Chapter 4 - Her Name on the Bill
My mother entered without waiting.
Brooke hovered behind her.
Diane looked at Ethan, then at me.
“I’m willing to overlook what just happened.”
Nora made a sound in the corner.
My mother ignored her.
“We’ll go back out. Olivia will explain that wedding stress caused a misunderstanding. We’ll finish the ceremony. Everyone can enjoy the evening.”
“And the dress?” I asked.
Her mouth tightened.
“You’ve made your preference clear.”
“My preference.”
“Don’t start again.”
Lena remained by the door, holding her tablet.
I looked at her.
“Can she cancel the reception?”
My mother answered first.
“I’m paying for it.”
“I asked Lena.”
The event manager glanced down.
“The venue and meal costs have already been paid. Most of today’s services are covered. There are additional charges that haven’t been finalized.”
“Then why stop dinner?”
“Your mother identified herself as the host and requested it. We wanted to confirm with you before making changes.”
Ethan stepped closer.
“Our names are on the event agreement.”
“They are,” Lena said. “I have it here.”
My mother’s expression shifted.
“We can continue the scheduled meal,” Lena added. “I’ll need your instructions concerning any optional additions.”
“Continue dinner,” I said.
“Olivia—”
“Remove anything we don’t need. Extra bar time. Late-night food. Whatever hasn’t happened yet.”
My mother stared at me.
“You’d make the guests go without because you’re angry?”
“No. I’ll serve the dinner that’s paid for and stop buying things to make tonight look perfect.”
Ethan looked at Lena.
“Bring any remaining decisions to us.”
She nodded and left.
For the first time in my life, I had watched my mother try to close a door and discovered she didn’t have the key.
She recovered quickly.
“Fine. Then we should discuss the rest of the money.”
“What money?”
“The money I contributed. If you intend to reject this family, you can repay it.”
Brooke looked down.
Something about that movement caught me.
I turned toward her.
“Brooke?”
“It’s not the time.”
“What isn’t?”
My mother snapped, “Don’t drag your sister into this.”
But Brooke had gone pale.
I remembered the wedding account my father had mentioned before he died. The one Mom said she was “handling.”
I stood.
“Whose money paid for this wedding?”
May you like
My mother’s face hardened.
And Brooke whispered, “Mom, just tell her.”
