The invitation to Melissa’s wedding–her second–came from my mother over the phone.
“Well, Patty, are you coming?” Mom asked.
“Coming to what?” I tried not to sound impatient, but I was on my cell while driving to work.
“Melissa’s wedding. She says you didn’t RSVP to the invitation.”
“Melissa’s getting married again? Wonderful! I didn’t get any invitation.”
“Well, I thought I gave her your new address. So if you didn’t get the invitation, then you don’t know who she’s marrying this time.”
“Is he someone I know?”
“Yes. You won’t believe this. I won’t tell you, so you’ll have to come and see for yourself.”
I flew back home, and arrived in time for Mom and me to attend the small gathering Melissa had for friends and family after the wedding rehearsal.
I got my first glimpse of her soon-to-be husband. His name was Joseph Morgan Senior and he was her former father-in-law.
“Oh my God!” I whispered to my mother. ”Isn’t this incest or something?”
“Not that I know of. A lot of the single ladies my age are upset, though. Joe Sr. was considered quite a catch. Melissa was a great comfort to him when Anne died.”
“Apparently so,” I replied. Melissa saw me and waved.
I crossed the room to where the happy couple was mingling. I hugged Melissa and offered my congratulations to her fiancé, who used to play golf with my dad.
“Joe, Patty and I haven’t seen each other for ages.” Melissa said. ”Would you mind if she and I chatted for a bit?”
With Joe’s blessing, we found an empty table and sat down.
“So, Patty, what do you really think?”
“Well, you won’t have to get new monogrammed towels.”
Melissa smiled. ”About the age difference, Patty! Think Calista Flockhart and Harrison Ford.”
“But Harrison isn’t Calista’s ex-father-in-law,” I replied.
“Patty, Joe is everything Joey wasn’t.”
Joey spent his life trying to be everything his father wasn’t. Everyone knew that but Melissa.
“Speaking of Joey, is your ex in attendance this weekend?” Somehow I doubted he would be best man.
“No. He’s very angry about this.” Melissa‘s eyes filled with tears.
I placed my hands on hers. ”You know I wish you all the happiness in the world. I always have. Let’s get back to your party.”
During the ceremony the next day, I wondered where Joey was. He probably could use some comfort now.
Martha Conte writes in Florida.
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10 Responses to “SECOND TIME AROUND • by Martha Conte”
Comments
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September 14th, 2007 at 4:24 am
Nice one-liner conclusion. Had to suspend my disbelief a bit - Patty flying all the way home for a wedding of one of her best friends and not knowing the groom? Hmm, but still an enjoyable tale. Lyn
September 14th, 2007 at 5:37 am
Opportunity Knocks! Good one.
See the point above - but it was a plot device.
September 14th, 2007 at 6:20 am
I’m sure Joey definately needs the comforting. Being older, all I can say is: “Go Senior!”
September 14th, 2007 at 8:54 am
Not really my cut of tea,
but I never been a huge fan of Romance.
Well written either way.
September 14th, 2007 at 10:07 am
I loved the character interactions in this piece, and to tell the truth, we don’t get enough romance. This was a refreshing change for us!
September 14th, 2007 at 12:42 pm
Great last line.
Mark
September 14th, 2007 at 3:11 pm
It was okay.
September 14th, 2007 at 4:02 pm
Last line made the whole tale, since it made me smile. I’ll admit it, you got me, didn’t see it coming and was just about to tune it out.
September 15th, 2007 at 10:35 am
A funny story about modern relationships. I particularly enjoyed the sarcastic dialogue and understated ending.
September 17th, 2007 at 12:11 pm
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