Picking up the Pieces

Francine, dear,

Here we go again, you and I are forced in the middle of a very sticky, messy situation! And it has to do with, of all things, DISHES!

Just got off the phone with Tina. Apparently Charlotte has yet to return the hostess set and the china service she borrowed for a dinner she gave. I didn't hear the specifics about the dinner or buffet, whatever it was. The story I got from Tina is that on last minute's notice, Charlotte's hubby asked her to host the company anniversary party because one of the partner's wives dropped out at the very last minute (the day before!)

Since Jay is a junior partner, he thought hosting the event might be a feather in his cap, so he volunteered Charlotte's services (she is a smart hostess after all) and their lovely home with that gorgeous golf course view. He came home from work that night and said, "Honey, there may be a Hawaii vacation or a new bauble or your finger if you can pull this one off for me." He then dropped the bomb that the party was for the very next night.

That's why Charlotte was in a panic when she rang Tina. Tina, of course obliged, and brought over the heirloom hostess and china set (from Les's mother's collection). Remember Tina doesn't entertain that much since Les retired from the Air Force and now has the office job. But, that's beside the point, the dishes were a family heirloom that Tina wanted to pass down to her daughter.

It's been two weeks plus since Jay and Charlotte's party, and Charlotte said she'd return everything to Tina the very next day.

Tina told me she suspected something happened and Charlotte may be afraid to fess up. Do you think the set was damaged? Broken? Destroyed? Why hasn't Charlotte returned anything, much less picked up the phone to call Tina to say thanks and explain the delay? I personally think Charlotte may be looking for replacement pieces if some things were damaged. Well good luck because the set is Meissen (from Les's mother's side of the family/the Germans), and I think she said it's circa 1800's?

So, dear, that's why I am contacting you. Tina knows that you and Charlotte are quite close. Could you do us all a favor and ring Charlotte, and in your gentle, caring, and sincere tone, inquire as to why the dishes have yet to be returned? Tina's a big girl, I'm sure she can handle any explanation, even if it might be unpleasant to hear.
You know Tina and Les, they're good, decent people, and they wouldn't let a broken set of china come between them and dear friends.

Frankly, I'm tired of walking on eggshells (broken bits of china?) when I'm around Tina and Charlotte. Let's get this mess swept up and tossed in the trash bin.

Yours,
Vicki