Not all the family history.
Just the facts.
I had booked and paid for the original celebration.
My sister had added guests and expensive upgrades to the bill.
Then, in front of everyone, my mother had publicly informed me that I wasn’t entitled to eat because I hadn’t contributed.
Daniel listened without interrupting.
When I finished, he asked quietly, “What would you like me to do?”
I took a breath.
“Can I remove my credit card from the remaining balance?”
He nodded.
“The deposits already paid are nonrefundable, and the flower arrangements were billed separately. But the outstanding restaurant balance hasn’t been processed yet.”
He paused.
“You made the reservation, and the card belongs to you. You can withdraw authorization for the remaining charge.”
“What happens then?”
“The remaining amount will need to be settled this evening by another authorized payer.”
I looked toward the dining room.
Camille had just publicly announced that she was responsible for organizing the entire celebration.
Daniel gently added, “Your sister described herself as the host during her toast.”
For a moment, I watched through the partially open doorway.
Mom was laughing.
Camille was smiling beside her.
Dad was enjoying his prime rib.
Nobody had noticed I’d left.
Nobody had asked where I was.
“How much is still outstanding?” I asked.
Daniel checked his tablet.
“With the additional guests, champagne upgrades, seafood station, and service charges, the remaining balance is fourteen thousand three hundred eighty dollars.”
I swallowed.
It was an enormous amount.
