Recap of Chapter 9: Emboldened by a successful evening, Troy dropped in on Cassie with romance on his mind. He was relieved when she opened the door with wine in hand and an encouraging smile. The family speculated about the trouble between Charlotte and Frank, while Frank sprang into action to bring Charlotte home. After learning that she had already left, Frank embarked on a long, bourbon-soaked, candid conversation with his sister-in-law, revealing and learning much more than he anticipated. He also drank too much.
Frank winced as he opened his eyes. His head hurt. He rolled onto his back with a groan and slowly coaxed his eyes open. When he could focus, he took in the unfamiliar surroundings and then he remembered. He was at his sister-in-law Sharon’s house where he came to find Charlotte, only to discover that she had headed home. And he had imbibed too much bourbon, which explained the headache. They stayed up very late talking about why Charlotte would have left. He made some admissions and learned a bit about Charlotte’s base personality from someone who had grown up with her. Most of it, he knew, but there was one important aspect of Charlotte’s personality that he had overlooked, and he realized in a rush that he had been a fool to overlook it. And he had a sobering realization that if he didn’t do something drastic and meaningful, he’d lose her forever, which filled him with dread. He had been stupid and there was a lot on the line now. Life-changing decisions needed to be made, but first he needed to deal with his fat head and make plans to get home. He wrapped himself in a thin cotton robe over his pajama pants and prepared to make plans. When he opened the guest room door, he was struck with the welcoming smell of bacon and hoped beyond reason that there were the ingredients for a Bloody Mary downstairs too.
“Would he act like nothing had happened? Would he come clean about the affair?”
Troy awoke with Cassie’s leg flung over his. The sheets were in a tangle around them, making it impossible to straighten without waking her. They had left the balcony doors open, making the room pleasantly cool. Cassie’s leg was warm, and her being there next to him was comforting. That they were both naked took his mind on a replay reel of the night before. She was right: Lack of physical attraction was never the problem. He lay there watching her sleep. Her hair concealed most of her beautiful face, but what he could see pleased him. He adored that she had acquired faint crow’s feet and that, if he looked carefully, he could see a few gray strands of hair woven through her thick mane. They were no longer kids trying to figure it all out. They were grown adults who could make their own future. He just needed to figure out a way to get her to see a future that included him.
Charlotte awoke to a quiet house, as she expected. She checked for messages on her phone. Sharon let her know that Frank had shown up and that they had a revealing conversation that lasted for hours. And that they had too much to drink, so might be moving a little slower than usual. She signed off with “Hang in there. I love you.” Poor Sharon, first putting up with her sister showing up out of the blue, cryptic and obviously broken, and then Frank too. She vowed to send a big thank you bouquet to her sister. It occurred to Charlotte that even if Frank could find a flight sometime today, he couldn’t possibly be home until much later. She swung her legs over the side of the bed and stretched her arms above her head. She might as well make the most of it. She should put her house in order—shop for supplies and ready herself for a possible long night when her wayward husband would return. Would he act like nothing had happened? Would he come clean about the affair? Anything less than the truth would be met with a closed door. And what would she do with whatever he said. Would he make excuses or accuse her for some part in his straying? Not ready to contemplate the unknown, she attempted to dissipate the thoughts with a shake of the head. She stepped into the shower for a reviving sugar scrub, hair wash, and steam. Then, she slipped on her ridiculously soft terrycloth robe and padded down the stairs for coffee. Instead of setting up the percolator, she prepared a latte for one and sat down at the breakfast nook. Sighing, she sent a group text to her children, her best friend Simone, and her sister, as well as her sisters-in-law: I’m home now, safe and sound. Not ready to chat just yet, but I’m sure we will talk soon. Love you. And then she blocked all incoming calls and messages to ensure privacy. An hour later, she found herself heading to the farmer’s market where she would purchase flowers for the table and fresh produce. These were the things she felt she needed to put her world to rights. With or without resolution to the conflict she was faced with, filling her body with good, clean food and refreshing her home environment were minimum requirements. After her errands, she planned to take a long walk and then work out. With no one to disturb her all day, the plan seemed perfect.
Josie texted Marianne: Did you get Charlotte’s text? I tried to text back, but it says ‘blocked.’
Marianne replied: I did. What do you think happened?
Josie: I think Frankie screwed up and he’s in deep trouble—that’s what I think!
Marianne: Me too. Do you think he cheated on her?
Josie: I wouldn’t be surprised. He has been known to do stupid things. Bob says no one knows what goes on behind closed doors and that I should drop it. Silly man. Has he met me?
Marianne: Right?? How do we go about finding out the truth?
Josie: Not sure yet, but I’m dying to know. If Frankie screws up his marriage, he’s a fool!
Marianne: He might have, tho. Then it’s up to Charlotte to forgive him, if she can. I don’t know what I’d do if I got cheated on. How about U?
Josie: I’d have to kill him. At least then I’d be a widow instead of a divorcee. Hahaha!
Marianne: I think if either of our husbands cheated, they’d rather die than face our wrath. If they had to choose between jumping to their death or admitting infidelity, I think they’d head for the nearest cliff. And they’d be right. Bob adores you. I can’t even imagine him doing something that stupid.
Josie: I can’t picture that ever happening for you either. Poor Charlotte.
Miriam knew something was going on with Frank, Jr. and Charlotte. And she knew it was bigger than Charlotte simply going on an unscheduled trip. She may be old, but she was not stupid. Sadly, no one was likely to spill the beans or discuss it with her. She’d just have to watch and wait, hope for the best, and hope that if it was Frank, Jr.’s fault, he’d shape up so she wouldn’t have to box his ears. She was so proud of the family she and Frank had built. One year at a time, milestone after milestone, it had become what it is today—a family with a good name—the Walker name, worthy of pride. She thought about each of her children, running through their strengths and possible shortcomings, and hoped that each one was living up to their potential. She put her breakfast plate in the dishwasher and headed out for the day to fulfill her volunteer commitments.
