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I quickly text Charlie to let him know that I received the coffee.

Me:Thanks so much for the morning delivery.

Charlie:You’re welcome. What do you think?

Me:Not bad.

Charlie:Not bad? It's fantastic. Come on, tell me what you really think.

Me:Not bad is a big improvement on how I usually feel about coffee.

Charlie:Did you add sugar?

Me:No, I don't usually sweeten my drinks.

Charlie:Well, there's your problem. Add some sugar and let me know what you think.

I smile and put my phone down, wondering how to reply.

Just then, my phone rings. It's Jane.

“Hey, babe,” Jane greets cheerily as I answer. “I'm driving into work and thought I'd check in to see what you're up to.”

“Just got back from the barn,” I reply, momentarily debating whether to mention the coffee delivery. It feels uncomfortable so I decide not to.

“How's everything with work?” Jane asks, her tone laced with concern. I know she’s worried about the uncertainties brewing around PacWest’s future.

“Well, apparently, we're allowed to return today. The power's back on, but I'll believe it when I see it.

“Yay! That’s great. I’m sure everything is going to be fine. PacWest has been around a long time. I’m sure they’ll get through whatever is going on.”

I decide I need to say something to Jane about the wedding situation with Charlie, sooner rather than later. Otherwise, it's going to get really weird. And I'm guessing he hasn't said anything to her because, well, he's a guy. And I’m sure if he had told her, she would have already mentioned it.

“So, after you left the other night…”I begin.

“What happened?” Jane prompts.

“Charlie…well…Charlie asked me if I'd be his date. His fake date,” I quickly correct myself and then add, “to the weddingsthis summer.” I continue to stammer on, not giving her time to respond. “You know, the four weddings he has coming up. Your parents…well, I guess your dad, has been giving him a lot of shit about who he's going to bring and whether they're going to fit in.”

Jane laughs incredulously in my ear. “So, he asked you?”

“Yeah, I guess he figured I just know most of the people that will be there and that I wouldn't embarrass him.” I realize I’m holding my breath, waiting for her to respond.

“I totally love the idea,” Jane practically shouts with enthusiasm. ”It'll be so much more fun for me having you there. And we can laugh at all the ridiculous things people say and do. The first wedding is in a couple of weeks at Whidbey Island and Trey and I will be there.”

I feel better instantly knowing that Jane's on board with this. I didn't think it would be a problem. I mean, it is just a fake date, but I also wasn't sure. Women can be weird about their brothers sometimes. I remember a friend of ours in high school, Amanda, who obviously had a huge thing for Charlie and was always trying to get invited to the Astor’s house when Charlie was going to be home. Pissed Jane off so badly that she stopped talking to the girl.

“Well, I'm completely uncomfortable about it, but I figured what do I have to lose? Maybe it’ll actually be fun. And there's one other thing.”

“What’s that?”

“Charlie said that he could help me get a job at the Seattle Symphony.”

“Oh my gosh! That’s fantastic!”

“I really need a new job. The idea of having to sell my house, or give up Oliver…I don’t even want to think about it. Not that I wouldn't be his date just to help him out, but I do need the job.”

“Of course, babe,” Jane says. “It’s a win-win for both of you. And for me too!”