I actually thought she might have understood.
Then Thursday afternoon, I passed the guest room and heard her on the phone.
“You absolutely have to come Saturday, Brenda.”
I stopped walking.
“You need to see how these young people live.”
There was a pause.
Then Virginia lowered her voice.
“No, don’t bring food. I want you to taste what Chloe serves.”
I stood motionless in the hallway.
That was when I realized this was no longer about preferences.
Virginia wanted an audience.
Saturday morning, I woke early.
If she wanted to put me on display, fine.
I went to the market and bought pork loin, fresh herbs, tomatoes, bread, cheese, and salmon.
I marinated the meat with garlic, rosemary, black pepper, and orange.
I prepared appetizers and salad.
Nothing extravagant.
Just a good meal.
Virginia’s sister Brenda arrived with her husband Frank around two.
Brenda could not have been more different from Virginia.
She hugged me the second she walked inside.
“This house is beautiful! And whatever you’re cooking smells incredible.”
Virginia sat on the couch with her mouth pressed into a thin line.
Justin entered the kitchen while I checked the roast.
“Everything smells amazing.”
“It’s pork, not a miracle.”
