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14
I’m sorry
Oliver
Fortunately, Dr. Kramer bought the excuse that Charlotte had an emergency with a client, commenting that it was a common problem around the holidays. After dinner, I’m not ready to deal with Charlotte, so I consider visiting Theo, but I don’t want him to know what a fuck-up I’ve become, so I head to a jazz club and drink until I figure Charlotte is in bed.
I leave early Thanksgiving morning to head up to Woodstock to spend Thanksgiving with my brother and Madeline's family. As I’m quietly walking toward the front door, I see Charlotte still on the couch from where I found her the night before. I feel guilty at having avoided her the last couple of days. I probably should have woken her up last night so she could sleep in her own bed. But I couldn’t be sure that she wouldn't get on me again. In fact, since I’ve been avoiding her, I can see her telling me how infantile I’m acting. But after my fiasco in California, I made a vow that I wasn’t going to get caught up with women who were slightly off. While I don’t think Charlotte is the classic definition of unhinged like my ex-boss’s daughter is, I don’t like how she’s always judging me. I can only imagine what she’d say if she knew the truth about me.
On my way to Woodstock, I turn the music up and put all the bullshit in my life out of my mind.
I know Madeline's parents are big celebrities that have an open feud with each other. But her grandparents are quite down to earth. Within five minutes of entering the house, I feel at home. So much so that I wonder if there’s a need for someone with my skills in Woodstock because a calm, serene atmosphere is very appealing to me.
Growing up, all holidays were a big fake production where we all played our roles. My mom would spend all day in the kitchen, while my father and I would watch football or whatever sports happened to be on that particular holiday. Theo was usually out making mischief. When it was time to eat, my mother would be put out that there wasn't more gratitude at all the work she'd done, while my father kept half an ear on the TV. Theo, of course, would call out all the bullshit, which would only make my mother more upset, and then my father would tell him what a disappointment he was.
I always tried to be a good big brother and support when we were growing up, but in those moments, I usually kept my mouth shut, something that I now regret having done. Perhaps this situation I’m in is my punishment for not doing more to make my parents see that Theo was just as golden as I was. Perhaps he’s more so, given the fact that he is quite at ease and successful in his life. Madeline’s grandparents are clearly taken with him, and he and Madeline are happier than I’ve ever seen anybody be, except perhaps for her grandparents. I’ve never before seen older people look at each other like they want to go hide in the closet to get it on. It’s cute, although a little bit disturbing as well.
We eat dinner around three, and as we sit at the table, Madeline’s grandmother says, “It’s time to say what we’re thankful for.”
“That’s easy. I’m thankful for Madeline,” Theo says, taking Madeline’s hand.
“Suck-up,” I tease him.
Theo winks at Madeline. “That doesn’t make it not true.”
After dinner, he and Madeline go for a walk, while I play rummy with her grandfather. We’ve just decided to go for the best three out of five games, when Theo and Madeline return from their walk, their cheeks rosy from the cool air and a sparkle in their eyes that makes me suspicious.
Madeline’s grandmother senses it too, as she brings her clasped hands to her heart.
“She said yes,” Theo announces.
Madeline’s grandparents immediately cry out in cheers of joy.
“What was the question?” I joke as I reach out to shake Theo’s hand. “Are you sure you’re ready to take him on?” I say to Madeline when I give her a hug.
“Absolutely,” she replies, beaming with love and joy at Theo.
It’s lovely to see how happy they are. I’m quite sure I’ve never been that happy or been with a woman that looked at me like Madeline looks at Theo. Possessive. Yes. A bit crazed. Yes. But not with total and complete love.
It occurs to me that Theo now has a new family, and while I don’t feel unwelcome anymore, I do feel like I’m an extra wheel again.
“Oh, we’re going to have a wedding,” Madeline’s grandmother says excitedly. She turns to me. “Maybe I should get a neck lift.” She pats her skin under her chin.
I shake my head. “I don’t work on perfection.”
She grins. “You’re a charmer, Oliver. It won’t be long before a woman snaps you up.”
“It’s too bad that Charlotte couldn't come and join us,” Theo says.
“Yes, you should’ve talked her into coming, Oliver,” Madeline adds.
They’re both talking like Charlotte and I are an item. Have they forgotten we’re fake engaged? “Why would I do that? I’m sure she has something else to do.”
Both Madeline and Theo’s brows furrow.
“No one should be alone on Thanksgiving,” Madeline says, her tone severe..
I’m caught up on the word “alone”. Why would she be alone? Doesn’t she have family or someone to visit? “She’s probably with her family.”
