Page 25 of Take Two

“Yes, it’s gorgeous in the spring and summer,” I throw in. Not that you’ll ever go there, I think to myself. At least not with Wade.

“Wade needs to get his passport, and then we’re off.”

“Uh-huh,” I say while resisting the urge to say bullshit.

Thankfully the server arrives, and I order another drink and everyone orders their meal. I check my phone, and there’s a cute picture of Charlie and the boys. I don’t know where they are, but they are making silly faces at the camera. I smile, and when I look up, everyone is looking at me.

I slide the phone into my purse and look around the restaurant.

“Was that your dad?” Terri asks.

“No,” is all I say. I do roll my eyes this time. As if my dad is the only man I know.

“Is that a boyfriend?” my mom asks with a hopeful lilt of her voice. She smiles at me and leans closer as if we’re girlfriends sharing secrets.

Thankfully, just as I’m about to answer, I get a text from the assistant manager at my gym.

“It’s a text from Shelly. She manages the gym for me,” is what I say while I type a response. Everyone seems to buy my answer, and the awkward silence resumes.

Chapter 13

Charlie

It’s almost nine o’clock when I get back to Colt and Vickie’s apartment. The boys ended up spending the night with Vickie’s father and stepmother.

The day was nice. After leaving Violet, I talked to my sponsor and went to a meeting. We spent the rest of the day at Vickie’s parents’ house for a family barbeque. Everyone but mewas part of a couple. I spent most of the day thinking about Violet and how much I wished she was with me.

“So, what did you say her name was?” Colt asks. He’s asked her name about half a dozen times, and I’ve dodged him each time.

“I didn’t,” I tell him.

“Forget her name,” Vickie says. “Show us a picture.”

I think of the raunchy pictures Violet and I exchanged earlier and blush.

“Oh my God, he’s blushing, Colt,” Vickie says. She holds out her hand and says, “Show me a pic.”

“Her name is Lettie,” I say, giving them the nickname I’ve given her.

“Lettie?” Vickie says. “Is she cute?”

“Gorgeous.” And she is. She’s beautiful with a great body, but it’s what’s on the inside that I like the most. “She’s sweet, kind, and funny. She doesn’t judge me,” I throw in, giving my brother the side-eye.

“Sweet, kind, and funny? In New York City? He’s making her up,” Colt says with a grin. “This woman does not exist. I was suspicious from the beginning, but I’m sure he’s making her up now.”

“Hey!” Vickie says. “I’m sweet, kind, and funny.”

“When, darlin’?” Colt says with a snort. “Don’t you remember how long you made me chase you?” Then he picks her up bridal style. “Why don’t you be nice to me right now since the boys are gone.” He runs down the hall toward their bedroom, leaving me alone. “Good night, Charlie,” he yells behind him.

I’m relieved to not have to field any more questions about Violet, but I make a point to discuss telling my family about her again. We never decided on how to handle their nosey inquiries. If we’re going to be in a long-distance relationship after thesummer, I want to spend as much time with her now as possible, and that includes having her around my family.

I grab my phone and call her number. It rings twice and goes to voicemail. Instead of leaving a message, I send a text.

Me: Did you make it home okay?

I wait for a few minutes, but she doesn’t reply. I can tell she hasn’t read the message, so I take the short walk to her apartment building.

I press the bell, but I get no answer. After a few minutes, someone comes out the front door, and I go in. Moments later, I knock but she doesn’t come to the door. I call again, and she still doesn't answer. I turn the doorknob, and it opens. All the lights are on, and the place is in pristine order as usual. I see her purse on the kitchen island, so I take a breath of relief.