"It's all arranged! I specifically had my mom buy top-grade fish maw and fresh seafood..."
"I didn't buy it." My voice was calm. "I sent you the grocery list this morning. You forgot? The $500 you gave me wasn't nearly enough."
The atmosphere in the car turned to stone. Patrick scrambled to smooth things over.
"It's fine! Dad, Mom, you don't visit often. We'll book a table at Riverside Tower for New Year's Eve dinner. There's still time!"
Riverside Tower. One of the top three restaurants in River City.
I hadn't set foot in such a place in seven years.
Jade's face lengthened, but she couldn't flare up in front of her in-laws. She let her husband call and book a private room, which required an extra $2,000 rush fee.
The car pulled up to the restaurant. As the waiters guided us to a private room on the second floor, Jade grabbed my arm, hanging back.
"Mom," she whispered resentfully, "if you hadn't suddenly quit today, would we be here wasting money like suckers? You're paying for this meal. Consider it an apology for your immature behavior."