Calling Charlie

by Pamela M. Kelley

  Chapter 7

  Charlie picked his sister up at the Lewiston airport Friday afternoon. Hannah looked beautiful, but thinner than the last time he’d seen her.

  “You’ve lost weight,” he said after he hugged her hello and they stood waiting for her luggage in the baggage claim area.

  “You have, too! You look great, Charlie. Look at that jawline.” She took a step back and studied him closely. “So, who is she?”

  Charlie looked away. His sister knew him too well. “I’m not dating anyone. I just wanted to get in shape. Dr. Finnegan read me the riot act at my yearly checkup. He reminded me that heart disease runs in the family.

  “Hmmm. That’s true. Well, you look wonderful, regardless.”

  “You do, too. So, why have you lost weight?”

  She sighed. “The usual reason. I’ve been so busy, I just forget to eat sometimes. You know how it is.”

  He chuckled. “No, I don’t, actually. I don’t think I’ve ever missed a meal. But I know how you are. You lose yourself in your music.”

  She grinned. “You know me well.”

  He grabbed her suitcase when it came by on the carousel and they drove back to Quinn Valley. They hit quite a bit of rush hour traffic and it was almost six by the time they reached his house.

  “Are you hungry?” he asked.

  “I am, actually. I missed lunch.”

  “How does steak sound?” Her stomach rumbled in response and they both laughed. Charlie carried her suitcase to his spare bedroom and fired up the grill while she freshened up.

  “Can I do anything to help?” Hannah asked when she came downstairs and into the kitchen where he was chopping a tomato to add to a bowl of lettuce.

  “Do you want to open that bottle of wine? The opener is in the silverware drawer.”

  “You remembered that I liked the Josh cabernet,” Hannah said as she carefully removed the foil from the top of the bottle, opened it and poured a glass for each of them.

  “I wouldn’t be very good at my job if I didn’t remember my sister’s favorite wine.”

  Hannah laughed. “Are we still on for breakfast with Mom tomorrow?”

  Charlie nodded. “She said she’ll be over around ten and she’s bringing homemade blueberry muffins.”

  “My favorite. How is she? I talked to her yesterday and she sounds good.”

  “She is. I usually see her at some point during the week. Lately it’s been breakfast or lunch because she’s been going out more with her friends.”

  “Really? That’s great. It’s about time.” Both Charlie and Hannah had been encouraging their mother to have more of a social life in recent years. Finally, she seemed interested.

  “Steaks should be done. I’ll be right in. Do you want to grab the container of potato salad out of the fridge?”

  Charlie brought the steaks in and they fixed their plates and settled around his big kitchen island. It was in the middle of his kitchen and was a rustic, polished wood slab with six chairs around it. It could be a work station, but Charlie did most of his cooking on the grill, so it was mostly where he ate, and when he had friends over, where everyone gathered.

  As they ate, Hannah told him funny stories of her life on the road, traveling from city to city. She had a small house in Nashville, where she’d moved years ago when she was trying to get her music career off the ground. Charlie looked at his tiny sister in awe. If you didn’t know her, you’d think that she was fragile as she was so thin. Her eyes, the same hazel as his, looked huge and blue-gray as she spoke, gesturing with her hands for emphasis.

  She looked very much like the creative artist that she was, but his sister was anything but weak. He remembered the first time he’d seen her in full concert mode. She played a sold out show at Lewiston’s biggest venue and held the crowd spellbound for several hours. It was her first big show in the North West and she was compared in reverential tones to Adele. Except her songs were a little more folksy. Hannah Keane was one of a kind. He expected that she’d have a long career, so her next words surprised him.

  “I’m thinking about moving back to Quinn Valley.”

  Charlie put down his knife and fork. “You are? Why? Not that I wouldn’t be thrilled to have you move back, but Quinn Valley?”

  Her lips turned up slightly as she reached for her wine. “It’s not a decision that I’ve made lightly. Let’s just say that my manager is barely speaking to me. He doesn’t approve. At all. But it feels right.”

