Page 16 of Take Two

“Colt again?” I ask.

“Yeah. He’s sent me five texts since I opened my eyes this mornin’.”

“He’s just concerned about you.”

“Well, Uncle Fester is doing just fine.”

Chapter 9

Charlie

I kissed her twice before I reluctantly pulled away and left. It took all my willpower not to pull her robe open and climb back in bed with her. But she has a business to run, and I have obligations today. The first is to spend time with my nephews, and the second is an AA meeting thisafternoon.

I take the short walk through Central Park. It’s a perfect Saturday morning with the sun shining and the trees blowing in the soft wind. I don’t remember the last time I felt this good. If it wouldn’t look completely ridiculous for a man of my age and height to skip through the park, I’d do it. After walking into the building, I nod at the security guard and take the elevator up. I punch the code in the door and collide with my brother the moment I open it.

He steps back and looks me up and down. I stand there and let him look. He shocks me when he pulls me into his arms and hugs me, but I push him away. I know what he’s doing.

“What do you smell?” I ask as I walk past him. “Whiskey or vodka?”

“I’ve been textin’ you all mornin’,” he says.

“I know. I got every one of your annoyin’ texts. I told you I was busy,” I tell him. I go to the fridge and pull out a bottle of cold water. Right on cue, Victoria walks into the kitchen. She looks from me to my brother. “Hey, Vick,” I say.

She arches an eyebrow. “Mmhmm,” is all she says. “I want details.” Unlike my scowling brother, she comes over and gives me a genuine hug. “Start with her name, please.”

I probably should have talked to Violet about how to handle this, but I wasn’t thinking about my brother or sister last night or this morning.

“Is it someone from the dating app? Let me see her picture,” Vickie says. She holds out her hand as if she’s waiting for me to give her my phone.

“I told you he said she’s not from the app,” Colt tells her. I narrow my eyes at him.

“Do you tell your wife everythang?” I ask him.

“I sure do,” he says without shame or hesitation. He crosses his arms as if he’s waiting for my answer.

“She’s not from the app. It’s kind of early, but I’m sure I’ll introduce her to you soon.” Victoria jumps up and claps her hands. She hugs me again as if I did something significant.

“Mom!” Evan calls from the back of the apartment. “I need you!”

“I’ll get details later, but good job,” she whispers. She gives me two thumbs up before leaving the kitchen.

“We’re going to get to meet her? You mean she’s real?” Colt asks. When I roll my eyes at him, he says, “Don’t rush anythang, Charlie.” His words come out like a warning, and that irks me.

“What do you mean?” I ask.

“Just take your time. This can only be a summer fling.” He met his wife and married her within six months. Not to mention she was pregnant at their wedding, but I keep my mouth shut about that.

“I’m a grown man, Colty. I know what I’m doin’.”

He looks like he wants to say more, but all he does is nod. “I’m only lookin’ out for you.”

“I know, and I appreciate it, but I know what I’m doin’.”

“But you’ve never—”

“I’ve never what?” I ask, interrupting him. When he remains quiet, I say, “I’ve never been in a relationship sober? I’ve never been with a woman who wasn’t a drunk? I’ve never what, Colt?”

“Yeah. All of those things. All I’m saying is that you need to be—"