Inferno Anthology

by Gow, Kailin

  Brad and Monica then took control. They told Claire, John, and Emily to go upstairs. Tony, Brent, and the minister went to Tony’s office. The string quartet began to play. Brad and Monica wore earphones and microphones and directed the participants. First, they instructed the men to leave the office and walk to the back of the grand hall. A raised platform surrounded by sleek Christmas trees and lights had been constructed in front of the large windows. The only decorations on the trees, besides the white lights, were deep red crystal globes. The windows behind the platform exposed snow covered trees with more lights. The quartet was positioned slightly off to one side of the platform and the harpist was on the other. Once the men were in place, Emily was directed to descend the stairs and make her way down the aisle to the platform. After she arrived at her destination, the quartet concluded and the harpist began the traditional wedding march. Although it was the rehearsal, Claire and Tony’s friends rose to their feet and Brad motioned to Claire and John to descend the steps.

  John offered Claire his arm, kissed her cheek, and began to take her down the stairs. Before they reached the first step he stopped, leaned near, and whispered, “Claire, we love you. We only want you to be happy. Tell me he’s good to you, and that he makes you happy.”

  With tears in her eyes, she said, “John, he can be.” She remembered her mask. “He does.”

  John tried to smile and patted her hand. They descended the stairs and made their way to the platform. After another song by the string quartet and a verse from the minister, the minister asked, “Who gives this woman to be wed?”

  John spoke loud and clear. “With great love and respect, her sister and I agree to share this magnificent woman.” He kissed Claire’s cheek and gently lifted her hand from his arm and placed it in Tony’s hand.

  Shit, was the only word that came to Claire’s mind. She looked up at Tony. He was looking at her, but his face didn’t register John’s words. Apparently, he had a mask too. Claire was certain if Tony were a cartoon character there would be smoke coming from his ears. She mouthed, I’m sorry. He squeezed her hand gently, and they both smiled. The minister continued speaking.

  They all four rode together in the limousine to Courtney and Brent’s house. Claire explained to Emily that in the late morning there would be a masseuse, manicure technician, cosmetologist, and hair stylist all coming to do miracles on them. Catherine and Courtney would be in Claire’s suite to assist them both with their dresses.

  Tony upheld appearances much more proficiently than John. He remained polite and friendly to both Emily and John and was loving and attentive to Claire. Once they reached the Simmons’ house, Tony was the totally devoted bridegroom and the man of the hour. John was friendly, but quiet. His unhappiness made Claire uneasy, and she privately begged Emily to do something. “Don’t let him ruin my special day.”

  Emily promised to try.

  Courtney provided a wonderfully delicious Italian dinner with antipasto salad, bread and oil, red wine and pasta. The festive mood and atmosphere filled Claire with hope and joy. Tim and Sue were chatting with Tony, as Claire walked up and overheard them discuss Tim’s role during Claire and Tony’s honeymoon. At first, she stood politely by Tony, but when they paused, Claire tried to be sneaky. “Now, Tim, tell me again how long you’ll need to be at the helm?”

  Tony laughed and pulled her close. “Good try.” Then addressing Tim, he continued, “You’re one of the few privileged individuals to know where we’ll be, in case of an emergency. Most people, including my beautiful new wife, do not know our destination. So, don’t let her try to worm it out of you.” He smiled. “…or you, Sue, if Tim has shared.”

  “Oh, you’re so mean.” Claire feigned a pout. “How will I know what to pack?”

  “Another ‘A’ for effort. Catherine has taken care of it for you.” Claire smiled at the Bronsons. They smiled and put their fingers to their lips. They wouldn’t spoil Tony’s surprise.

  The dinner party began to wind down about 10:30 PM, at which time the gentlemen announced it was time to celebrate Tony’s last night of freedom. They headed to the lower level for cognac, cigars, and some serious poker. Brent announced Tony should be prepared to lose more than his freedom. He’d be losing some serious money during their tournament. “Ladies do not wait up.”

