Page 97 of Why Not Us?

“You remember that position I told you about? At St. Paul’s Hospital?”

I nod. It has been the subject of discussion at the other family dinners I’ve been required to attend lately. How Elliot is up for this big promotion, and he might need to sell his apartment and buy a new one in Vancouver. Never mind that whenIbought my condo in Vancouver, it was such a huge waste of money when I could have bought closer to my parents and commuted to work.

“Well, it turns out there were three other doctors up for the same position and one of them got it. Some politics thing regarding seniority.” He shrugs. “Anyway, I was hoping we could talk about another loan. A small one. It’s been a little tight this month.”

This is how it always begins. He likes to downplay how much he needs before he lays it on thick. He onlyslightlyoverextended. He’s just atinybit behind. It’s been alittletight.

Then he shovels on the guilt combined with flattery.

You’re doing so well, Adalie. You can afford it. Or, my favourite…

“You have everything so organized in your life,” Elliot says.

Next, he’ll tell me the amount.

“I was hoping to borrow—” he begins, but I hold up my hand, cutting him off.

“Can we discuss this later, Elliot?” I say, because I want to say no this time. I really do. I just need a little time to build up to it. “After dinner, maybe?”

“Oh. Sure thing.”

We go out to the deck where Dad is sitting in a lounge chair while Suzanne and Calista sit at the table, discussing what sounds like Suzanne’s new Louis Vuitton bag Elliot got her for her birthday, the reason for this Sunday dinner.

The bag in question sits on the table. It’s pale grey, smallish, and really cute. And I know, because I’ve gone shopping with Vic more than once—though Louis Vuitton isn’t really my style—that bag is thousands of dollars.

Now I’m angry for two reasons. First because Elliot almost asked for money, but he has enough to buy Suzanne a Louis Vuitton bag? If I’d let him give me the number he needed, would I know how much this bag cost? Second, we’re here tonight for Suzanne’s birthday dinner. But I guarantee, when it’s Nate’s birthday next year in February, they won’t have a birthday dinner for him. They don’t approve of my boyfriend, my job, my home, or my car. Is there anything about me theydoapprove of?

Mom comes out of the kitchen, carrying a tray of bruschetta to the table. Suzanne’s family comes from Italy and Mom always tries to make Italian inspired food when it’s Suzanne’s birthday. In the months since Nate and I started dating, Mom hasn’t asked anything about him. He hasn’t come with me to the other dinners since they were on Sundays when he had Dani and, even if she’d known the whole time about our relationship, I’d never subject that precious girl to my family’s constant negativity. Regardless, everyone knows we’re dating, and no one has thought to ask about him, his interests, or even why he’s not with me.

I sit at the table and Elliot sits next to Suzanne, taking her hand. When Mom is settled as well, Elliot and Suzanne exchange a look.

“We actually have some news,” Suzanne says. “Yesterday, Elliot took me out for a lovely dinner, gave me my birthday present—” She gestures at the bag. “Then he proposed!”

She holds up her left hand, showing off a huge rock on her finger. Calista stands, squealing with delight as she rounds the table to hug Suzanne, then Elliot. Everyone says congratulations, and I set aside my uncomfortable feelings to get in on it. This is happy news, after all. I’m excited for my brother. He’s been with Suzanne for a couple years now.

Once everyone is settled, Suzanne turns to me.

“I actually hoped to ask you a question,” she says.

“What’s that?” I take a bite of the bruschetta. It’s not terrible, but Lis’ is better.

“We’re hoping to get married next summer at Blue Vista.”

My eyes widen as I swallow my bite of food. “Oh. Well, I’m not exactly the person to talk to about that. I’m in charge of staff, not events. You need to talk to Spencer. But I can tell you, if you want a Saturday wedding, that’s not going to be possible.”

Mom rolls her eyes. “Come on, now, Addie. This is your brother’s wedding. Of course there’s something you can do.”

“Like what?” I ask. “The weddings we have booked for next summer have been booked for over a year at this point. Some of them have been booked for three years. There are deposits. We have other vendors lined up for most of them, if not all of them. Again, I’m not in charge of events. But I can tell you, I have numbers for staff required and I’ve started scheduling people.”

Mom stands. “I have to get the rest of dinner. Dennis, tell your daughter it’s not as big a deal as she seems to think it is.”

Dad gets off his lounge chair and comes to the table. It’s almost dinner time, after all.

“Addie. You get your brother a date for his wedding,” he says. Like that’s all there is to it. Like I can just snap my fingers and it’ll be done.

“In July,” Suzanne adds.

My mouth drops open. “July is our busiest month. I wouldn’t be surprised if the only days we have left in July are Mondays through Thursdays. Besides, I can’t take someone else’s wedding date and give it to Elliot and Suzanne.” I turn to them. “There are Sunday dates available in June and August. There are a few Saturdays left for the following summer. But you really have to talk to Spencer.”

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