, John spoke. “Anthony, thank you very much. It is difficult for me to accept your generosity.”
Tony had one more ploy, “John, haven’t I heard stories about Claire living with the two of you for a year after college?” John said yes, she did live with them. “Perhaps you could justify this as an overdue rent payment?” Tony was smiling. Claire wanted to cry. Instead, she beamed at John and Emily. They had to see how wonderful Tony could be.
John and Emily exchanged glances. Finally, it was Emily that accepted, “Thank you. You have our numbers. Please let us know the details.” The conversation was done.
They all stood to leave and Claire thought about the bill. Apparently, it was taken care of without anyone realizing, one less confrontation. Tony had contacted Eric and he had the car waiting outside. Claire hoped that the polite attitude of the dinner would continue into the car. The women got in first, followed by John, who sat by Emily, and Tony, who sat by Claire.
As soon as Eric pulled away from the curb John began speaking. His voice strong and direct as if he were addressing a jury or judge, “Anthony, I apologize for ambushing Claire in the hallway. And, Claire, I apologize to you for making you uncomfortable.” Emily looked at John with horror in her eyes, completely unaware. Claire exhaled and sat back, thinking only, oh god, he is going to pursue this. She deferred to Tony. “But I have known Claire since she was a small girl. I have done my best to look out for Emily and for Claire, especially since the death of their parents. I love her like a sister.” He smiled at Claire, then back to Tony with all seriousness. “I am an attorney, and I believe that Claire deserves rightful representation regarding the legal ramifications of your marriage.”
Claire didn’t speak, Tony did, “John, I definitely appreciate the fact that Claire has someone else that cares about her well-being. I must emphasize the fact that she will be my wife and I will look out for her. I can assure you that we have an entire team of attorneys that will represent her in any necessary legal circumstance.”
John continued undeterred. “With all due respect, your legal team will look out for your best interests, as they should. Claire is obviously in love with you and trusts your decisions.”
“Are you implying that you do not trust my decisions?”
“No, I am not implying. I am saying that as Claire’s brother-in-law and attorney I should review the prenuptial agreement prior to her signature.”
Claire didn’t feel good about this discussion. Maybe she could help. “Thank you, John, for your concern. I do trust Tony—” She immediately knew she shouldn’t have spoken. She stopped.
Tony continued, “Your concern is admirable. And your persistence is commendable. As Claire’s attorney, not her brother-in-law, I will inform you that we do not plan on having a prenuptial agreement. I want Claire to have half of everything. I do not plan on divorcing her, leaving her, or her leaving me. I believe she should be my partner in every way with everything. She will have half of everything I possess as of December 18.”
John sat in silence and stared at Tony. He hadn’t expected that information. Finally, he spoke. “Have you consulted your team of legal counsel?”
“Excuse me? Are you asking as Claire’s attorney?”
“No, I am asking as your future brother-in-law. I know Claire. I know she is a wonderful woman who is in love. But as an attorney, a man of your wealth should not enter a business deal without a contract, and you should not enter into a marriage without a prenuptial agreement.”
Tony smiled, amused. Amusement did not imply a good thing. Claire prayed it was all a figment of her imagination, perhaps she was sleeping again and this was a nightmare. Emily sat in awe, dumbfounded by the verbal debate that transpired before her. Tony decided the conversation was over. “John, thank you for your advice. Thank you for your legal consultation. Your care and concern for Claire is duly noted and welcomed. I look forward to more lively debates with you in the future. May I make one suggestion?” John said yes. However, his answer was inconsequential. The statement formed as a question was purely rhetorical. Tony would offer his suggestion either way. “These conversations should and will take place in private.” John agreed.
They sat in silence for a while. Finally, Emily broke the uneasy stillness and told Claire she would miss her and couldn’t wait until they were together again for the wedding. Then she turned to Tony. “If we are still welcome?”
His mouth smiled. Claire didn’t need to look to know his eyes did not. “Of course, we look forward to your visit.” Once the car reached their hotel, Eric opened the door and Tony got out first. Emily and John both hugged Claire on their way out. Emily told Claire to call more, and they both shook Tony’s hand as they went into the hotel.
Tony got back in and Eric shut the door. Tony laid his head back on the seat. Claire still didn’t think she should speak. She wanted to tell him how pleased she was with what he had said. She did trust his decisions and she didn’t care about the money. However, it was obvious Tony wasn’t happy. She chose to remain silent. As the car pulled away Tony squeezed Claire’s hand and spoke, his tone was neither warm nor playful, “I believe it is good that you had a nap this afternoon.” Eric drove them to the apartment.