The luckiest

Chapter 6

We’re on our way to Inn by the Sea for lunch. Charlie and I were married there and it holds a very  special place in our hearts. He squeezes me hand while he drives. I peer back at Caitlin and Cara in  their seats and smile. They’re such little blessings!

“Charlie?”

“Yeah?”

“Why didn’t you tell me about Jamie and Emma moving to Portland?”

He gives me a quick glance and then his eyes are back on the road and he shrugs, “Uh, I thought you  knew.”

“I didn’t. Why didn’t you mention it?”

He sighs, clearly annoyed, “Gin, I don’t have to run everything by you. Especially the day to day  activities of our siblings lives.”

He has a point, but I still want to sock him in his smart mouth.

“Fine.” Is all I manage and I swear I see a smirk on his face, but I let him have this one. I remember  my wish to have a peaceful weekend and brace myself for lunch.

The Inn is beautiful in winter and we’re on the al fresco deck which has been covered with roll down  canvas coverings. The sides are a clear thick plastic, allowing to still have the ocean view. The  venues is considerably warm, with gas heaters placed at various points.

We have a table booked, with enough space to accommodate, the Kings, Cleary's, and Forbes.

Holly and her Mom are the only Forbes. This has now become a running joke. David and Holly still  living in sin, as we all tease. I make a mental note to ask her when we can actually start planning the  wedding. They’re clearly too busy extending the family to be concerned about anything else.

The Kings, Jamie and Emma all arrive together. My Mom and Carol, Holly’s Mom are holding the  girls while I enjoy a coffee. I find myself seated next to Emma once we all get settled. She smiles  curtly and browses over the menu. I think of my husband and try some polite conversation.

“So, how are you guys enjoying the new apartment?”

“Its cozy. Close to work for both of us, which is great.”

“Awesome. I had no idea you were even there, until David mentioned it.” I want to kick myself.  Emma looks like the cat who got the cream.

“Well, you don’t have to know everything, now do you?” I want to stick my fork in her eye!

I see David across from me, rolling his eyes and Jamie next to him just shaking his head. I quickly  check to see that no one else has heard the exchange. Mom is too busy catching up with everyone  and Charlie is speaking with our Dads.

Holly, who is on my left, leans over and says, “Its OK, I’ll give her Liam to burp in a bit.” I giggle as  the poor kid has the worst reflux!

Emma turns to us and boy, if looks could kill!

Lunch goes smoothly once she trades seats with David and cuddles up next to Jamie, who only  speaks to me if he really has to.

Whether Charlie wants to admit it or not, things are bad between us and our two siblings. David  nudges me in the ribs, “Hey, you ok?”

“Yeah. Just wish I knew why Emma was so hell bent on being mean.”

“Hell knows. Just try to cool it with the inquisitions. He isn’t as angry anymore and that’s a good  thing.”

I smile at my big brother, who has become quite forgiving of late, “You’re right.” 

“Of course I am.” And he points at his cheek for a kiss, which I happily plant there.

We are literally leaving when Marie’s car pulls up outside of the Inn. A very annoyed looking Hope  gets out and even after her mother has driven off, she still stands there.

Holly moves towards her and she quickly darts off towards my mother, right by David and myself  who are walking next to one another.

“Wow.” I mouth at David.

He shrugs and heads off in her direction. I decide not to involve myself in the drama and carry on  walking to the car. Charlie is already there. The amazing man has the car heated already and I kiss  him, “You are the bomb dot com!”

He laughs at my utterly corny comment, “Come on, let’s get these girls back to David’s and then  we’re off.”

“What?”

“Yeah, David and I are taking you girls out for the afternoon.”

I smile at him, “And the kids?”

“Your parents and Carol are coming over to watch them.”

“You’re amazing!”

We’re at the newly opened bowling alley. Holly is wolfing down pizza while my competitive streak  takes over and I am determined to thrash her and David.

Charlie stands behind me as I take my stance, “You’re gorgeous and I really can’t wait to get you  behind closed doors.”

