his work. Emily explained that she and John were well. They wanted to thank Claire and Anthony again for the transportation. A Rawlings Industries jet took them back to Albany on Sunday following the ceremony. She also thanked them for allowing them to stay in their home, it was amazing! She asked Claire more questions about the honeymoon. Claire made it sound magical but not too over the top. Tony politely kept his back to Claire during her conversation. She knew he was listening to every word, but appreciated the gesture.
After ten minutes Claire’s internal clock told her time was running out. “Well, it sure was good to see you two and to talk to you—”
Emily interrupted, “I wanted to let you know John’s been offered a job with a different company.” This shocked Claire. She didn’t know he’d been looking for a different job. Emily said he hadn’t. It was a surprise to them too. Claire asked if it was in Albany. No, it was either in New York City or Chicago. The company had offices at both locations, as well as others. Claire knew that meant Emily would have to leave her teaching job. Emily said she knew that. They were weighing the pros and cons. Financially if he took the job she wouldn’t need to work. It was a tremendous pay increase. Claire was happy to hear that, but she knew how much Emily loved teaching. Claire also added the pro that Chicago was much closer to her and Tony. Would John be doing the same type of law? Emily said it was international corporate. He’d studied it. But for the last four years he has practiced mostly corporate within the United States. Tony pointed to his watch.
Claire told Emily she was interested and she would try to call again to see how things were going. She also told her she hoped they thought it through. Don’t just jump for the money. Emily said that was easy for her to say. Claire understood but wanted them to be happy first and foremost. Emily asked when she would hear from Claire again. And if there was a better way to contact her than Tony’s private e-mail? Claire told her that was the best way. She was still trying to understand the whole Mrs. Rawlings thing. So many people trying to interview her and the like, well she was sure Emily understood. Tony’s private e-mail was best. They bid each other goodbye and Tony hit the disconnect button.
Claire thought about the call as she stood to leave his office. “Thank you. I appreciate the chance to talk with her.” She turned to let him work.
“Claire, wait a minute.” Her first thought was that he expected some sort of gratitude. She turned back to him with fire in her eyes. He casually leaned on his desk. “She was fishing.”
Confused, the fire still flickered. “Fishing for what? Information about our honeymoon? Honestly, Tony, she’s my sister. Maybe she’s just interested in learning about me from me, not a magazine.”
He looked impatient. “Are you done?”
“Yes.” He indicated for her to sit down. She did.
“She was fishing to find out if you knew about John’s job offer.”
“That doesn’t make sense, how would I know . . .” She looked at Tony and her heartbeat increased. “Why? Why would you offer John a job? I know you well enough to know you don’t like him.”
“I don’t like his strength and determination. He pursued the prenuptial agreement in my limousine even though he knew I didn’t want him to. He even had the balls to offer me advice. Then during the rehearsal he stood in front of me and our friends and had the audacity to not give you away.”
“I knew that upset you. We have just never discussed it before now.” Tony nodded. “Then please explain why you would offer him a job?”
Tony smiled a devious grin. “I didn’t. Tom did. He contacted John while we were on our honeymoon. They have had two meetings in New York. John does have an amazing résumé for someone who went to law school in Indiana.”
“It is one of the top twenty-five law schools in the country.” Claire immediately regretted defending John.
“Yes, thank you, Mrs. Rawlings. I will let Tom know that he may contact you if a cheering section is needed for Mr. Vandersol.” Claire apologized and asked Tony to continue. “He graduated magna cum laude from Indiana University School of Law and was hired by