Chapter 3

My phone rings. It's Mom.

I answer. "Hi."

"Claire, are you two done yet?"

Her voice is cheerful.

"I've been cooking since six. Tell Ethan not to eat anything before you get home."

She keeps talking. "I made the glazed ribs you like and roast chicken for Ethan. No rosemary."

I close my eyes for a second.

She remembers every tiny thing Ethan likes because I taught her to.

For three years, I loved Ethan so much that my mother started walking on eggshells around him too.

If Ethan didn't like something, she changed it. If he canceled dinner, she said it was fine. If I complained, she reminded me not to pressure him.

All because she thought keeping him happy would make my life easier.

"Mom."

"Yes?"

"We're not done yet."

She pauses. "Did something happen?"

"It's just the appointment."

"Don't wait for us to eat," I say.

"Oh, that's okay."

"I mean it."

"I can keep everything warm."

In the background, I hear the microwave beep. She's already reheating the food.

Again.

Before I can answer, Ethan walks over and takes the phone from my hand.

"Mrs. Bennett, it's Ethan."

I stare at him.

Mom immediately sounds relieved. "Ethan! Is everything okay?"

"Claire's upset about something minor."

"We probably won't make it for lunch."

"That's completely fine," my mother says quickly. "Don't worry about me."

She hesitates.

"Are your friends with you? I can make more food and send some over."

Ethan's expression shifts with impatience. "No, that's not necessary."

He ends the call before she finishes.

Tyler laughs from behind him. "Mrs. Bennett really wants this wedding to happen."

I turn toward him.

He keeps going. "She's working harder for Ethan than Claire is."

A few people laugh.

Megan looks uncomfortable. "Tyler, stop."

He shrugs. "What? I'm just saying."

Then he looks at me.

"Your mom practically acts like she's trying to sell you into the Parker family."

Everything in me snaps.

I stand and slap him.

The sound cuts through the waiting area.

Tyler stumbles back. "What the hell?"

"Say one more thing about my mother."

I step toward him.

"Just one."

His face turns red. "You're insane."

"And if you keep filming me, I'll report you for taking videos without my consent."

Ethan grabs Tyler and pulls him back, then turns on me.

"Claire, have you completely lost it?"

I stare at him. "He insulted my mother."

"It was a joke."

"There it is again."

His expression hardens. "You're threatening to report my friend over a few stupid comments?"

He takes a breath, then reaches toward my collar and smooths it down like he always does when he wants me to calm down.

"Enough. Don't tell your mother about the canceled appointment. She'll only worry."

Every time his friends hurt me, Ethan's solution is the same: hide it, calm me down, and make sure no one else has to apologize.

I step away from him.

"You always protect everyone except me."

His hand drops. "What does that mean?"

"It means when they hurt me, I'm supposed to forgive them. When they disrespect my mother, I'm supposed to keep quiet. When you cancel our marriage appointment, I'm supposed to smile and reschedule."

"Claire—"

My phone lights up.

A message from Mom.

She sends me a photo of the dining table. Everything is covered to keep it warm.

Underneath it, she writes:

Take your time. I'll wait.

I stare at the message, then type back:

Don't worry. I'll be home for lunch.

I pause before adding one more line.

And I'll bring your son-in-law with me.

I hit send.

Ethan sees the message over my shoulder.

His expression changes. "What does that mean?"

I lock my phone.

"It means exactly what it says."

For once, he doesn't laugh.