I feel my cheeks heat up and smile, “Charlie!”

“Oh, playing coy?” he swats my ass and goes to sit back down.

I manage to take down eight pins and head back to my seat, “Holly, you’re up!” 

She shakes her head, “I’m going to sit this one out.” She looks positively green with nausea. 

“You OK?”

“Too much pizza. I’ll be OK in a bit.”

I join everyone at the table and David shrugs, “Guess you guys win.”

“Us Kings, we’re winners.” I wink at him. I find it odd they’ve joined us, considering Hope is there  for the rest of the weekend and me being me, I have to ask, “I’m surprised you guys never stayed  home with Hope.”

David sighs, “Frankly, I feel like sending her back to Marie’s.”

“David!” Holly admonishes him.

“Its true. I can’t figure you females out!”

“Could you imagine having another girl?” I tease him.

“Ginny, its not funny. Poor Liam and I might just have to get our own place.” 

“Girls aren’t that bad.” Charlie laughs.

“Yeah, when they’re six months old!” David throws back.

The rest of the evening passes quickly, with us heading back to David and Holly’s towards early  evening. Hope is in the den, watching TV. My brother joins her and the rest of us head to the  kitchen where Holly fixes us something warm to drink.

We talk about everything, but the raised voices coming from the den. Our parents have also left and  I, to avoid the awkwardness, mention something that set the happenings of the next few weeks in  motion, “So, guess who we bumped into on our trip.”

Immediately Charlie perks up and I regret my words. Well, no backing down now, “Cane.” Holly must sense my sudden discomfort and shrugs, “Oh, OK. Is he well?”

“Yeah, he is.” And that’s that. Charlie carries on drinking his coffee and I say my goodnights, before  heading up to the girls. Just in time in fact, as Caitlin is awake, but still glancing about. Cara is asleep  and doesn’t even stir when her sister starts fussing next to her.

“Hey baby.” I say as I inhale her sweet baby smell, “Mommy missed you girls.” I sit down on the rocking chair and position her to feed.

“Caitlin again?” Charlie is at the door.

“Yeah. How’d you know?”

“Just a guess.”

I feel shitty about earlier and try to avoid it, but my husband is too honest, “When you’re done; can we talk?”

“Uh, sure. I’ll be there in about fifteen minutes.” Its as if my heart’s dropped into my stomach.  Caitlin passes out the fastest she ever has; within ten minutes and I swear she knows I am about to get told off.”

I walk in on Charlie getting out of the shower and I know he’s at least a bit miffed because he would  usually ask me to join. He doesn’t face me as he gets his clothes on. I ease myself onto the bed and kick off my boots.

“So, I think I know what this is about.”

“Do you?”

“Yes. Its about Cane. You have issues when it comes to him.”

“Ginny, he’s an asshole who doesn’t deserve to have his name spoken in the same breath as yours.” 

“He isn’t that bad. He’s just a spoilt boy. One who happens to mean nothing to me.” 

“Gin, if he comes near you; I’ll kick his –“

“Charlie!” I admonish him.

“Well, I’m crazy about my wife and I just don’t trust that bastard.”

“Well, trust me.” I pull him towards me by the waistband on his boxers and he grins. What follows  is slow, but deliciously so.

I wake up to Charlie getting dressed and he seems to be rushing, “What now?” 

“I’m sorry Gin.”

“The pub?”

“Yeah. The manager never pitched. Staff are panicking. I have to go in.” He’s dressing so fast and he doesn’t even look at me.

I get out of bed to stand in front of him, “I’ll get the girls ready. Give me an hour.” 

“I don’t have an hour, Gin. I’ve asked your brother to take you home.”

Charlie’s mistress, RiRa’s. I don’t say anything. We knew this would be hard work. I can’t imagine  how my poor Mom handled it.

“What time will you leave the pub? I don’t want to go home and you aren’t there yet.” 

“I don’t know. If I could afford a second manager, I wouldn’t have to keep doing this.” 

