He sounded annoyed already.
“Gwen, I’m aware of how many people are coming.”
“Your mother wants prime rib.”
“Then buy prime rib.”
“Do you know what thirty portions of prime rib cost?”
“You always find deals.”
“She also wants a three-tier cake.”
“Then order one.”
“And fresh orchids.”
“Gwen.”
His tone sharpened.
“If you need more money, use your own.”
I stared out the kitchen window.
“You still owe me for her surgery.”
Silence.
“And Christmas.”
He exhaled loudly.
“Not this again.”
“And Heather’s baby shower.”
“Seriously?”
“And your parents’ anniversary hotel.”
“Gwen.”
“And the family photos.”
“Stop.”
I stopped.
Then I asked.
“When are you paying me back?”
He laughed once.
Not because it was funny.
Because he thought the question itself was ridiculous.
“Don’t start with your little accounting records.”
I said nothing.
“My mom only turns seventy once.”
“And?”
“And you’re her daughter-in-law.”
“You always figure things out.”
I looked again at the transfer.
“What if I don’t this time?”
There was a pause.
Then Brandon said something that changed everything.
“Then you’ll prove what kind of daughter-in-law you are.”
The call ended.
I stared at the phone.
Then I opened my laptop.
