It was Melvin's custom ringtone. Every time he called, it was either a company emergency or some business dinner. Otis would drop whatever he was doing and leave me behind.
This time was no different.
Melvin's voice came through, drunk and accusatory:
"You son of a gun, Otis! It's my wedding day. Bad enough you didn't bring your wife, but you left early too? Are you even my brother?"
"You've got ten minutes. If I don't see your face, we're done."
Otis gave an awkward agreement.
Then he turned to me, his expression grave.
"Relationships can't survive constant testing. Stop threatening me with divorce. I get tired too."
"Stay home tonight and think about what you've done. Don't wait up."
He was out the door before I could respond.
After it slammed shut, I dialed a number I hadn't called in years.
"Mom, I lost. Otis really isn't the right man for me. I'm willing to come home and take over the business. Come get me in seven days."
Not long after Otis left, Vivian sent me a friend request.
"Elaine, you lost in the end. Now that I'm Melvin's wife, let's see you try to keep me away from Otis."
"Can't swallow that bitter pill, can you, old hag? Then come catch us in the act."