Chapter 27
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
CROSSED WIRES
CAMDEN
Elm & Echo is humming even before the festivities begin, so when the Fairs and Whitmans start piling in, it becomes a low roar. It’s not even everyone yet. Noah is here with Grayson, but Tully and Dylan aren’t in town. Grayson hasn’t left my side since he got here.
“Uncle Camden, if I eat everything on my plate, can I have one of those?” He points at the massive lava cake at the next table.
“Absolutely.”
“I’m starving,” he says.
I laugh. “Okay. I can get you started on some chicken tenders and fries, if you want…or that pasta you like sometimes.”
“Chicken tenders and fries!” he says.
“All right, we’ll get you set up.”
We go back to the kitchen, and I ask Bobby to have Hannah bring Grayson’s food out when it’s ready.
We brought apps out already, but he wasn’t really going for those.
Unbeknownst to Juju, the only reason I caved with Jackson this afternoon is because her parents drove in earlier to surprise her.
Once Jackson had worked out the party arrangements, John and Margaret agreed to hang out with Everett until dinner to keep it a surprise.
They’re seated with my family, and Hector and Hal are here too.
Everyone but Juju, Goldie, and Milo has arrived, and funny enough, neither has Jackson…the guy who insisted we do this in the first place. My eyes are on the door every few seconds.
“When are you gonna join us, son?” my dad asks. “You look like you’re waiting on someone…” He smirks.
I frown, trying to figure out why he’s looking at me so funny, but Annie and Hannah huff past me, so I hold up a finger to my dad and move toward the twins to figure out what’s going on.
“I thought you didn’t like him,” Hannah says.
“I thought you didn’t like him,” Annie fires back.
Both cross their arms over their chests and glare at each other.
“Hi, ladies. What’s the problem?” I ask.
It’s weird how hard it’s become to remember how being a teenager felt. I’m reminded daily, watching Annie, Hannah, and Joey interact with one another. From what I can tell, both girls like Joey, and Joey can’t figure out which twin he likes best.
“She was just hanging out all night at the front, and I had to get the drinks for two of her tables!” Hannah tells me, flinging her arm toward her sister.
Annie’s cheeks flush. “Joey was overwhelmed by the large party, and I was just trying to help get the Whitmans in their seats,” she argues.
Her eyes trail over to me like she’s waiting for me to correct her, since she and I both know that I made a point to come out of the kitchen to take care of my family when they arrived.
“How about we both get where we’re supposed to be.
It’s a good thing we don’t have any surprise critics here tonight.
” I look around, making sure that’s still true.
Yep, I know everyone in the room. “Table six needs a bread basket, and table four is waiting for their drinks. Joey can handle the front. If he can’t, I’ll deal with him… not your responsibility.”
Annie’s cheeks flush again, and she mutters “Okay” quickly before dashing off to table four.
On my way to the kitchen, I overhear Hal telling Grandma Nancy, “Darlin’, you look devastating…landing straight from heaven…” He taps his heart. “Right here.”
Grandma Nancy does not blink. She turns her head slowly to face him. “To smite your foolishness.”
His head falls back as his laughter fills the restaurant.
Juju walks in with Goldie and Milo. Her hair is down, and she’s wearing tall boots and a sweater dress that hits mid-thigh.
Damn, she looks so good, I’m not sure how I’ll concentrate for the rest of the night.
She barely gives me a glance, and for a second, I forget that we’re keeping us a secret and wonder if she’s mad at me.
I don’t like it when she walks right past me without even trying to sneak a word in or anything.
It’s all forgotten when she spots John and Margaret.
She squeals and rushes to hug her parents.
The joy on her face gives my chest a pang.
Erin and Ava walk in a few minutes later. Erin holds both arms up like I have arrived, and Ava looks around shyly.
“Erin asked Goldie if it was okay if we crashed,” Ava says.
I hug her. “Of course—you should be here. Jackson put this little party together, and he hasn’t even bothered to show yet.”
I focus on the food and get everyone set up with what they want. I work with Bobby for a little while, and then he finishes up for me so I can go out there and eat with my family.
I text her with one hand under the table.
Hallway by the office in 3?
She only glances at her phone for a second and doesn’t type back. She does glance my way and smirks.
I see you, little tease.
“Camden, the food is excellent,” Grandma Donna says.
“This walleye is the best I’ve had,” John says.
