“You never show up for this family,” she had said on Thursday. “Madison only turns twenty-five once.”
So I showed up.
And after being humiliated in front of them, I made one simple call.
“Victor,” I had said from my car, “I’m sorry about tonight. I need to be honest. I canceled our dinner because my family demanded help with an event. They’ve now left me responsible for cooking and cleaning for fifty people, and I’m walking away before I lose my temper.”
Victor was quiet for a moment.
Then he said, “Emily, aren’t your parents Harold and Patricia Carter?”
“Yes.”
“And your father owns Carter & Sons Renovation?”
My stomach tightened. “Yes.”
Another pause.
“Interesting,” he said. “I’m currently five minutes from their address. Your father invited me to Madison’s party to discuss the MedSupply buildout.”