I never demanded attention.
I just hoped somebody would notice.
Apparently, even that was too much.
I looked at Mom.
Then Dad.
Then Mia’s boyfriend relaxing comfortably in my place.
Something inside me finally broke.
Not explosively.
Quietly.
Cleanly.
“Actually…”
My hand went inside my jacket.
Mom immediately noticed.
I pulled out the envelope.
For just a second, something flashed across her face.
Interest.
Then I smiled.
“I think I’ll keep this for someone who saves me a seat.”
The laughter disappeared.
I tucked the envelope back into my jacket.
Mom straightened.
“Connor—”
But I was already heading for the door.
Behind me, chairs scraped against the floor.
“Wait.”
“You don’t need to leave.”
“Connor, seriously.”
I stopped only long enough to find the waiter.
At my parents’ 30th anniversary dinner, I arrived in a suit and tie expecting to celebrate with my family. Instead, I discovered that my seat had been given to my sister’s new boyfriend.