  It was MaryAnn who replied, “Don’t worry about us. We’re doing our own celebrating back at Claire’s house. My driver’s ready, and Catherine has martinis waiting at the indoor pool and hot tub.”

  Tony and Claire kissed good night and were told they couldn’t see each other again until the ceremony. While getting their coats, Emily whispered to Claire, “I’m sorry. I was wrong. You really do have a life and wonderful friends.” Claire hugged her sister.

  The ladies all went back to the estate, put on bathing suits, and partied in the hot tub. Claire decided Courtney and MaryAnn were teenagers in adult bodies. Tony worried so much about appearances, yet watching these two reputable women dance and sing in their bathing suits, Claire believed a little cutting loose was acceptable. Just because she believed it, didn’t mean she felt comfortable enough to do it. The reason her bachelorette party was at her house wasn’t lost on her. She didn’t want Tony watching her dance and sing inappropriately when he reviewed his surveillance. Claire enjoyed watching and sipped her drink.

  Late into the night, the subject of sex came up. It was Emily who, after consuming a few too many martinis, asked Claire, “Are you really okay with marrying a man so much older? What if he can’t keep up?”

  Claire smiled bashfully. “I don’t think that’s a problem.” She tried desperately to change the subject.

  Emily slept that night in Claire’s suite. John returned to the estate after staying at the Simmons’ home with the men for the bachelor party activities and slept in their room. Claire and Emily wanted some sister time. It was like being little girls again. They giggled until early morning. At almost 11:00 AM, Catherine came into the suite and woke them, bringing lots of coffee and breakfast. After they each showered, the parade of pampering began.

  The forecast was correct: the sky was a brilliant sapphire blue with reflective colorless snow covering everything. The grounds crew diligently worked to clear the drive and plenty of parking spaces. The temperature was cold, in the mid-twenties, yet the sun shone all day.

  Claire didn’t want to risk seeing Tony and chance bad luck. Therefore, she didn’t leave her suite until it was her time to walk down the aisle. She and Emily received massages, manicures, and facials. While the beauticians worked tirelessly on their hair, Catherine brought them more food. Claire said, “I’m too excited to eat.”

  Catherine wouldn’t listen. “Ms. Claire, I will not be responsible for you fainting during the ceremony. You must eat.”

  Emily smiled, happy that Claire had Catherine to take care of her.

  By 4:30 PM Catherine, Courtney, and Emily began to help Claire get into her dress. First, was body shaper, then, the long slip which provided the fullness necessary for the satin gown. The bodice was fitted and altered to perfection for Claire’s slim, petite figure. The dress was strapless and went over the slip. The accessory which persuaded Claire to choose this dress was the intricate lace overlay which created transparent three-quarter-length sleeves and a long train. The lace of the veil complemented the overlay. The beautician created a sweeping hairstyle that made the perfect niche for the veil to attach.

  The lace overlay created an off-the-shoulder look which truly didn’t need jewelry; however, Emily had a string of pearls. “They are the pearls mom wore in her wedding and the ones I wore in mine.”

  Claire fought the tears knowing they were her something old and something borrowed from the wedding tradition. She also wore a blue garter and supposed her dress was new. After Claire dressed, the photographer entered her suite to take some special photos of her and her ladies.

  Prior to the ceremony there was a knock at her door. Courtney went to the door. Claire could h
ear Courtney. “Tony, you’re incredibly handsome but you cannot be here.”

  The first thought that ran through Claire’s mind was Tony knocked! He’d never knocked on her door.

  She heard his voice, every nerve in her body electrified with the realization that she would really be his wife. She heard his deep baritone voice. “I have a special gift for Claire, it’s her something new. Please be sure to tell her the box is blue velvet on purpose.” Courtney must have questioned Tony, because he explained, “She’ll understand. I promise.”

  Claire smiled as she thought, I really do love him!

  Somehow he knew she’d wear pearls. Perhaps he’d expected her grandmother’s necklace; nonetheless, she opened the blue velvet box to beautiful dangling pearl earrings hanging from platinum ear clips covered in small sparkling diamonds. With her hair style and the veil, the earrings were perfect. The ladies in her suite went crazy. The consensus was the earrings were perfect and so was Tony. At that moment, Claire believed so too. She wanted to believe it, with all her heart. And her heart did. But it was her mind that held too many memories, ones that she’d successfully compartmentalized away. Away—not gone.

