Running an arm through his, Charlotte said, “No, no, I want you to stick around for this. We’re going to start off right.” She led Kevin to the couch and motioned for us to follow, before continuing, “Kevin and I have an announcement to make...”
Unable to keep her excitement inside, Cory blurted, “Oh my God, congratulations you guys!” followed by a squeal of delight.
We each laughed at her impetuous nature, except for Kevin, who was bewildered.
“How did...” Shaking and scratching his head, he tried his question again. “How did you know what she was going to say?”
The three of us passed a knowing look to each other, as Cory answered, “She told us when we came in,” which caused Kevin to smile and shake his head again.
He stood and gave Charlotte an affectionate pat on the hand.
“Your friends are always going to understand you just a little better than I do, aren’t they?”
“A lot better, but think of all the fun you’ll have learning what they already know!”
Winking, he said, “At least I know where to turn for advice when you get in one of those monthly moods and I can’t figure you out.” Turning his attention to Cory and me, he said, “I really do have to go. You three enjoy yourselves today...” Leaning over to give Charlotte a kiss before walking away, he added, “Bobby and I will see you later.”
Charlotte held Kevin’s hand until the distance between them forced her to let go. Kevin called for Bobby and with his words barely out of his mouth, Bobby appeared, offered a quick ‘hi’ and ‘goodbye’, and disappeared out the front door.
As soon as we heard the garage door open and the car back out, we fell into a round of screechy-girl-giggle-fits.
“How long have you two been...why didn’t you tell us that you...” I had too many questions to ask just one at a time.
“About eight months. We’ve been keeping it quiet until we knew for sure. We didn’t want to get Bobby’s hopes up or look like fools if it didn’t work out—again.”
Cory said, “Until you knew for sure? Sam hell, Char! With ten years and a kid between you, what weren’t you sure about?”
Charlotte feigned anger, and replied, “It takes time to know these things, and I don’t see you in a hurry to settle down.”
Examining her nails, Cory never looked up when she said, “Me? Well, that’s because I’m more the type to wait and see what’s behind door number two... and three... and...”
Their laughter came to an abrupt end when they realized I wasn’t laughing with them. Talk of marriage and knowing for sure raised thoughts of Brian and my unfinished task to mind, and tears to my eyes.
Always first to comfort the miserable, Charlotte asked, “Meg, what’s wrong?”
“Nothing... I’m just... I’m just so happy for you...”
Cory broke in, “She’s put Brian on clearance.”
Charlotte beamed, “And I’m so happy for you!”
She leaned in to give me a hug and we cried on each other’s shoulders, in happiness—and in sadness.
Once my sobs were under control, Charlotte released me from our embrace.
“That’s another reason Kevin and I didn’t say anything. We didn’t want to take the spotlight off your wedding day...” Pulling her housecoat around her waist as she stood and made her way to the entertainment center, she added, “...We were going to wait until after you got back from your honeymoon.”
I wiped underneath each eye and said, “That was sweet of you, especially knowing how much you’d like to stick it to Brian.” My weak attempt at a laugh came out as a snort.
She stopped searching through the video cabinet and turned to face me.
“Meg, I’m sorry for all the grief I’ve given you over Brian. I’m certainly no expert in the ways of love—the last ten years will attest to that—but I always knew he wasn’t right for you.” As an afterthought, she added, “I guess I could have said it better though.”
Cory gave my leg a pat, and joked, “At three years, you’re a little slow, Meg...” Lowering her voice to a whisper, she pointed to Charlotte and wiggled the fingers on both hands, saying, “But at ten years, she’s living in reverse.”
As always, Cory’s humor aided in drying my tears.
Removing a video from the cabinet she had been searching through, Charlotte mocked, “Boy, aren’t you the funny one. It’s easy to be smart when it’s not your test.”
Cory asked defensively, “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“It means that viewing men as party favors doesn’t make you an expert in the ways of meaningful relationships.”