“So I wanted you to leave tonight with something that reminded you that wherever you go, you belong there.”
Mia burst into tears.
Claire pulled her into an awkward hug over the armrest.
The ballroom applauded again.
But this time the applause was softer.
Warmer.
Donna stared at the second bouquet.
“You had two?”
Claire stood.
“I did.”
“So this whole thing didn’t even matter?”
Claire turned toward her.
“To you?”
Her expression hardened.
“It apparently mattered enough to bully a ten-year-old.”
Donna’s face went pale.
My mother finally stood.
“Donna, you should apologize.”
Donna spun around.
“You too?”
“Especially me.”
There was something weary in my mother’s voice.
Donna stared at her.
Mom walked forward slowly.
She had spent most of the evening trying to keep the peace.
That had always been her habit.
When Donna and I fought as children, Mom would say we were both tired.