  It wasn’t for lack of trying.

  When Brad knocked on the door of her suite, Catherine and Courtney hugged her and sped off to their seats. Claire looked at herself one last time in the full-length mirror. She liked what she saw and prayed Tony would too. She and Emily proceeded down the hall to the main stairs where she could hear the music from the quartet.

  They heard a rumbling of whispers. Suddenly, Claire thought about the guests. Who were they? She really didn’t know any of them. She’d heard names and some she recognized. Some were political figures, some were business people she’d met at benefits, and some were names she’d heard in the media. Then she remembered their friends, the people who made last night incredibly memorable. Their friends were the people who supported both of them and were not solely present because of Anthony Rawlings. It was the others, the ones she didn’t know, that scared her. She felt like they were all judging her. She wanted to be perfect for those people so Tony would be proud. The multiple acetaminophens helped to keep the headache at bay.

  Brad listened to his ear piece and waited for the deviation in music. The hum of voices disappeared. Claire couldn’t see the guests or the men exiting Tony’s office, but she knew that was what was happening. Emily kissed John and Claire before she descended the stairs. John took Claire’s arm, kissed her cheek, and said, “I won’t disrupt your day. You look amazing, and I want you to know how much I love you. You aren’t just my sister-in-law, you’re my little sister. Please remember you can always count on Emily and me.” He squeezed her hand. “Always know you’re loved.”

  Claire kissed his cheek and thanked him. Brad gave them the signal, and they started down the stairs.

  When John was asked who gives this woman to be wed, he replied, “With great love and admiration, her sister and I.”

  The next thirty-five minutes passed as if a dream. Claire saw faces. She saw the smiles of her new friends and of her sister, but what she noted above all else was Anthony Rawlings. When she reached the aisle and beheld him, he was watching her and waiting.

  He had eyes only for her. He stood incredibly, handsomely in front of the guests, hands resting casually at his sides, shoulders broad, impeccable Armani custom tuxedo, a gratified smile, and eyes encircled in chestnut brown, yet still absorbed light. Standing next to him in front of everyone, she felt drawn into the darkness searching for light and warmth. When his eyes sparkled, she felt weak.

  I’m marrying him. He is marrying me. I’m now his wife. At that moment she realized that this was a contract now recognizable by the world. It wasn’t two signatures on a napkin, but a real legal marriage contract. He now truly owned her.

  There was nothing she could do about it. He gave her one chance to escape, and she didn’t take it. She made a decision, and that decision would have consequences. Now as the world watched, public failure wasn’t an option. The world saw the most amazing wedding ceremony money could buy with a stunning woman happily marrying a handsome man. In contrast, Claire saw a napkin. She knew too well appearance meant everything. As the music played and the minister spoke, she worked desperately to re-compartmentalize the flood of thoughts and emotions beseeching her mind. She smiled lovingly, answered the minister obediently and behaved appropriately. The kiss at the conclusion of the ceremony was romantic, and the minister’s announcement of Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Rawlings was met with ravenous applause. Everything appeared perfect.

  The reception was an equally flawless exhibition. Brad and Monica thought of everything: the ambiance was romantic, with impeccable decorations. Claire and Tony dutifully greeted each guest and thanked them for their attendance on their special day.

  Throughout the entire evening Tony was wonderful. He told Claire he loved her, how beautiful she was, how honored he was to have her as his wife, and how he couldn’t wait for the reception to be over so he could show her. Under it all, Claire continued to have feelings of misgivings. She worked diligently to keep them all buried under layers of make-up, hairspray, crinoline, slips, satin, lace, pearls, and pretense.

