Cherié

Chapter 12

Cherié called Valencia and the two of them arranged a lunch for me and my siblings. Chessie returned home after my dad bought her a new car. It was so easy to buy her love. Elio didn’t want to be involved so he was more than happy to see the issue resolved.

“So, are you still in the not so friend zone?” Elio asked as we made drinks for everyone.

“Unfortunately, but I’m cool with it. We are in a nice neutral space. The only way to go from here is up.”

“Just make sure you get enough sleep so you don’t lose your mind and call her a”-

“I get it.”

“While we are alone. Patrick went to the airport to pick up Donatella. She’s back home for good,” he said.

Donatella was my childhood crush turned high school sweetheart. Before we could get married she found someone better and left me at the alter.

“That’s not my business.” I shrugged because it honestly wasn’t.

“She’s been asking about you. And I think she might pull something to get you to come to her. She’s…”

“Manipulative,” I said for him.

“I was going to say malicious, but that works too.”

“I don’t want anything to do with her.”

“Because you’re in love with a woman that will not let you love her…”

“Enough, please?” I begged my brother.

We ate and on queue Chessie insisted on making plans with Cher that would cut into my scheduled time with her. “Sorry we have plans those days.”

Cherié laughed at me as I possessively, squeezed her thigh. “I’m sure we can reschedule,” she said looking sweetly at me.

“Nope, I think it’s way too late.” I cautioned her. “You wouldn’t want to have to pay a penalty for missing our reservations.”

“Wouldn’t that work in your favor? Seems like you’re selling yourself short.”

“Not falling for it, Fancyface,” I said and she shook her head. I took to calling her that after she made me sit through the week’s episodes of her favorite soap opera, one Sunday I managed to spend with her.

“She’s not even your girlfriend,” Chessie challenged.

“Below the belt this is getting interesting,” Elio laughed as he kept score of the jabs Chessie and I traded. Like old times.

“The three of you are embarrassing me in front of Cher, stop it.” Val demanded.

“I’ll give you a call and we can set something up.”

“Are you absolutely sure,” I whispered in her ear.

“Ignore him. I do it all the time.” Her comment hurt. Chessie stuck her tongue out at me and I wanted to cut it off.

“Such a sophisticated and refined young woman you are.”

We ate our food and continued on trading blows. Once things settled again it was time to address why we came. “You wanted to ask us something Cher?” Valencia reminded us.

“Yes, I’m hosting a 35th birthday party for my best friend Robert and my venue canceled on me. Is it possible for me to rent the crow’s nest?”

“What kind of party is it and what’s the date.”

“It’s Saturday March 28th and it’s like a old school vogue dance hall theme.”

“And is Robert your friend or your friend,” El asked causing me to laugh.

Cher elbowed me again. “I’m sure you’re more his type then she is.” I informed them.

“In that case of course you can,” El agreed.

“How much would that be from 8pm to midnight?”

“Go on a date with my brother and it’s completely free,” he said.

I glared at him. “Please stop.”

“I’m just trying to support my big bro.”

“I do insist on paying you. Trust me once Bobby’s friends are here you’ll want the money.”

“We’re not taking your money. And drinks are on us,” Valencia insisted.

“That’s too much.”

Chessie laughed. “You’ve already done the impossible and got the troll to leave his bridge.”

“And he didn’t bring a book or lesson plan with him.”

“Stop. We just appreciate you getting Charlie out of his comfort zone and back into the world.” Val gave my siblings the look and I appreciated her attempt to not make me look sad and lonely.

“I just enjoy annoying him. I’m not sure that’s note worthy.”

“Its working that’s all that matters,” Chessie noted

I had been waiting for Cher to get everything into her trunk for the last 15 minutes. She was running around grabbing things she almost forgot. I was annoyed by her disorganization.

“Could you please put everything in the same place next time. Then there’s less opportunities for you to forget anything.”

She glared at me. “Can you please take the food and put it in the backseat. I’ll take everything else to the trunk.”

I did as I was ordered and helped her with the last of the gift bag boxes. When we finally got in the car it was 7:34 and we wouldn’t get to the bar for 15 minutes. Leaving less then five minutes to assist Alma with the rest of setup.

Alma was an amazing decorator. The crow’s nest was usually dark and modest looking. She gave it a vibrant lively feel. “I’m keeping her.” Val said as she finished hanging the disco ball. “This is amazing we really need you for our themed nights.”

Alma was very shy about her decorations. She worked an entire week making things by hand. One being the disco ball with Bobby’s name on it. “If only I had the time. But if you let me know in advance. I got you.”

I set the food up while Cher decorated the goodie bag table. Then, we worked together on the dessert table. I had no idea how to assemble the cupcake stand. Then we couldn’t get the cake out of the box for it to go on the cake stand. We essentially cut the box away. The frosting stuck to the sides of the box and Cher quickly used the cake shovel to create a new design.

“He better not be two hours late this year,” Alma complained.

“He was two hours late to his own birthday party?”

“He lost track of time at the casino. His one and only vice.” Cher shrugged and she did not seem as upset as Alma.

“He was plastered and fell on the cake.” Alma added.

“This year we’ll just keep him away from the cake. I got reinforcements to help. And right on time,” she said as she went to greet backup.

I was instantly irritated and Alma noticed. “Who is she? Why don’t you like her?”