Marcus looked toward Daniel.
“Can those services be canceled?”
“They haven’t been formally booked under your mother’s account. The event planner had reserved availability, but we needed authorization before confirming the additional spending. We can release the tentative arrangements.”
Brielle’s face tightened.
“But I told everyone the party would continue until two in the morning!”
Marcus stared at her.
“Then we need to tell them the plans have changed.”
She turned toward Evelyn.
“You’re going to make us look poor.”
For several seconds, Evelyn didn’t speak.
Then she asked, “Is that what you’re afraid of?”
Brielle looked away.
Evelyn had noticed the way Brielle reacted whenever money came up.
How carefully she checked prices when shopping alone, but how casually she ordered expensive things when other people were watching.
How she became uncomfortable when guests asked who had paid for the wedding.
How she once insisted that the florist remove a sign acknowledging Evelyn’s contribution to the flowers.
Evelyn had assumed Brielle simply wanted a private celebration.
Now she wasn’t so sure.
Marcus leaned toward his wife.
“Brielle, we can still have a good reception. Nobody came here because of the premium bar.”
“You don’t understand.”
“Then help me understand.”
She looked at him.
“Your mother paid for everything.”
Marcus frowned.
“Yes. We know that.”
“No,” Brielle said. “You don’t understand what that feels like.”
Evelyn waited.
“My parents spent years working to give me things other kids had. My mother still apologizes because she couldn’t help more with the wedding. Every time someone compliments the ballroom, I hear them saying what a wonderful gift your mother gave us.”
She wiped beneath one eye.
