Page 81 of Take Two

“I feel a lot better,” he admits. “I didn’t know all of that, but hearing you say those things eases my worry. He also said you’re going to attend Al-anon meetings.” When I nod, he says, “I’d like to go with you.”

“You’ve never been?” I ask, and he shakes his head.

“No, but I’d like to start. Maybe if I had gone, I would have dealt with this better.”

“I think that’s a good idea,” is all I say.

“I really want us to be friends. Vickie and Charlie are close, and I’d like for us to be like that.”

“Friends,” I concede. “Because we love the same person.” And I know it will make him happy if I get along with his brother.

Then he opens his arms and says, “Hug. Right here.”

“Let’s not go crazy,” I say with a laugh.

“I’ll have you know that at one time, not only was Vickie pissed at me, but her entire family was too. Look at us now.” He pats his chest. “Come on. Hug. Right here.”

“Was that when Vickie had broken up with you?” I ask.

“We never broke up. Why does everyone keep saying that?”

When I stand there, he opens his arms wider.

“Fine.” I hug him and he lifts me off my feet. Then he takes his phone and snaps a picture of us. “Evidence for the family group chat,” he says. He texts something and my phone buzzes too. “You’re in the family group chat now.”

“That’s an awful picture of me,” I say as I look at my phone. It buzzes again with messages from Mary Leigh and Vickie.

Charlie: Two of my favorite people.

Vickie: Come for dinner tonight since we’re going to Tuscany tomorrow.

“FYI, that family group chat never shuts up,” he says just as another message comes through. This one is from his mom who sent a crying emoji. “I will see you tonight at six, right?”

“Fine,” I say, pretending to be put out.

“I have to go. The boys are with Queen Vee’s parents, and she promised she’d be waiting for me wearing nothing at all once I completed this mission.”

“Whoa. TMI,” I say with a chuckle.

“TMI doesn’t exist in this family. You have so much to learn.” Then he turns to his phone and says, “Queen, I’ll be home in less than ten minutes. Be ready.” He listens for a few seconds and says, “Yes, darlin’. I told you I’d fix it. Lettie’s coming for dinner, so you’ll have to cook. On second thought, put on that red lacy thang you wore a few nights ago.” He listens for a few moments and says, “I ripped it? Really? Well, order a few more. All in red. See you soon.” He ends the call and kisses my cheek. He grabs the bottle of water on his way out the door. “See you tonight.”

Chapter 43

Violet

“Hi, baby,” I say into the phone. I drop myself on the couch and look into Charlie’s brown eyes. “I miss you. I’m coming back this weekend.”

I grab the key from my coffee table and wave it in front of his face. He gave it to me the morning before my flight and said I’m free to come and go into the house wheneverI want.

“We’ll talk about that later but look who’s here.” He moves the phone and my dad waves furiously in my face.

“Dad? What are you doing in Birmingham?”

“I wanted to come check out the restaurant and see Charlie.” From the glint in his eyes, I know he’s up to something, but my dad’s always up to something. “We’ll call you later. We’re going to have some boys’ time.” He ends the call before I can offer an objection.

I stay on the couch and stare at the ceiling. Some of the tension I’ve been holding onto since I left Birmingham has left my shoulders. The truth is, I didn’t want to be at odds with Colt, and I’m relieved that it’s behind us. I let out a yawn and decide to take a short nap since I don’t have to teach any more classes today, but the knock on my door interrupts me.

“Ugh,” I say when I open it and find Terri on the other side. She walks right in and eyes me up and down.

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