My shoes? “Cute.
Almost childish.”
Or drank less. Just a thought.”
If I pushed back, she acted wounded. “I’m only trying to help, dear.
I want my son’s wedding to be perfect.”
The insults piled up. I tried to swallow them because everyone kept saying, “It’s just how she is. Don’t rock the boat.”
Then came the “spa day.”
Two weeks before the wedding, she called during a lunch rush.
My phone buzzed in my apron. I ignored it because I was carrying three plates of pasta.
She texted: “Call me back ASAP, dear.”
“Sweetheart!” she sang. “I have a surprise for you.”
I braced.
“Okay…”
“Spa day,” she said. “Hair, nails, facials—the works. My treat.
It’s time we had some girl time and got you looking your very best for the big day.”
I hesitated.Continue reading…