  “Is it your throat again?” Hannah had to cancel the last few shows of her tour the prior year because of throat nodules. She’d rested and they’d eased up, but she’d been warned that if she overdid it again, she could do serious damage and might need surgery.

  She nodded. “Partly. I just finished a tour and I wasn’t sure I’d make the last show. My voice was feeling really rough. But I made it, just barely. So, there’s that. But, honestly the traveling is wearing. The money is amazing, nothing like it. But, I’ve saved a lot now and my expenses are low. I’ve already put my house in Nashville on the market.”

  “Are you retiring then? What will you do in Quinn Valley?”

  She grinned. “Bother you. No, seriously I have a plan. I want to teach, and to write and record new music. I can still do that without touring like I used to. And maybe I could do a limited tour, just a few nationwide stops.”

  “You could sell those seats at a premium, too. They’d sell out in record time if there’s only a few chances to see you.”

  Hannah chewed her bottom lip and frowned. “I wouldn’t do that. I don’t want to gouge people. I want to keep the ticket prices reasonable.”

  “Prices have gotten crazy for some of these shows,” Charlie agreed.

  “I thought about doing songwriting workshops, maybe holding the events at Quinn Hotel, and including a few scholarships to students at Berklee and other places with music programs, as a way of giving back.” Charlie could tell that she’d put a lot of thought into this and was passionate about it.

  “I think it’s a great idea. And selfishly, I’m all for you moving back to Quinn Valley. I miss having my sister around.”

  “So, enough about me. What have you been up to? Tell me more about this Maggie that is coming with us tomorrow night. And why is she Josh’s date? What happened to Liz?”

  Charlie laughed. “I have a lot to catch you up on.”

  Chapter 8

  Maggie twirled in front of her bedroom mirror and assessed the blue cocktail dress. It still looked pretty good, even though she was still the exact same weight she was two weeks ago. Her plan to lose a few pounds had failed miserably. She supposed it could have been the strawberry ice cream, or the fact that her gym had actually sent her an email saying they missed her and would she consider coming in for a visit soon, to take a class or enjoy a smoothie. Nothing like being guilted by your gym.

  At least her job was an active one. She was on her feet the entire time and on a busy night, it often felt like she ran from one end of the bar to the other. But, Maggie always had a weakness for delicious things. And it didn’t help that Bethany was pregnant now and pushing comfort food for staff meals more than ever.

  She supposed that holding steady wasn’t such a bad thing, though. The dress was flattering, and her arms were nice and toned. The cut of the dress made her waist look smaller and her average size bust a bit curvier. And best of all, the dress was comfortable. She’d be able to indulge in all the food sampling without worrying about a belly bulge.

  She did her makeup and curled her hair a bit, just to fluff it up and define the natural waves even more. Josh had said they’d be coming by at seven to pick her up. He’d hired a car for the night, so no one had to drive, which she thought was a smart thing to do, as it was almost an hour drive to Lewiston.

  At a few minutes past seven, there was a knock on the door. She grabbed her coat and purse and opened the door.

  “You look gorgeous! Are you ready to go?” Josh looked sharp in his tux.
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  “I’m ready.”

  Josh led her to the waiting limo. It was a sleek, black Lincoln Town Car and when she stepped inside, Charlie and his sister were sitting across from them. Charlie looked so handsome in his tux. He introduced her to his sister, Hannah, and Maggie shook her hand. It was tiny and delicate.

  Hannah was much smaller than she’d imagined. Her hair was long, relaxed ringlets that fell to the middle of her back and the color was a rich, strawberry blond. Her eyes were the same blue-gray as Charlie’s and her dress was strapless and a shimmery pewter color. She wore a feathery shawl in the same shade over her shoulders.

  Josh entertained them with funny stories for most of the drive. He was a general practice lawyer, handling everything from personal injury to criminal cases, though in a small town like Quinn Valley, the criminal cases were pretty minor. And some comical, like the recent attempted bank robbery by the not-too-bright Robby Benson who was caught running down Main Street with hundred-dollar bills sticking out of his back pockets.

