Cadence of Cranberries - Valerie Comer Page 0,31
other with the wedding planning, we should enjoy it.”
Her mouth formed a round ‘o.’ “I see.”
“You guys ordering or going to jaw around all day?” complained a man from behind them.
“Sorry. Two flat whites, please.” Franco nodded to the man as Charlie turned to fix the drinks.
He wasn’t used to this kind of ribbing. His only sibling was a sister ten years his senior, and she’d barely acknowledged his existence most of his life. Even less so after their parents passed and the estate had been settled. He should invite Sheryl to the wedding. Boy, she’d be in shock.... but she probably wouldn’t come. Didn’t hurt to try, though. Seemed like family should stick together a bit more than he’d tried to do.
An hour later he closed up the coffee truck and drove back to his property on West Riverside. Dusk descended early these days, but in little over a week, days would begin to lengthen again.
Whom should he phone first, Sheryl or Julia? Neither call appealed to him, not when all he wanted was to swing by Winnie’s house and hang out with her. Maybe a movie night with her and her teens. But she hadn’t invited him, and they hadn’t set a time to meet again. That was his fault. Once he’d gotten Julia straightened out, he could call Winnie to report their success.
He let himself into the apartment over the roastery. Why hadn’t he given supper a single thought before he got home? Not that the coffee truck was the best vehicle to park while he went into a restaurant. One of these days he’d learn to plan ahead, but tonight, delivery Chinese would have to do. And, while he waited for its arrival, he’d call Julia. That way he’d have a set time to end the call when his doorbell rang.
Charlie placed his order then eyed his phone a bit longer. He rubbed his face in both hands. Lord, help me, please. Let Julia see reason. Let this situation not come between her and Katri, or Katri and me, or... Winnie and me. Please bring peace. He certainly needed peace.
Julia picked up on the first ring. “Charles! I thought I might hear from you.”
He grimaced. “Hi, Julia. Just a quick call to remind you Katri is an adult and can make her own choices about the type of wedding she wants. She and Dominic would like to be married here in Spokane, and that’s her final decision.”
“Oh, Charlie.” She giggled. “Trust a mother to know what’s best for her little girl.”
“Actually, no. She’s twenty-three, and she’s been living on her own for six years now. She’s made her decision.”
“But it’s a mother’s right—”
“It’s not. Julia, listen to me. Katri asked Dominic’s mother and me to plan the wedding for here in Spokane, and that’s how it is going to be.”
“But Sodo Park became available! You don’t understand, Charlie. It’s the perfect venue for a society wedding. It’s usually booked at least two years in advance, but some poor couple broke up and canceled their wedding five minutes before I called, so I snapped it up. I placed a deposit on it, and I’ll send the bill to you. You’ll—”
“I’m not paying it, Julia. You either cancel it or pay for it yourself. Find some excuse for a party with your friends, but I’m not going along with this trick of yours.”
She huffed. “It’s not a trick! It’s our daughter’s wedding, and she deserves—”
“Katri deserves to choose the kind of celebration she wants. My responsibility as her father is to help her with that, not encourage her mother’s delusions.”
“Charlie! I can’t believe you said that.”
“Julia. Back off. This is Katri’s day, and I am not falling for your games. Katri calls the shots, not you.” He lowered his voice. “And don’t you dare apply pressure to swing her to your side.”
“My side? My side of what? I don’t know what you’re talking about, Charles.”
“Don’t bother, Julia. You’re an intelligent woman. You figure it out. Sorry, I have to go. I’m expecting someone any minute now.” The DoorDash deliveryman, but he didn’t need to explain.
“Seeing someone?” she asked coyly.
“If I were, would I tell you? Good night, Julia. Don’t forget what I said about respecting Katri’s decisions.” He tapped to end the call while she was still talking.
Charlie couldn’t handle another hostile call tonight. He’d send his sister an email and then figure out how to best see Winnie again soon. Ray had suggested Charlie check out Bridgeview