“The money from your old company?”

“We’re not touching that until college for the girls and then retirement, Ginny.”

He sounds so annoyed and I can’t be mad at him. He is doing this to have a more stable life with us  and not trapped in corporate America, but this is proving to be just as exhausting for him.

I feel for him as he kisses the girls goodbye and then me. He places both hands on my face and I  melt, “Love you, Ginny. I’ll see you later. Do you want me to bring you dinner?”

I don’t care about dinner and just want him home as soon as he can bolt from that place, “Just you is good.”

He smiles his crooked smile and there is that awkward shyness I fell for. He says his farewells to David and Holly; then with one last chaste kiss, he’s gone.

I don’t waste time in packing up and getting ready. David looks annoyed at me, “What?” I ask. 

“You’re assuming I’m taking you right now?”

I feel like punching him, “Its almost one.”

“Yeah, exactly. I’m having lunch first.”

I roll my eyes at him, “Fine. Let me know when you’re ready. I’m completely at your mercy.” 

“I’ll take you.” Holly quips from the kitchen sink.

“Really?” I’m eager to get home.

“Yeah. David, I’ll use the truck.”

He looks petrified, “Uh, its icy out there.”

“David, I have been driving for years, in all sorts of weather.”

“And Liam?" He looks nervous and I know exactly why he wants to do it.

“Yeah, you can watch him. You’re his Dad, right?” I laugh at Holly’s response. 

“I have to drive Hope.” He is almost sulking.

“I’ll take her or I’ll ask Marie to come and get her.” Holly's quick on the response and I'm all for it!  He doesn’t say anything and I can’t help, but laugh.

The drive to the Harper house is painful. All Hope does is hang her head. Holly doesn’t make much attempt at  speaking to Hope and I quit after her first roll of the eyes.

She practically runs into her mother’s arms when we drop her off. Holly honks and drives off. “You OK?” I ask her. 

She nods and smiles. “Yeah, I am.”

“That’s the first time I see Hope in months and she’s barely looked at me.”

“She’s thirteen, Ginny. I think her mother also has a lot to do with it, but I don’t have the patience to  wage war with Marie during this pregnancy.”

She has a point. I don’t ask her any more questions about their complicated family dynamic. For  once, I am not too concerned about everyone else’s issues. I also plan on avoiding Jamie and Emma  until I feel up to being verbally assaulted again.

We eventually get to our home and it smells of citrus and pine. I love it. I plop the girls into their  playpen while I fix something light for dinner. I know Charlie prefers home cooked meals to the pub  food, even if it is really good.

By nine that evening, I am exhausted and head to bed. I try reading, but find my eyes closing with  each word I read. I don’t know when he got in, but I wake up to the sound of the shower running  and see Charlie’s clothes on the chair next to the bathroom.

I’m far too tired to wait up and find myself passing out again.

“I’ll see you tonight.” Charlie wakes me up with a soft kiss on the lips.

I moan softly, “What time is it? Are the girls awake?”

“Its seven-thirty and I fed them an hour ago. Both of them are down again. You probably have  another half hour of sleep.” He kisses me again.

“You’re amazing. Where are you off to so early?”

“Work, Gin.”

“But you got home so late.”

“Gin, we own the place. I have to go in.”

“I hate this.”

I feel like just crying. I miss him. I want him to just stay with me. Just for the day. He pulls away quickly, “I’ll see you later. Don’t wait-“

“Up.” I finish for him, “I know the drill”

“Do you want to do dinner this week?” he asks.

“Don’t tease. I’m going to say yes and hope it happens.”

“It will. I can’t say which night, but it will be this week sometime.” He seems hopeful. I want to be too, but I don’t risk it.

By Thursday, we have only seen each other in the mornings. I nearly salivate when I see Charlie  shirtless that morning.

“Quick one?” I tease, hopeful.

“Ginnifer, no.”

“Ginnifer?” He never calls me that.

