And a chocolate cake with coffee buttercream, because Ethan had never liked overly sweet frosting.
I’d spent Wednesday evening shopping, Thursday preparing dishes that could be refrigerated, and most of Friday baking.
On Saturday, I’d cleaned the house, arranged flowers, and set out the china we usually saved for holidays.
I’d even made sure Vanessa’s place was comfortable.
She was Noah’s mother, after all.
She belonged at the celebration.
Just not in my chair.
I’d placed her near Noah, across from Ethan, where the three of them could talk without anyone being excluded.
But when dinner was ready, Vanessa approached the table, glanced at the seating cards, and frowned.
“Ethan, shouldn’t I be beside you?”
He looked at the place settings.
Then he looked at me.
“Claire, could you switch seats?”
I was holding a platter of potatoes.
“What?”
“Let Vanessa sit here. She and I need to discuss Noah’s school trip.”
I glanced toward Noah.
He was talking to Ethan’s cousin about a video game.
“Can’t that wait until after dinner?” I asked.
Vanessa smiled.
It was the particular smile she used when she wanted to appear reasonable in front of other people.
“Claire, it’s really not a big deal.”
I set down the platter.
“Then you shouldn’t mind keeping the arrangement I made.”
Ethan’s face tightened.
“Stop competing with Vanessa and act like a good wife.”
A fork clicked against a plate.
One of our guests looked down.
Vanessa lowered her eyes, but I saw the small movement at the corner of her mouth.
I smiled.
