Page 11 of Babies at Coconuts

Chapter 9

Glancing around the ornate restaurant, Suzy said, “You guys chose a beautiful place.” White tablecloths and fan-shaped orange linen napkins adorned two long tables. Turkish glass mosaic orbs and lanterns in shades of amber, ebony, and gold cascaded from the ceiling transporting flickers of warm, welcoming light throughout the room. Sitar music played softly in the background. Soaking up the experience, Suzy felt as though she were being transported to India, if only for the evening.

Finally relaxing, Suzy admired the showy Bird of Paradise centerpieces. Not surprisingly, Marc, from Artistic Blooms, had found flowers that matched the napkins perfectly, not to mention the island flair the spiky orange blossoms and bird-like beak added. Amazingly, the tropical flowers are native to India, meshing with the wedding theme. Marc also promised the arrangements would remain fresh for the wedding—a bonus since Suzy planned to repurpose them on several tables.

Taking Ken’s hand, Suzy tapped a glass with a spoon to get everyone’s attention. “Take a seat, everyone. Let’s get started. Tomorrow is a big day.” She grasped her husband’s arm. “You’ve already met my wonderful husband, Ken.” Motioning toward her two best friends, she said, “This is Alex and Hope, my two best friends since high school.”

Suzy nodded with her head. “And we can’t forget my stepdaughter, Izzy.” Izzy glanced up from her phone, gave a shy wave, but didn’t say a word. Spreading her arms, Suzy said, “Sit wherever you’d like. We thought we’d keep it spontaneous tonight.”

Mama Gia dashed toward Fernando who was seated beside Jon. Fernando’s three brothers hurried to sit across from them while Suzy, Ken, Izzy, Alex, and Hope took seats at a second table.

Frowning, Mama Gia stood. “This won’t work. We need to be together. We’re one happy family now, or almost, right?” Placing her hands on Luigi’s shoulders, she said, “Boys, make one long table.” She glanced at Suzy. “Better, yes?”

Frankie and Vinny jumped up, grabbed a table at each end, and set it down with a thud. One of the gorgeous Bird of Paradise centerpieces crashed to the floor, breaking into pieces.

“Whoa. Slow down, guys. This isn’t a race.” Ken sighed. “I’ll find a broom.”

Deciding it would be too difficult to have a conversation from one end of the table to the next, the twins found a third, smaller table and formed a T-shape. After the tables were rearranged, Fernando’s mother positioned herself at the head.

Clearly annoyed, Suzy cleared her throat. “The head table is always for the wedding couple.”

Mama Gia patted the seat beside her. “They can sit here. By me. It’s tradition.”

“Mama, who says it’s tradition?” Fernando asked as his brothers crammed into position near their mother, using a pecking order from oldest to youngest.

Alex stiffened and glanced at Suzy, likely waiting for the go-ahead to pounce.

Suzy lowered her voice. “This isn’t the time.”

---