‘It’s Just A Meeting, My Son Said When I Didn’t Receive An Invitation To His Big Engagement Party. So I Transferred Back The $25k From The Honeymoon Fund And Updated The Flights I Had Arranged For Them.

“And this morning, Margaret Pearson called demanding to speak with you about this unconscionable situation.

What’s happening?”

I took a deep breath, formulating a response that felt both true and appropriate. “There’s been a misunderstanding about some personal arrangements I had considered making for James and Vanessa.”

“I’ve decided to reconsider those plans, and apparently that’s caused some consternation.”

“Does this have anything to do with the engagement party?” Lisa asked carefully. “Caroline Williams mentioned you weren’t there, which seemed strange since she was invited.”

The direct question deserved a direct answer.

“Yes, it does. I wasn’t invited to the celebration.”

“What?”

Lisa’s shock confirmed what I already knew. My exclusion was both deliberate and unexpected.

“But that’s… that’s unbelievable. You’re his mother.”

“Yes,” I agreed simply. “I am.

And now I’m also a woman reassessing some decisions.”

“Lisa, I’ll be in Aspen for the week. You have authority to handle anything urgent at the office.”

“For truly exceptional situations, you can reach me by email, but I’d prefer to maintain some distance right now.”

After finishing the call, I scrolled through my contacts until I found James’s number. My finger hovered over it briefly before I composed a text instead.

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