“You’re not usually this calm before one of Mom’s things. You’re usually pacing.”
I zipped the bag.
“I just needed clarity. I have it now.”
He watched me for a moment.
“Sam. Should I be worried?”
I considered it.
“No. But you should probably be really present.”
Mason nodded slowly. He clearly didn’t understand, and I didn’t explain.
Tomorrow, Lori would host her perfect family gathering.
And I would bring the folder.
The living room was full when I stood up at dessert.
Cheryl sat rigidly. Lori beamed from the head of the table.
“Lori, thank you for hosting us,” I said. “I’ve been carrying something heavy, and I’d like the family’s help to understand it.”
I opened the folder and read a few of Lori’s messages about me.
Not all of them.
Just enough.
The room went silent.
“There’s one more,” I said. “Cheryl asked Lori months ago to stop inviting her to these events because she’s engaged.”
Then I read Lori’s reply claiming Mason was miserable and needed Cheryl around.
Cheryl’s face turned red.
She stood, pulled the thin band from under her cuff, and slid it back onto her finger where everyone could see it.
“It’s true,” she said quietly. “I’m so sorry, Samantha. Lori kept telling me he was suffering. I only came because I believed her.”
Every head turned toward Lori.
“Mom,” Mason said. His voice was low, but it didn’t waver. “You were really trying to cause a rift between my wife and me?”
“Baby, you don’t understand. I know what’s be—”
Mason cut her off.
“I’m so sorry, Samantha.”
Then he looked at his mother.
“I’m not your baby, and you don’t get to invent a rival to keep control of me. Samantha deserves an apology bigger than tonight, and so do I.”
Lori’s face hardened.
“You’re ambushing this family,” she snapped at me.
“I spoke up so we can all stop pretending,” I said. “I hope one day you understand the difference between protecting your son and controlling him.”
Harriet had a twinkle in her eye.
NEXT PAGE
