I smiled amiably, a complacent expression I used as a curtain behind which I could hide my own feelings. "I'm so surprised to see you. Will you be staying long?"
He shrugged and took a drink. "We didn't want to put a time limit on it, so we bought one-way tickets."
Mary laid her hand on his leg and smiled. "You can stay as long as you want, Daddy."
He patted her hand. "Thank you, dear."
I didn't miss Charlie rolling his eyes as he tipped his drink back until it was gone. "I need another drink," he said as he stood. "Anyone else?"
They chimed their yays or nays, and he turned to me.
"Elliot?" His brows rose, tone implying that he figured I needed one.
"I'm fine, thanks, Charlie." He left, and I kept asking questions, wanting to keep the conversation off myself. "What brings you to New York?"
He frowned, feigning hurt. "What reason should I have other than to see my daughters and grandchildren?" He said daughters, but didn't look at me. His eyes were on Mary, filled with something akin to worship. Maven toddled around the room and up to Dad, speaking gibberish, and he took her hand, making a face when he touched her. "She's sticky."
Mary gave me a look. "Elliot, maybe you should give them a bath?"
"But they haven't eaten. They'll just get all sticky again."
"Well, then maybe you should feed them first."
I put on the smile again and stood, picking up Maven and calling Sammy, relieved to be leaving the room. "Sure. Come on, kids. How's grilled cheese sound?"
The kids cheered and Dad brought his drink to his lips. "Not very nutritious," he muttered.
I ignored him. "Be back in a bit."
They'd already turned back to each other, whispering and giggling about who even knew what. I didn't even want to know.
Charlie was in the blissfully quiet kitchen, drinks already poured and his glass to his lips, checking his phone. He smiled at me when I walked in, taking Maven from my arms.
"You run away too?" he asked me.
I chuckled. "The kids needed to eat. I'd rather be in here with them than out there."
"Me too. Clearly."
I situated the kids with crayons and paper and gathered supplies for dinner. Charlie leaned on the counter next to me.
"I'm sorry about them."
I shrugged and buttered the bread. "It's okay."
"It's not really. They're horrible."
"I can't argue that," I said with a soft laugh and a smile.
He paused for a beat, watching me. "Why do you put up with it?"
I thought about how to answer as I built the sandwiches. "Well, it's easier with Dad and Beth living in Miami. When we're all together, things are … harder."
"Right, I get that. Your father loves to criticize everyone who crosses his path, but show him a mirror and he'll gladly bash you over the head with it. But still, you know you don't have to just … acquiesce."
"I know that, Charlie. And I don't always, but when I do, it's a choice. It's conscious. Their badgering doesn't typically faze me."
He gave me a look. "Judging by what I saw a little bit ago, I'd say that's untrue."
"That's different." My voice had shrunk, just a little. "Today … today it's different." I placed one sandwich half on another. "Anyway, they're my family, so if it means I have to be present to endure some vapid conversation, I can make that sacrifice. And when it comes to Mary, well, you have both done so much for me."
"You do so much for us. It only seems fair."
"But I enjoy this, you know? The kids, I mean. And I'm not sure what I want to do with my life yet, so it's really the perfect place for me to be. Our relationship is symbiotic."
He chuffed and said into his glass, "Even with Mary breathing down your neck?"
I shrugged and set the first sandwich on the pan with a sizzle. "She doesn't mean it."
He gave me a look.
"Honestly, I don't think she even realizes she's doing it. You know Dad and Beth. Maybe it's genetic and I just got skipped."
"Luckily."
I smiled, feeling the same. "In any event, I don't usually take it personally."
His eyes squinted in thought. "So you excuse them because you believe they don't mean to be assholes?"
"Basically." I flipped the sandwich.
"And why not tell them how you feel? Argue?"
"Because fighting with them is futile. There's no convincing them of anything. Their worlds are so small, and that's all they know. I mean, when was the last time you were able to convince my dad of anything?"
Charlie snorted. "Point taken." He sighed, pushing off the counter. "Well, you're a better person than I could ever hope to be."
"Hey, I'm not the one married to one of them," I joked. "You, sir, have the patience of a saint."
"Or the IQ of a carrot," he said with a smile. "Jury's still out. I'd better get back in there with drinks or they might invade the kitchen, and I feel like you've paid your dues today. Let me know if you need any help with the kids, okay?"
"I've got the kids if you can keep my family away from me for the night."
"Deal."
Mary stormed in. "What the hell, Charlie? What's taking so long?" She narrowed her eyes at me, and I turned my attention to the sandwiches.
Charlie sighed, a defeated sound. "I was on my way. Just got an email that required my attention, that's all."
"Whatever." She swiped her wine from his hand and turned to leave.