“No.”
“Then why are you telling me?”
“Because I need you to understand what happened afterward.”
He explained that they had continued the reception, but the atmosphere was strained.
Some guests left early.
Others stayed for dancing.
Melissa and the hotel staff completed the contracted services.
Vanessa had tried to arrange the after-party separately, but the additional services were unavailable without a new payment agreement and adequate notice.
Eventually, she gave up.
Daniel had spent most of the night answering questions from relatives.
People wanted to know why his mother had left.
He’d initially told them I wasn’t feeling well.
Then his cousin asked about the cake.
And Daniel realized how ridiculous the explanation sounded.
“I finally told people you were upset because Vanessa had humiliated you,” he said.
I studied him.
“Did you mention that you laughed?”
He looked down.
“Yes.”
I waited.
“I told them I laughed too.”
He rubbed his hands together.
“Mom, I don’t know why I did it.”
I took a sip of tea.
“Do you want me to tell you?”
He looked up.
“Please.”
“Because Vanessa laughed, and you wanted to keep her happy.”
His expression tightened.
“That isn’t entirely fair.”
