She Said: “Mom, You’re Turning 70. We Want To Celebrate You.” I Booked The Flight. Landed At LAX. THEN I REALIZED…

Pause. “I… yeah, but this was planned months ago, before we talked about your party.

I didn’t realize.”

“When are you back?”

“Uh, Monday. Late Monday.”

“And Brad?”

“He’s home with the kids. But Mom, this is just a misunderstanding.

You can stay at the house. Brad’s there. The kids would love to see you.”

I felt something inside me—something I’d been carrying for years—shift.

“Did you tell Brad I was coming?”

Longer pause. “I… I thought I did.”

“Jessica.”

“Okay. No.

I forgot. But it’s fine. I’ll call him right now.

He’ll pick you up.”

“You forgot to tell your husband that your mother was flying across two states for a party you promised to throw.”

“Mom, I’m sorry. I messed up. But it’s fixable.

Just wait there. I’ll call Brad.”

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