questions, understood his rules, and was ready to call.
“I don’t have any questions, Tony. I promise I understand the rules, and oh yes, I am ready.”
He removed a piece of paper from the top drawer of his desk and dialed the phone. Then as if just occurring to him, he added, “There is a block on this line. My number will not appear on their caller ID.” He hit the speaker button and Claire could hear Emily’s line ring.
It rang and rang. Then she heard John’s voice, but it wasn’t really him, it was their voice mail. Her heart sank. She looked to Tony, “May I leave a message?” He nodded yes. John was still talking on the voice mail. “May I tell her I will try to reach her again?” The recording beeped. Finally, Tony nodded yes.
Keeping her tone as light as possible, considering the disappointment of reaching their voice mail, “Hi Emily and John, it’s Claire. I wanted to call and wish Emily a happy birthday. I’m sorry I missed you. I hope you’re having a great day. Things are very busy, but I’ll try to reach you again. Happy birthday!” Tony hit the disconnect button. Claire didn’t want to stop talking. She lowered her head and felt the tears fill her eyes. Resolved to accept the outcome, she looked up into Tony’s eyes. “Thank you for allowing me to make that call. Do you need me right now or may I go to my room?”
“You may leave.” Dejected, she rose to leave. “I will be up to join you later. I have some work to complete first.” Claire verbally acknowledged his plans and continued to walk toward the grand double doors. As she reached for the handle, he continued, his initial authoritative tone now more mellow. “Claire, New York is an hour later than Iowa. Perhaps they went out to dinner and a movie. You can try again later.”
“Thank you.” She didn’t turn back around. She didn’t want him to see the tears cascading down her cheeks. The disappointment was staggering. Yet she did appreciate the offer of another chance.
About nine in Iowa, they went back to his office to try it again. To expedite the process, Claire looked to Tony and proclaimed she remembered the rules and wouldn’t fail. The phone began to ring on the speaker. It only rang once, when the voice of a woman on the other end answered, “Claire, is that you?”
Claire’s heart soared, “Yes, Emily, it’s me. Happy birthday, sis!”
Emily’s voice hadn’t changed. Claire could hear the excitement of their reunion coming through the speaker. “Thank you. Hearing from you is the best birthday gift I could get. Where are you? Are you all right? Why haven’t you called us?”
Claire looked from the phone to Tony and then back to the phone. Tony’s eyes spoke volumes. “Hey, slow down. I have a new job that keeps me very busy, but I couldn’t miss talking to you on your special day. How are you doing? How is John? How is his law firm?” She’d done it. She succeeded in getting Emily to talk about them.
Emily said she was fine. School had recently started, and she thought this was going to be a good class. John was fine, just very busy. The law firm was good, he’s an associate now and the more hours he billed the better chance he had of making partner. Claire could have spoken with her for hours. They had so much catching up to do. Instead, Claire apologized and told her she needed to run. She loved her and please give John her love. Emily said she would, but that John was right there and would like to talk to her. Claire looked at Tony. His eyes darkened and he shook his head no. Claire said she would like to, but another time, she really needed to run. “Have a great birthday. Bye.” Tony pressed the disconnect button.
Claire stared at the telephone for the longest time. This was one of those junctures. She could be sad that the conversation was short or she could chose to be happy that there had been a conversation. She decided to pick B.
Standing to leave Tony’s office, she looked up to see him leaning back in his chair. He watched her as he unbuckled his belt. She realized that in his mind he’d shown a kindness, now he expected gratitude, quid pro quo.
If life were predictable it would cease to be life,
and