Page 112 of Take Two

“No way,” I utter as I look at Vickie who nods in confirmation.

“It started with mimosas during my monthly girls’ brunch with Rosalie, but Vickie has introduced me to some other thangs. We did a wine walk last year.” She covers her cheeks and laughs at the memory. “We had to get a hotel room until my buzz wore off.” I stand there with my mouth hanging open as I wait to hear more. “My boys can never ever know. Alcohol only affects the men in my family, and I don’t do it often, but it’s our fun little secret.”

I take a deep breath and nod solemnly. “Thank you for trusting me with this. I’ll never tell a soul. I gave Charlie my word, so I can’t join you ladies when you do it, but I got your back. You also always have a designated driver when you need one. And I can’t believe Vickie had you drunk in the middle of New York City.” We all burst into a fit of giggles.

“Hug it out,” Vickie says. That’s how my mother and sister find us. Seconds later, there’s a knock on the door and the rest of the party comes in.

“The cars are outside,” Vickie says. “Let’s go.”

There are about twenty of us, and there are five stretch limos outside. I get in the one with my mother, sister, Mary Leigh, and Vickie. Vickie hands me a peach iced tea while my mother and sister pop bottles of champagne.

“This is for you, Mama,” Vickie says. She hands Mary Leigh a travel mug that says Violet’s Bachelorette. She winks at me when she hands it to her, then she blindfolds me.

We don’t go too far. The limo stops a few minutes later, and I’m helped out of the car. The blindfold comes off, and I exclaim in surprise.

“Welcome to Violet’s,” Vickie says as she gestures at Charlie’s new restaurant, which isn’t set to open until after we come back from our honeymoon. “It’s ours for tonight. Charlie has no idea. Your dad and Colt made this happen.”

Four other limos arrive and Charlie is given the same surprise. The restaurant is in a very busy part of Manhattan, and Colt soon attracts attention. It doesn’t hurt that there are three other members of his team here. The crowd points and claps at him. All he does tonight is wave, but I get why the crowd is excited.

The Mischiefs just won another championship less than two months ago. The city is still in a buzz about it. He was also supposed to retire, but he was convinced to sign on for two more years. He struggled with the decision, but Vickie encouraged him to do it if that’s what he wanted. So, he did.

“Tonight’s not about me or my team,” he says. “Let’s get inside.”

For tonight, the restaurant has four long tables. It’s decorated with white tablecloths and white and pink roses. There are pendant bloom light fixtures overhead, giving the place a romantic glow. We find our table, and Charlie’s seat is at the head, with me to his left, just like at Mama’s.

The room is pure pandemonium as everyone finds their seats. My dad soon finds us and has someone I’ve never met with him.

“Violet, Charlie, this is my good friend Ben Barber. I hope you don’t mind that I invited him. He’s only here for a couple of days visiting his grandchildren. His wife was nice enough to let him join us.” Charlie stands and shakes Ben’s hand. He’s an older white man with salt-and-pepper hair, thick eyebrows, and thick glasses. He has a nice kind smile. After greeting and congratulating us, Ben finds his seat.

“This place is lovely,” my mom says. “You’re over here by me, Terri,” she yells to my sister who is busy talking to one of Colt’s teammates.

“You’re looking nice, Wandy,” my father says, using the old nickname he used to call her. I hadn’t heard it in so long, I had forgotten all about it.

My mom blushes and says, “Thank you, Miles. You look nice too.” Mom clears her throat and looks away. When I continue to stare at her, she looks back at me but doesn’t say a word. She walks away and pretends to look for something in her purse.

“No way,” I say to my dad, in complete disbelief.

“What?” Dad asks. “I’m messy. Your mom already knows that. I don’t have time to train someone new about me. Besides, she’s divorced now.” He shrugs. “And I paid for the divorce lawyer,” he whispers the last part as he walks away. He makes sure to go past her, and I look in disbelief as his hands trail the length of her arm.

Mom won’t look at me, and I decide I’m going to leave this alone until she brings it up on her own.

Moments later, Colt taps his glass and stands.

“Everyone, this is just the beginning of a wonderful night. We’re going to sample everything on this menu, and then, be prepared for part two of the night.”

After amazing food, fruity mocktails for me and Charlie, and countless toasts from our family and guests, we leave Violet’s for an exclusive club where I spend the night dancing with my soon to be husband.

Epilogue

The Wedding Day

“Doesn’t Auntie Violet look pretty?” Vickie asks the boys.

“Yeah,” Evan says.

“No!” replies Johnny. Vickie straightens their bowties and hands the boys to their dad.

“We’ll see you soon. Don’t let either one of them get dirty or else.” She waves a fist at him. He bends and kisses it before he picks up Johnny and takesEvan’s hand.

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