Mom frowned.
“The woman in the red dress?”
Then she understood.
“Olivia?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Mom looked confused.
“What do you mean she canceled the payment? Olivia wasn’t paying for this. Camille arranged everything.”
Daniel looked toward my sister.
According to Hannah, Camille’s expression changed immediately.
Her smile disappeared.
Daniel continued politely.
“Olivia Doyle arranged the original reservation, selected the menu, and paid the initial deposit. The restaurant had her card on file for the remaining balance. That authorization has now been withdrawn.”
He turned the statement toward Mom.
“The outstanding amount is fourteen thousand three hundred eighty dollars.”
Dad stopped eating.
Mom stared at the figure.
Then she picked up the folded card.
She opened it.
And began reading.
*Mom,*
*When I was nine years old, you told me not to reach for my birthday cake because I hadn’t paid for it.*
*Tonight, you told me I wasn’t entitled to fill my dinner plate for the same reason.*
*But I did pay.*
*I paid for the room, the original menu, the deposit, and the flowers. Those expenses are my anniversary gift to you and Dad.*
*I genuinely hope you enjoy your fortieth celebration.*
