Chapter 55
The Sun is an indication all is well and offers clarity and understanding.
CAL
Iam officially in the clear. Laura gave me the good news a few days ago. After a week of lounging around and binge-watching everything Netflix, Prime, and Hulu had to offer, I‘m ready to celebrate.
“Would you like to go to Serendipity?”
“Yes! I’ve missed going there. Marci says she’s got a new Sunday Pot Roast dinner special. I’m starving. Let’s go.”
I’m pulling on a clean pair of leggings and a fresh tee shirt.
“There’s a catch.”
I wait.
“Charlotte will be there.”
“No. I’m not ready to meet her. I’m still not feeling my best.”
“Cal, she’s ready to finalize the divorce. But first, she wants to meet you.”
“Nope. I can’t handle any more drama in my life.”
“She insists. She won’t sign the papers unless she can meet you.”
“What’s she like? I’m not in the mood for some demanding, controlling bitch with a chip on her shoulder.”
“I think you’re going to need one of Marci’s valiums.”
As we enter the restaurant, I look around to see if I can telepathically recognize the woman Danny had been married to for 23 years. Unexpectedly, I am tackled from the side by a gorgeous brunette who looked like she just stepped out of Page Six.
“Danny, is this our darling Susannah Caroline?”
Never have I ever heard such a heavy southern accent. It sounded genuine and charming. Like old money would sound if it could talk.
Charlotte, wrapped in fur (the real thing) and draped in diamonds (also the real thing), holds me in a vise grip. She smells heavenly, like expensive French perfume. The kind that is $500 a bottle at Neiman Marcus.
I look like a troll next to her in my leggings and tee shirt. I don’t care. If that’s Charlotte’s authentic self, then more power to her and her plastic surgeon.
She takes my face in her beautifully manicured hands, heavy with diamonds and a very large sapphire that puts Princess Diana’s to shame. She kisses each of my cheeks.
I am just so happy to meet you, sugar.” She guides me to a table and sits me down. “Darlin,’ you must be just shattered by all that has happened to you. Bless your precious heart!”
I am speechless. Which is fine because Charlotte is talking enough for the both of us. Danny just sits there looking extremely uncomfortable.
“I’m just so thrilled to meet you, Cal. Can I call you Cal? I’ve read all your books. You are so smart!”
Charlotte whips her head around, snapping her fingers. “Miss, oh miss,” gesturing at Marci.
“Honey, could you bring us a round of cocktails. Three Negronis, please.”
Marci gives me a “Who the hell is this chick?” look.
“Make that four Negronis, Marci,” says a voice from behind.
Laura hugs Charlotte and kisses her on the cheek. “Hello, gorgeous. Good to see you.”
Laura gestures to Marci. “Charlotte, have you met Marci, owner of this fine establishment and Cal’s best friend? Marci, this is Charlotte, Danny’s soon-to-be ex-wife.”
“Oh my, the famous Marci! Heavens to Betsy, honey, forgive me for treating you like one of the help. Please, please sit down and join us.”
I know Marci. There is no way in hell she is joining this circus. “You’ll have to excuse me, but I think I smell a fire in the kitchen.”
I glare at her retreating backside. Thanks for the support, chickenshit.
Laura removes some papers from her briefcase. “Danny, sign here,” she points to the bottom of the paper. “Charlotte, sign here.” She turns the page. “Now, here, here, and here.”
Danny is staring at Laura in amazement. I see him mouth, “I owe you.”
She put the documents back in her briefcase. “Once this is filed, you’ll be unhitched and free as the proverbial birds. Give me until 5:00 today.”
Charlotte pinches Danny’s cheek while looking at me. “I’ll bet my daddy’s Rolls Royce you’re wondering why I fell in love with little ol’ Danny, aren’t you?”
I fortify myself with a large gulp of the Negroni. “Do tell, sugar.”
“Well, I was in my senior year at Agnes Scott when we had a burglary in our dormitory. A burglary! I was scared out of my wits! Danny was the police officer who came to my room to investigate. He was just so cute and charmin’! I could not keep my eyes off him. One thing led to another, and we eloped! My daddy was horrified that I married a policeman. A Chinese policeman.” She leans over and whispers conspiratorially, “He cut me right out of his will. Not a penny for me. He left it all to that barn-cat third wife of his.” She flutters her eyelashes and says pointedly. “Oh darlin,’ I did not mean to offend you.”
I clear my throat. “No offense taken, Charlotte. That’s a lovely story. It has been simply divine meeting you, but I think I’ll skip brunch and get a little rest this afternoon. I feel the vapors coming on.”
Danny snorts and chokes on his Negroni. I hugged Laura, then Charlotte. When I hugged Danny, I whispered, “I’m ready for dessert when you are, sugar.”