“She said she didn’t think you’d take it seriously.”
I looked toward the window.
For months, I’d tried to understand why Cassandra disliked me.
I’d wondered whether I was too involved in Michael’s life.
Whether I offered advice when it wasn’t wanted.
Whether I’d made her feel unwelcome.
But now I understood that she had chosen me because she believed I wouldn’t object.
And Michael had encouraged that belief by laughing.
He spoke again.
“Mom, I told Cassandra she needs to apologize.”
I turned toward him.
“And?”
“She said she’ll apologize if you admit you overreacted.”
I almost smiled.
Not because it was funny.
Because I’d heard that kind of conditional apology before.
“Then she isn’t ready to apologize,” I said.
Michael nodded.
“I know.”
He reached toward the bakery box.
Then stopped.
“Mom, I also need to talk about the wedding expenses.”
I looked at him.
“Go ahead.”
He swallowed.
“I reviewed the invoices.”
“And?”
“I had no idea how much you paid.”
I nodded.
He continued.
