Cherry’s Jubilee (Lunchtime Chronicles: Season 7)

Chapter 24

Cherry

I immediately feel bad for Uncle Whit, but things suddenly make sense. He’s always been the most tolerant of my mother, and his wife’s antics were worse when he wasn’t around. And Karen’s reaction to the reading of the will makes more sense. She probably felt it was a slight to her girls because they are not biologically related to my grandfather.

“Oh,” is all I say. “So, Karen’s always felt threatened because her kids aren’t related to my grandfather by blood. My grandfather accepted Uncle Whit, but his wife couldn’t accept my mother. Unbelievable.”

“Your grandfather loved your mother and you girls too.”

“No, he didn’t,” I argue back.

“He did. It was a messy situation, but he did his best with it. Now, DJ’s mom would have cut my manhood off and ground it in the garbage disposal.” My head snaps up when I look at him, but all he does is laugh.

Daniel covers his face and shakes his head. “Dad, come on.”

My phone buzzes at the same time as Daniel’s, and it’s a text from my dad.

Dad: Come over. I’m grilling out.

Daniel: We’ll be there .

I look up and roll my eyes at him, but he’s not looking my way. His father is standing over him, looking down at his phone.

“Damn, I wish I could go. Your parents are fun, Cherry, but I have meetings all day. You two go and have fun. Don’t be upset at my son, and don’t cut off his manhood.”

I’d have to get close to it to cut it off, but I keep those comments to myself.

When I stand, Mr. Jubilee takes both my hands in his. “Your grandfather was an imperfect man. He made lots of mistakes, but your mom is not one of them. Between us, Cora was a witch. He always took care of your mother financially, and he spent as much time with her as possible. Your mom’s grandparents didn’t make it easy for him to see her, so it’s not all your grandfather’s fault. Let me give you some advice.” He squeezes my hands. “None of the stuff that happened decades ago is your responsibility. You don’t have to deal with any of it. You don’t have to fight old feuds that have been around longer than you’ve been alive. You’re a beautiful, smart girl with your whole life ahead of you. Do you hear me?” When I nod, he says, “Now, give me a hug and come over to the house on Sunday. Bring a cake.” He kisses my cheek and leaves the office.

I follow him, eager to exit. I don’t get very far before Daniel wraps his arm around my waist, lifts me off the ground, and dumps me on the couch again. He sits next to me and puts a hand on my lap.

“I’m sorry you walked in on that, but you have to know I would never do anything to ruin what we have.” He takes my chin and slowly turns me to face him. “I’m in love with you, Cherette Martine Cross. You are it for me. You’re my girl.” He puts his arm across my shoulders. “Tell me you know.”

“I know,” I admit, and he exhales. “I’m still pissed off about it.”

“That’s understandable, but can you not be pissed off at me?”

“I guess.”

“Can you kiss me before we go?”

“I will, but you must brush your teeth, gargle, and wash your face. In fact, take a shower and change out of those clothes. They’re contaminated.”