Page 49 of Take Two

Charlie, being the saint that he is, made us more cappuccinos and Terri had the nerve to ask for another one to go. I slammed the door three times to cleanse the apartment of her aura after she left, and I barely had time alone with Charlie before I had to go to work. He had to go to his meeting also, but the plan is for me to come watch the kids with him once he confirms it’s okay with his brother and sister-in-law.

By mid-afternoon, I’m relieved not to have to teach any more classes or any personal training sessions. I’m not taking on any more personal training clients. The gym has exceeded my projections as far as income, and my dad has mentioned opening a second location. He reminded me that since he is my business partner, I’m obligated to listen to him.

A couple of the treadmills need maintenance, and after arranging to have someone come out to inspect them, I sit at my desk in my office for the first time today.

There’s a text from Charlie telling me he’s home from his meeting and has a phone call scheduled with the restaurant manager. He sent a picture of him holding Johnny.

Charlie: He’s all ours tonight. Don’t wear your good clothes. He’s known to be messy.

Me: It’s a date. Can’t wait.

I sent him a kiss emoji and turn to my work emails. The gym is fully staffed until closing, and I can technically do this at home, so I decide to do just that.

My phone buzzes, and my hopes are dashed when I see Mom flash across the screen.

“Hey, Mom,” I say. We haven’t spoken since that horrible birthday dinner, and I feel a little guilty about that.

“Why did I have to hear from your sister that you have a boyfriend?” My mom is never one not to get directly to the point. “Why am I always the last to know anything when it comes to you?”

I sigh and lean back in my chair. I shouldn’t have answered, but I always feel so guilty when I avoid her calls.

“Terri met him by accident.”

“Has your father met him?”

“No.”

“Does he know about him?”

“Yes, Mom,” I sigh.

“And you didn’t tell me? Was this going on when we met for my birthday dinner?”

“Yes, but it’s still new,” I say in my defense.

“But your father knows?”

“Mom, it’s not a competition. Dad knows because he let me borrow his car to go to Montauk to meet Charlie.”

The line goes silent until she says, “What was happening in Montauk?”

“His brother threw a party for his wife, and Charlie invited me.”

“Oh, I see,” she says, and I prepare myself for a guilt trip. “You’ve met his entire family.” It’s not a question.

“Well, I wouldn’t say his entire family,” I admit.

“This is the basketball player’s wife? The one who’s an author?”

“Yes, but like I said, we haven’t been seeing each other that long.”

“But he’s your boyfriend. He was at your house cooking dinner and calling you pet names. I also heard he was still thereat breakfast time.” Again, not a question. “I want to meet him, and I want to meet him before your father.”

“Why is Terri blabbing my business?” I hiss. “Did she tell you she drank three bottles of wine and was too drunk to go home? Did she tell you about the scene she made this morning when she called me a bitch? I don’t know why she came over in the first place. She’s—”

“She’s your sister. She’s your family, and she’s going through a very hard time in her life. Can you find some compassion? But I called to talk about you, not your sister. Don’t try and change the subject. Why did you tell your father about Charlie and not me?”

The line goes quiet again until I tell her to hold on. I close the office and grab my things. On the way out, I tell the receptionist to call me if she needs me, but she knows we’re fully staffed for today. Besides, I’m tired, and I want to rest before meeting Charlie to babysit.

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