“So is this steak,” Margaret adds, smiling at me warmly. “And this salad! Does the chef ever tell his secrets?”
My eyes flash to Juju, who’s staring at her plate.
“Come on, you can give me the recipe,” Margaret adds. “I won’t tell anyone.”
Everyone laughs.
“Only for you,” I say. “And you and you,” I add when my grandmas protest.
Hector leans over and whispers something in Grandma Donna’s ear, and she ducks her head, her cheeks turning pink. Noah and Dad stare at them, and then at Hal and Grandma Nancy, looking like they’ve bitten a lemon.
“I forgot you hadn’t seen all the flirtation going on,” I say, chuckling. “It’s a sight to see.”
“You aren’t kidding,” Dad says. “I mean, good for them, but…” He shakes his head like he’s trying to will the images away. “It’s something,” he finishes weakly.
“It’s wholesome in a way,” Noah says quietly. “Hector and Grandma Donna, that is. Not Hal. That man wouldn’t know wholesome if it hit him in the face.”
Dad and I laugh.
“Mom seems to be holding her own,” Dad says and then shudders. “I need to wash out my eyes with soap.”
Noah and I crack up.
“I think that’s the mouth usually,” Noah says.
“That too.” Dad laughs. “And the ears while I’m at it.”
“Hello, everyone!” Jackson says.
I look up and he’s in a suit, smile wide, and next to him is one of the girls he brought to broomball. I can’t remember her name…or if I ever even knew it to begin with.
“Everyone, I’d like you to meet Dove…my wife.”
What the fuck?
Everyone just stares at him for a long pause, and then I move to my feet and pound him on the back as I congratulate him.
“Motherfucker!” I say under my breath.
He just beams at me.
His parents get up, looking stunned, and he introduces them to Dove.
Juju is slower to move toward him, and when he sees her standing there, he looks sheepish.
“It was a sudden decision. When you know, you know.”
“Apparently,” she says. “Hi, Dove. I’m Juliana, Jackson’s sister.”
Dove opens her arms wide and hugs Juju, rocking them back and forth.
“I am so excited to have a sister!” she gushes.
“Yes!” Juju says, trying to get there with her enthusiasm. “Me too,” she says softly.
She stares at me in wordless shock before excusing herself to go to the bathroom. I wait a solid minute before getting up. I’ve almost made it to the hallway when Jackson materializes with a fresh drink in hand.
“Hey, you need a drink?” he asks.
“I might. It sounded like you said you got married?”
He laughs. “Yeah. I know it was an impulsive decision, but look at her, man. She is unbelievable. We have had the best day.”
“Did you get married before or after you asked to get the families together?”
“Right after,” he said. “I thought it would be fun to surprise everyone. I’m more about the party than the wedding.”
“If I’d known, I would’ve cleared out the restaurant, and we could’ve really made a party out of it.”
“Nah, no need. Thanks for doing all this tonight. We won’t be staying too long. Got things to do.” He winks.
“Wow, you have…I can’t believe you’re married…”
He squeezes my shoulder. “Are you sure you don’t want to see her friend again? I’d love for you to be as happy as I am with someone you love.”
“I’m positive,” I tell him. “Do not think of setting me up with her friend.”
“Suit yourself.” He grins.
Juju walks past us, and Jackson follows her back to the table. I sigh and head back myself.
“Time for dessert, Uncle Camden!” Grayson says across the table.
“You’re right.” I signal to Hannah, who nods before moving toward the kitchen.
Within a few minutes, the tables are filled with several helpings of every dessert on the menu.
“Virginia has outdone herself,” Goldie says. “Wow, Camden, you hit the jackpot with her.”
“Her desserts aren’t quite as good as Juju’s, but it was as close as I could get,” comes out of my mouth without me thinking.
The whole table stops and turns to look at me.
I glance around and see Goldie cover her mouth with her hand. Juju’s face is flushed and her eyes are wide. Jackson looks confused.
Dad clears his throat. “Well, of course. We all know Juju’s desserts are superior to anyone’s.” He leans in like he’s telling a secret. “In fact, her sandwiches and soups are better than yours too.”
Everyone laughs, including me.
“Interesting,” Noah says under his breath. “Very interesting.”
“Shut up,” I mutter.
He just laughs. “Sounds like someone’s softening where Juju’s concerned. Finally.” He grabs his chin between his thumb and forefinger. “Or probably not softening at all…”
I kick him in the shin, and he yelps and laughs even harder.
