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

I looked down at my suitcase. At the dress inside it, carefully folded.

At the Chanel perfume I couldn’t afford. At the hope I’d packed like it was something that could survive baggage handling. “Don’t,” I said.

“What?”

“Don’t call Brad. Don’t fix it. I’m not coming to your house.”

“Mom, don’t be like this.

It was an honest mistake.”

“Was it?”

“Yes. God, you’re being so dramatic.”

I laughed then—not a happy sound. “I’m being dramatic.”

“Look, I have to go.

We’re at a tasting. Just go to the house. I’ll call Brad.

He’ll figure it out.”

“Enjoy your wine, Jessica.”

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