He laughed.
“My mother has been staring at this kitchen like you’re taking an exam.”
“That sounds accurate.”
During appetizers, Brenda praised the presentation.
“These look like something from a restaurant.”
Virginia said nothing.
When I brought out the pork roast, Justin inhaled dramatically.
“That should be illegal.”
I noticed Virginia’s jaw tighten.
And suddenly I understood.
This had never been about my food.
She didn’t like watching Justin praise me.
She didn’t like Brenda admiring me.
She didn’t like that this was my home.
My kitchen.
My routines.
My marriage.
She wanted to feel like the woman in charge of Justin’s life.
We sat down.
Virginia cut off a tiny piece of pork.
She chewed slowly.
Once.
Twice.
Three times.
Then she dropped her fork.
“This is extremely tough.”
Nobody answered.
She continued.