  Everyone enjoyed themselves. Claire even saw John and Emily laughing with Tom and Bev. Once the first course was served, Brent stood, lifted a glass of champagne, and offered a toast to the newlyweds. “May I have your attention, ladies and gentlemen? I want to take this opportunity to welcome Claire Rawlings to our world. Claire, Tony has been my friend, my confidante, and my boss…” The crowd giggled. “…for a very long time. I’ve watched as he has succeeded in business and failed in love…” Another snicker. “…but recently, Courtney and I have watched as Tony has experienced success in the area of love. Claire, when you’re present his smile is brighter and his eyes have a spark. Perhaps you haven’t noticed, but sometimes Tony’s eyes can seem dark. That isn’t the case when he’s with you. You are the light of his life. You have given Tony the part of his life that was missing, and as we look around, it’s obvious that not a lot was missing.” There were smiles and agreement all around. “Now with you by his side, I believe my good friend is truly a man who has everything. Thank you, Claire. We’re so happy to welcome you, and we look forward to an eternity of a happier Tony Rawlings.”

  This precluded a standing ovation, lifting of glasses, and claps of agreement. After they cut the cake and gently fed each other a bite, Claire chocolate and Tony vanilla, the conductor fired up the jazz band. The music resonated soulfully, rhythmical and lively. The lights of the tent dimmed and the dance floor glittered with intensified brilliance. Tony led Claire onto the dance floor hand in hand. His eyes, soft as crushed velvet, beheld his beautiful new wife. She was lost in his gaze of complete love and adoration. Swiftly, her doubts and fears faded away. He had the most amazing ability to dissolve her heart and soul. Gallantly he took her hand, encircled her small waist with his strong, powerful, yet tender embrace, and her body immediately molded to his. They moved in sync. He turned, twirled, and spun her around the floor. The bustled wedding gown swayed to his slightest inclination. They had only danced together a few times, but their bodies moved together on numerous occasions. She became lost in his stare, and without thought or consciousness he had complete control and dominance over every aspect of her being and every movement of her body. With each crescendo of the music, Claire’s heartbeat accelerated.

  Soon, the dance floor was surrounded by guests watching the newlyweds waltz. Tony tall and dark, Claire petite and light, their contrast intensified the beauty and sensuality of the moment. Claire didn’t notice the gathered crowd until the music reached its final fermata. Up until that moment, her brilliant emerald green eyes could only see her husband. When the music stilled, he gently kissed his bride and the guests applauded. Claire blushed and smiled.

  The band began again and Tony charmingly bowed and asked Emily to dance. John nodded to Emily and extended his hand to C
laire. Whispering in Claire’s ear, John said, “You’re beautiful in love.” The four of them danced for a few minutes until the emcee asked the guests to join them. Promptly, the floor burst with couples.

  Sometime after 11:00 PM, Claire and Tony, no longer in their wedding attire, kissed their friends and family goodbye and said adieu to the others as they left to begin their honeymoon adventure. Once again, Claire was being led by Tony to an unknown destination.

  After their flight reached its cruising altitude Tony began to seduce his wife. He caressed, kissed, and tantalized her. He told her in a raspy, sensual tone he loved her, how amazing she had been and she was. He also told her what she already knew. “Mrs. Rawlings, you are now mine—completely. You belong to me.”

  Chapter 31

  Tomorrow is a mystery. Yesterday is history. Live today, it’s a gift, that’s why they call it “present.”

  —Unknown

  CLAIRE AWOKE TO the sensation of their plane decelerating on a runway. She’d been somewhere in a dream as her body lay upon the leather sofa wrapped in the soft cocoon of a luxurious blanket. The sudden increased roar of engines combined with the screech of brakes transported her to the present. She wasn’t sure how long she’d been asleep or if they’d reached their mysterious destination, but she remembered the excitement in Tony’s eyes as he talked about their romantic journey. Willingly, she continued to allow herself to be taken to places unknown.

  Looking down at her left hand, she saw the familiar engagement ring now with its new mate. Her wedding band glistened with embedded diamonds matching the circle around the large solitaire. They were truly beautiful. Pondering the past nine months, it boggled her mind to think she was wearing such an amazing set of rings and more importantly their meaning: she was married. She was married to Anthony Rawlings.