part 2
PART 2
The dinner had been Genevieve’s idea.
At least, that was what Benjamin told himself.
It made him feel less guilty.
The event was supposed to be a private celebration at the Alder Room, the most expensive dining room in the city.
Forty guests.
A custom tasting menu.
Champagne older than Benjamin’s marriage.
Flowers imported from Paris because Genevieve said local roses made things look “provincial.”
Officially, it was Benjamin and Genevieve’s anniversary dinner.
Unofficially, it was a performance.
Investors were coming.
Club friends were coming.
Genevieve’s social circle was coming.
The mayor’s wife had confirmed.
Vivian paid the deposit without being asked.
She paid because Benjamin said cash flow was tight for one week.
She paid because Genevieve said the dinner would help Benjamin’s business reputation.
She paid because she had spent forty-six years teaching her son that mothers solve problems quietly.
The morning of the dinner, Vivian had her hair done.
She wore the pearl earrings her late husband gave her on their thirtieth anniversary.
She wrapped the navy silk shawl Benjamin once bought her with her own money and called it his Christmas gift.
Then Genevieve called.
Her voice was sweet.
That was never good.
“Vivian, we’ve had a tiny seating issue.”
Vivian looked at her reflection in the mirror.
“What kind of issue?”
“Well, the table layout changed.”
“I see.”
“And honestly, the energy tonight is younger.”
Vivian said nothing.
Genevieve continued.
“We just don’t want you to feel uncomfortable.”
Vivian’s hand moved to the pearls.
“Are you saying I should not come?”
Genevieve laughed lightly.
“Don’t make it sound cruel.”
Benjamin took the phone.
“Mom, it’s just one dinner.”
Vivian closed her eyes.
“One I paid for.”
There was a pause.
Then Benjamin said, “Please don’t be dramatic.”
Vivian opened her eyes.
In the mirror, she saw herself clearly.
Seventy-seven.
Elegant.
Tired.
Not dramatic.
Just finally done.
She removed the pearls.
Placed them back in the velvet box.
Then called Clara Bennett at the bank.
“Clara,” she said.
“I want a complete list of every recurring authorization connected to Benjamin, Genevieve, or their household.”
Clara hesitated.
“All of them?”
Vivian looked at the empty chair beside her dressing table.
The chair her husband used to sit in.
“Yes.”
May you like
“All of them.”
Read the full story 👉 Being uninvited from the dinner made Vivian ask one question: how much of Benjamin’s life was she still paying for?