  Maggie did a double-take as the limo drove by her cousin Katie’s house. As Robyn had mentioned, there was a black sports car in Katie’s driveway. She wondered if Katie would be at Gram’s Monday night. She sensed that there was a story there.

  The drive to Lewiston flew by and before she knew it they pulled up to the elegant Rosemont Hotel. It was one of the biggest in Lewiston and lots of functions were held there. They went inside and dropped their coats at the coat check. Josh and Charlie had their tickets and they gave them to the woman at the entrance to the main ballroom. She handed each of them a wine glass and a small tray with a clip on the corner to slip the stem of the wine glass into, which would make it easier to sip and eat at the same time.

  “Wow. This is something.” Hannah looked around the huge room where there were rows of long linen-covered folding tables set up. Vendors stood on one side, offering tastes of wine or samples of different restaurant dishes. It was a way for both to advertise and lots of well known area restaurants and wineries were there.

  “They should do something like this in Quinn Valley,” Josh said.

  Maggie laughed. “I love the idea, but there’s less than ten restaurants in all of Quinn Valley. It wouldn’t be the same.”

  He grinned. “True point. Well, where do we start?”

  They made their way to the shortest line and for the next hour, strolled around, tasting various wines and trying bites of everything from beef Wellington to coconut shrimp, seafood bisque, braised short ribs, and so much more.

  “We’re going to go sample some scotch. Are you ladies interested?” Josh asked.

  “I’m ready to sit down,” Hannah said as she set her purse on an empty cocktail table.

  “Me, too,” Maggie agreed. “You guys go ahead. I’m not much of a scotch drinker.”

  Hannah laughed and made a face. “Neither am I.”

  They collapsed into the two empty chairs and watched the crowd. It was packed and everyone looked so festive in their tuxes and cocktail dresses.

  “I’m glad you were able to come with us. I know Charlie was excited for your visit this weekend,” Maggie said.

  “I was looking forward to it, too. Charlie and I are pretty close. I’m thinking about moving home to Quinn Valley, actually. Please don’t say anything, though. I haven’t announced it officially, but I’m going to stop touring for a while.”

  “Oh, wow. I’m sure Charlie and your mom and sister must be thrilled that you’re moving back here. Will you miss Nashville, though?” Maggie remembered that Charlie had said that was her home base, though she was always on the road. She imagined it must get tiring.

  “I will miss Nashville. It’s a great city and it’s how I got my start. But I can always go back and visit. I don’t need to live there anymore. I haven’t really been there much the past few years anyway because I’ve been traveling non-stop.”

  “I don’t think I’d like that. I’m sort of a homebody,” Maggie admitted.

  “You’d never know it, but I am, too. I get terrible stage-fright.”

  “Charlie told me that. I found it hard to believe, though, as you’re so successful.”

  “It’s true. Once I start singing, I’m fine. It’s just getting started that’s hard.” Hannah smiled. “I’m excited to move home. I’ll still be active with music. I just won’t be traveling all the time. I think it will be nice.”

  “My sister Ivy has been singing locally and she writes her own music.”

  Hannah nodded. “Charlie said he heard her play at Quinn’s the other night and she was very good. I’d love to hear her while I’m in town if she’s playing anywhere tomorrow or Monday.”

  Maggie tried to remember Ivy’s schedule. “I think she’s playing tomorrow night at O’Shea’s.”

  “Do you have to work tomorrow?” Hannah asked.

  “No, I’m off on Sundays.”

  “We should all go see her, then. I’m sure Charlie and Josh would be up for it.”

  “I’m not sure about Josh. This is only our second date and, well…” How did she nicely tell Hannah she wasn’t interested in a third?

  But she seemed to understand. “We don’t have to invite Josh, then. You, me and Charlie can go. It will be fun.”

  Maggie relaxed. “I’d like that.”

  “Charlie talks about you quite a bit. I think he enjoys your company.” She smiled warmly and Maggie was pleased to hear it.

  “I enjoy his company, too. Charlie is a great guy.”

