36. Henry #3
“Yeah, it was kind of weird. Like she wanted to know if I knew you, and when I said you were my brother, she made a comment like she had heard you were really nice…something about helping her with her car. I don’t know. Something about it was just…odd, I guess.”
“I spoke with her twice, very briefly. And it was a little odd, you’re right, like she had something to say. But then she disappeared before I could ask who she was.” Henry shrugged. “I probably did some work for her parents or something, and maybe she needs help.”
Trixie’s husband swung her out onto the dance floor. “Sorry, Henry, your sister owes me a dance.” Henry admired the easy way the couple had with each other; that’s what he could have with Charlotte. He tipped his head and used the nearest exit.
Trotting down the metal stairs, he scanned the area to ensure he was alone.
His thumb hovered over Melanie’s name when the door opened.
“Henry, I’m so glad to catch you alone. Can we talk?
” His stomach dropped. DD was the last person he wished to speak to now, but she was down the stairs quicker than he could tell her to leave. “DD, now is not a good time.”
“I’m sure. Based on your attitude toward me lately, I’m beginning to think it will never be a good time.”
“And what is it that we need to talk about?” All he wanted was to make this phone call and get back inside, to his son, to Charlotte…to his life.
“To apologize. I’ve been trying to find a time to do it all day.
I know I’ve been erratic…drinking too much…
making questionable choices. But I made a promise to my children today to be better…
to do better. It’s just…you’ve been there for me so many times when I’ve needed someone, and…
” DD’s lips turned up in a smile that wasn’t quite convincing.
“I guess I’ve taken your friendship…your kindness… for granted.”
“Let’s face it: we haven’t been friends, not truly.
I helped you for Effie’s sake because I care very much for her.
” He was done with DD calling the shots, setting the parameters of their relationship.
“But let me make something crystal clear: I am not interested in rewriting our past or imagining any what-if scenarios with you, ever.” DD’s eyes widened.
“I’m willing to be your friend, but there have to be boundaries.
From now on, if you need further help with anything, you’ll have to look elsewhere.
And I won’t have you casting any doubts or inserting yourself in my relationship with Charlotte. ”
Her eyes glittered with tears. “I’ve been terrible, haven’t I?
After I met Nathaniel, I worked so hard to be nothing like my parents.
But after he died, in order to survive, I became like them.
Marrying Burnside started as an extension of that, but I have always loved him—he’s a good man, who probably deserves better than me,” she said tearfully.
“The thing about you, Henry, is I always knew that was the case.”
“What do you mean?”
“You were too good for me, even as a teenager. Charlotte, though…the two of you are right for each other. I didn’t mean to try to come between the two of you.
I didn’t let myself get to know her because I was scared.
When she moved here, and I saw your sister becoming friends with her, I was afraid that Nora would, too, and then I’d lose my best friend. ”
“You could never lose her,” he assured her.
“I know, but I was irrational. So while you never considered us friends, I did. You’re the only other person who has ever given me any grace. And when Burnie’s health got bad, I couldn’t lose you, too.”
Henry nodded, granting DD the forgiveness she sought. “I understand.”
She flashed a grateful smile. “I’m sorry I’ve been selfish, but I do wish you and Charlotte every happiness.” After wiping her eyes, her gaze was sincere. “I’d better go finish up with the caterers. You’re lucky you don’t have a daughter, Henry. They’re very demanding on their wedding days.”
She left, and Henry finally rang Melanie. “Well, here I am, ready to talk. What’s so urgent?”
“Oh, Henry,” Melanie sighed. “I wish you’d called me earlier…I’m afraid it’s too late now.” Too late? Too late for what?
“All the phone calls, all the texts, but now that I’m ready to talk, it’s just games. Tell me what you want now, because after tonight, it’s over. I won’t do this anymore.”
“Henry?” a soft voice called from a darkened corner.
Melanie gasped. “Henry, I’m sorry, please, please listen to me. I never meant-”
The panic in Melanie’s voice was alarming, but so was the expression on the face of the young woman stepping out of the shadows. Henry asked her, “Can I help you?”
It was the young woman, Sophie, emerging from the side of the building. “I’m sorry…I’ve been trying to talk to you all day.”
“Henry,” Melanie wailed, “please listen to me—”
He hissed into the phone, “I need to go.”
“But-”
“No, Melanie, stop. We’re done.” Without a goodbye, he hung up on his ex. To the young woman, he softened his tone. “Sophie, right?” Seconds passed; Henry was sure she was going to turn and leave.
With her arms crossed in front of her, she inhaled. “Yes, and you’re—”