I can’t be too mad. It’s a challenge to make my brother laugh this hard.
He used to be a lot lighter when Mom was alive.
Losing her and having a son without Mom around…
none of us like to think about the fact that our kids won’t have her in their lives.
I’m just grateful my dad’s health has turned around. I can’t even think about losing him.
“Oh, I’m so full,” Goldie groans.
“I can’t eat another bite,” Grandma Donna adds.
“I’d like to propose a toast,” Jackson says.
My God. This night is all over the place.
He motions to Bentley, who’s been swamped at the bar all night, and Bentley comes out with glasses of champagne. Katie follows him with another tray.
“To my wife, Dove, and family. To many years of happiness,” Jackson says.
We clink glasses and sip our champagne.
The round of goodbyes begins about ten minutes later, and like most Minnesota goodbyes, they linger on and on and on.
I catch Juju at the host stand.
“You keep running,” I murmur. “I keep chasing.”
She doesn’t look at me. “Just doing what you asked.”
“You okay?”
“Besides being gut-punched by my brother marrying someone he doesn’t even know? Sure.”
I make a face. “I don’t know what the hell he was thinking.”
“I have a pretty good guess,” she says, rolling her eyes.
“Office?” I try. “Five minutes?”
“Five minutes,” she finally agrees.
But her mom comes over then and puts her arm around Juju. “What a night.” She shakes her head. “I don’t even know what to think.” She laughs quietly. “Are you about ready to go? Goldie said you rode with her and Milo. We can take you home.”
Juju’s eyes meet mine. “That sounds good, Mom.”
“Good night, Camden.” Margaret hugs me. “This was such a lovely night, surprise announcements and all. I know it must have just felt like work for you, taking care of us and making sure everything else was running smoothly, but we all really enjoyed the night. I know Jackson appreciates the effort you went to.”
“I enjoyed the night too. Thanks, Margaret. And hopefully, it’s a good beginning for Jackson and his bride, having us all wishing them well.” I rub my hand down my jaw.
“Let’s hope you’re right. You’ll have to come over while we’re here,” she says.
I glance at Juju. “I’ll do that.” I tilt my head. “Juju, would you have a minute to––”
My dad pounds my back. “Son, exceptional food.”
Grayson’s arms wrap around my legs. “Night, Uncle Camden.”
Juju and her mom hug Grandma Nancy and Grandma Donna, and I stare after them as they walk out.
I go back to the kitchen once everyone’s left, and the next time I get a break, I call her.
She answers on the second ring. “Hey, Chef.”
“Hey, you home?”
“Yeah, just said good night to Mom and Dad. I’m really glad they’re here.”
“It was a fun surprise.”
“I can’t believe you knew!”
“Not until this afternoon.” I pause. “Tonight felt all kinds of wrong.”
“What do you mean? The surprise wedding announcement?”
“Well, yeah. That. And it felt like we were magnets that could never connect.”
She doesn’t say anything.
It leaves me feeling unsettled.
“I really wanted to kiss you,” I say.
“I wanted to kiss you too.”
“Come to the Cities with me.”
“When?”
“Whenever you say? We could drive down in the afternoon, get a great dinner, spend the night, sleep in…and the next day we could go to one of Tully’s games.”
It’s quiet for a beat.
“That sounds fun. I’ve just never taken this much time off work before…and I’m not sure how long my parents are staying. Probably not long, but I want to be around while they’re in town.”
“Of course. You can see them. We’d be right there for the game.”
“Seems like it might wreck the kind of weekend you were thinking about, for me to go off for a few hours.”
“I could let you out of bed for a few hours,” I say.
“Oh,” she says, and I can hear her smirk. “Is that the kind of trip this is?”
“I want to wine and dine you a little bit too,” I tease. “Dinner, drinks, kissing you all night long…”
“Scandalous,” she gasps. And then in a normal voice, she says, “It sounds fun. Let’s do it.”
“Okay, keep me posted on a time that seems good for you.”
“I will.”
“Good night, beautiful.”
“Good night.”
I finish closing with the crew. I step inside the cooler for a minute and let the cold chill my face. When I turn out the lights and lock the doors behind me, I wish I were going home to Juju. What would that feel like? To have her smiling up at me from bed when I got home.
She’d probably be asleep most of the time with her early mornings. But I’d pull her back to my chest and hold her all night long.
It makes me wish for things I didn’t know were possible.