  “I agree, even though I am his sister!”

  “What are you two laughing about?” Charlie said as he and Josh strolled back to the table holding glasses of scotch.

  “Oh, nothing. Is anyone ready to visit the dessert tables?” Hannah led the way to the long tables against the wall that were piled high with all kinds of desserts. Maggie was full, but they looked too good to resist.

  “They’re small. That means you can take two or three at least,” Charlie said as he picked up a plate and selected a cannoli and a brownie.

  “He has an excellent point.” Hannah was next in line, and Maggie grabbed a plate and joined her. Maggie just took one cannoli, the Italian wafer cookie that was rolled and stuffed with a sweet ricotta cheese filling, then dipped in mini-chocolate chips. It was her favorite dessert. Impossible to resist.

  “No dessert for you?” Maggie asked Josh. He was still sipping his scotch and looking around the room.

  He smiled and lifted his glass. “This is my dessert. I’m not much on sweets.”

  Maggie took a bite of cannoli, then almost swallowed wrong when she heard a familiar and unexpected voice behind her.

  “Maggie Quinn! Fancy seeing you here!” Maggie turned to see her grandmother and her posse of friends in their best cocktail dresses.

  “Grams! I didn’t know you were coming here?”

  Her grandmother laughed. “I didn’t either. But Ruby won tickets yesterday on the radio station. She was the lucky caller, so here we are. We took an Uber!” Maggie stared speechless at her grandmother. She didn’t know she even knew what an Uber was.

  “Isn’t it marvelous?” Ruby said. “I can’t believe we haven’t done this before. And the dancing is about to start. We should hurry girls. We don’t want to miss it.”

  “See you on the dance floor, Maggie!” Her grandmother whirled off, following her friends into the connecting ballroom where there was a big band and, evidently, dancing.

  “Your grandmother is a hoot,” Hannah said.

  “She’s full of surprises,” Maggie agreed.

  “Want to go sit in the other room and listen to some music?” Hannah suggested. “Maybe it will be good.”

  “I see someone that I need to go say hello to,” Josh said. “I’ll meet you all in there.”

  As they slowly made their way into the next room, Charlie was stopped several times to say hello to various vendors that knew him. He seemed to know a lot of people throughout the event which wasn’t surprising, gi
ven his business.

  “He really does love it,” Hannah said as she watched her brother laughing with a wine vendor.

  “He’s a good businessman. He told me how the business has grown some in the past few years and he gave me some great suggestions for how to order better and what works well for his other customers.”

  “He’s modest. The business has exploded since Charlie took it over. He’s done a great job and people respect him. My dad had that same quality, but he didn’t have the same business savvy. I’m really proud of him.”

  “OMG, it is you. It’s Hannah Keane!” Three women swarmed around Hannah. Maggie was nervous for her, but Hannah just laughed and took a step back.

  “You’re from around here, aren’t you?” one of the women asked.

  “I am. I’m home visiting family.”

  “How lovely. Could we possibly bother you for an autograph?” One of them asked and they all looked hopeful.

  “Of course.” The women all handed her their programs and a pen, to sign with. Once Hannah signed all three, the women walked away happy and waving goodbye. And a moment later, a few more women came over asking for autographs. Hannah was gracious to everyone and Maggie watched it all with interest.

  “Does that happen often?” she asked, when the women were finally gone.

  “It does, yeah. I’m used to it now. I think I’m going to get a cup of tea. Do you want anything?”

  “No, thanks. I’m too full.”

  Hannah wandered off and Maggie stood, people watching. Charlie was chatting away with a different vendor. She suddenly felt a tap on her shoulder and almost jumped. She turned and her brother David was standing there. She didn’t know he was coming, but she wasn’t surprised as he was in the food business, too.

  “You’re looking good, Mags. You here with Charlie?”

  “Sort of. We all came together, me, Josh, Charlie and his sister, Hannah.”

  David stiffened. “Hannah is here? What is she doing slumming in Lewiston?” His tone surprised her. David wasn’t usually so sarcastic.