“It’s beautiful,” I told her.
She smiled, then immediately returned to decorating.
I stayed overnight so I could drive her to the wedding venue outside town. Ashley was scheduled to collect the cake the following morning.
I woke to the smell of coffee and voices coming from the front hallway.
Ashley had arrived.
She stood beside the cake, arms crossed, holding her phone and photographing it like a customer inspecting a car.
She didn’t offer a single compliment.
Then Grandma spoke, her voice quiet and hesitant.
“Honey, could you pay for the cake now? I spent quite a bit on the ingredients, and I’m embarrassed to say this, but I need to buy my medication soon. Every dollar matters.”
Ashley laughed directly in her face.
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