My mother-in-law brought thirty people to her birthday dinner and announced in front of everyone, “My daughter-in-law is paying, so order whatever you want.” When I saw the bill approaching $5,000, I pretended I was going to the restroom and quietly walked out. Two hours later, I had fifty missed calls from my husband, but he still had no idea what documents I had just taken with me.

PART 16

Gertrude sat in the center wearing a red dress.

Around her neck was the necklace I had bought her for Christmas.

When she saw me, she stood.

Then lifted her glass.

PART 17

“The sponsor has arrived!”

Everyone laughed.

PART 18

Gertrude continued.

“My daughter-in-law makes very good money.”

“So nobody should hold back tonight.”

More laughter.

PART 19

I looked around the table.

Oysters.

Lobster.

Steak.

Imported sea bass.

Champagne.

Three bottles of wine I knew cost more than two hundred dollars each.