“Its your name, isn’t it?”

“Fine. Whatever.” I am up and decide to get ready for the day. The days have been exhausting, but I don’t say anything.

“You going somewhere?” he asks me as I step into the shower.

“Maybe.”

“Going to CE?”

“Maybe.” I yell over the sound of the streaming water.

My vague answers warrant a visit from my husband who is standing in front of the shower. Oh, how  I would love to pull him in with me.

“Everything OK?”

I turn to face him, but he can’t see me through the fogged up glass and I wish then that he could.  With the winter, I’ve piled on a few extra pounds, but I know its something he’s enjoyed.

“Why wouldn’t it be?”

“I have to run, Gin. I’ll see you tonight.”  He sounds almost defeated in his response and I feel bad.

I find myself in Cape Elizabeth, outside my parents’ place.

My mother is outside the minute I pull up and helps me take the girls out the car. “Ginny? What’s going on?”

“I thought I would come for a visit. That house is driving me insane.”

“Come on. Let’s get you something warm to drink.”

While I nurse a cup of warm milk and cinnamon, my Mom is watching me intently, to the point of  discomfort.

“Mom!” I scold her.

“Sorry. I’m just trying to figure you out.”

“What?”

“You and Charlie are OK, right?”

I scoff at her implication that we aren’t, “Of course we’re OK.”

“Good.”

“Do you mind if I go into town and leave the girls here for a bit?”

I decide that perhaps I need a real break from them, even if its only for an hour or so. “Of course, darling. Running errands?”

“Uh, yes.” I lie to my Mom.

I check my phone before I leave, not even as much as a message from my husband.

Once I get into town, I decide on a coffee at Rudy’s. I loved the beach on cold, rainy days. There was  always something pretty about it when it was grey out.

I manage to get a seat at the window and watch as the rain falls and the regulars pile in for lunch.  Then, as if sent by the god of mischief himself, I hear the voice before he comes to stand in front of me.

Cane calls my name from across the room and its as if he wants to have all eyes on us. “Ginny Cleary! Thrice in one month. People are going to start talking.”

The bastard is gorgeous in a three piece suit. He is clean shaven and sober as a judge. He smiles at  me, “Did your husband actually let you out of your West-side mansion?”

“My husband does not control me nor my actions. Anything I do, is with respect for him and my marriage and its Ginny King, now."

“Relax. I’m kidding.” He seats himself down and I half expect Charlie to come bounding in. 

“What are you doing here?”

“Meeting a friend for lunch.”

“No, I mean, in the Cape?”

He wrinkles his nose. Its cute. What the f**k? Stop, Ginny! I mentally slap myself. “I’ve moved back to town.”

“What? Why?”

“Its home.”

“Really? You missed home?” I scoff at the idea. “It must be some tail you’re chasing.” I surprise  myself with my boldness.

“Uh, actually, the only tail I ever chased back to CE, was yours if you remember correctly.” I turn crimson. In fact, my cheeks are blazing.

“You OK?” he calls me out.

“Great.”

“Those were fun times, Ginny.”

I try not to recall those times. Cane pitching up at my summer job to declare his feelings, only to  crush my heart within weeks. His game is amazing, but his follow-through had to be the worst. I  remember Jamie wanting to beat him to a pulp.

“Uh, so long ago.” I lie.

“So, what are you doing out alone? Where’s the old man?”

“Charlie? He’s working.”

“Heard he sold out before he was thirty. Some guys can’t handle corporate.” 

“He just didn’t see the need to be that focused on work any longer and rather focuses on us.” 

“Hmm. Lucky man.” Cane says this a bit too appreciatively as he looks into my eyes. 

“I have to leave.” I half-lie. I imagine the girls are keeping my parents busy. 

“Really?”

“Yes, really. I’ll see you around.”

I smile politely as I get up. He gets up too, “Ginny.”

“Cane.”

The way he says my name is as if he leaves so much unspoken. I feel bad. Dirty, even, but worst of  all, excited.