Page 50 of Take Two

By the time, I get to my apartment and close the door behind me, I’m exhausted. “Mom, I thought you called to talk about me, not to talk about this feud you and my father have when it comes to me.”

“Well, if we’re in a feud, I’m the perpetual loser. You’re right. I don’t want to talk about your father. I want you to bring Charlie over this week for dinner. Any night you want. Just give me a few hours’ notice.”

“Just you?”

“Well, my husband also lives here, Violet.” I roll my eyes, and she says, “I know you’re rolling your eyes at me.”

“I don’t want him to meet Wade before my dad. I don’t want him to meet Wade at all. I’ll arrange something, and you can come here.”

“Violet, Wade is your step—”

“Wade is your husband.” I throw in, hoping she will end the conversation.

“When will you ever forgive me? When will you—”

“I’ve forgiven you,” I say.

“He said he was going to put the money back. It was only temporary. I don’t know why your father had to blab to you about the details.” I won’t bother to ask her where he was going to find the money to put back. I won’t say that the money was formycollege account, not Terri’s. In the end, money was never an issue for me because of my dad. He’s been my support. Not only financially but emotionally. I would never have known about the money if I hadn’t heard my mom and Wade arguing about it one day when they thought I wasn’t home. When I asked my dad about it, he filled in the blanks.

“Okay, Mom,” is all I say.

“Blending families is hard, Violet.”

“Mom, Wade never tried to blend our families. Let’s be real. He moved into the house you shared with my father and tried to take on a role he had no business taking. He pit me and Terri against each other. She was perfect and could do no wrong. I was a constant reminder of my father. I was a kid who was still dealing with the breakup of her parents, and you brought this man into our house who made my life miserable. All you did was wring your hands whenever he overstepped. I hated having him there. I wanted to go with my dad, but you would not allow it. But you know what? I don’t want to talk about that. I’ll call you later and let you know what night, but just you.”

After a few seconds, she says, “You’re right. I was not going to let my teenager move to another country to live with her father who worked up to sixteen hours per day. Who the hell was going to take care of you? But you never thought about that. Fine. I will expect to see you this week. Talk to you soon. I love you.”

“I love you too.”

Chapter 26

Charlie

I eye the picnic basket I packed, then look out the window. The downpour continues and is accompanied by a loud clap of thunder. I sigh and realize that a picnic dinner in Central Park with me, Violet, and the boys just isn’t going to happen. At least not tonight. At best, we’ll have an indoor picnic while Colt, Vickie, and Mama go see a Broadwayplay.

Evan comes into the living room with Johnny running behind him. That’s how it always goes. Whenever you see Evan, you know Johnny won’t be too far behind. It doesn’t hurt that Evan loves his little brother and has infinite patience with him.

“Looks like no picnic, boys,” I say. “We’ll have to eat inside.”

“No!” Johnny says.

I understand his disappointment. I check my phone. Violet should have been here five minutes ago, but maybe the heavy rain is causing her problems too. I should have gone to pick her up, but I remember this is Manhattan, not back home. Violet is more than capable of getting herself places.

I call her phone, but it rings a few times and goes to voicemail. The rest of the family comes out, dressed for a night at the theatre. Since plays aren’t my thing, I volunteered to stay with the kids. I smirk at Colt because I know he’d rather be at home too. He grimaces at me.

When I hear a knock, on the door, I sprint to it. A soaking-wet Violet walks in.

“I got caught in the downpour,” she says. I take a big bag from her, and despite how soaked she is, I pull her into a hug. Little feet come running to us.

“No!” Johnny says while he pulls on my shorts and attempts to climb my leg. I pull away from Violet and lift him up.

She runs a hand through his hair and says, “Hi, Johnny.”

“No,” Johnny says. “My Unco Tarley.” He puts his head on my shoulder.

“He’s very possessive,” Vickie says. “I’d hug you, but—” She gestures at Violet’s wet clothes. “Come with me. I’ll let you borrow something to wear.”

Violet follows Vickie down the hall. Colt eyes me, but he doesn’t say a word. When I mentioned having Violet over to help me with the boys, he didn’t have an issue with it, but healways defers to Vickie when it comes to the kids, and she was more than happy.

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