‘It’s Just A Meeting, My Son Said When I Didn’t Receive An Invitation To His Big Engagement Party. So I Transferred Back The $25k From The Honeymoon Fund And Updated The Flights I Had Arranged For Them.

“I know you,” I said quietly.

“And Vanessa.”

“Mom, it’s just a reunion. Nothing important.”

The dismissal stung, but I swallowed my hurt. “Well, if you’re sure… I’d still like to celebrate with you both sometime soon.”

“Maybe a dinner next week.”

“Sure, we’ll figure something out.”

His tone brightened with relief at my apparent acceptance.

“Listen, I’ve got to go. Vanessa and I are meeting with the venue coordinator.”

After we hung up, I sat at my kitchen island, staring at the calendar where I had optimistically blocked off Saturday evening for James’s engagement celebration. Beside it, in my neat handwriting, was a reminder to pick up the gift I’d specially ordered.

A pair of vintage crystal champagne flutes that had taken me months to source from an estate sale specialist. I was contemplating whether to return them when my phone chimed with a text from Lisa, my assistant at Wellington Events. Diana, quick question.

Did you see Caroline Williams’ Instagram story? She’s asking if we can recommend a good hair stylist for James’ engagement party on Saturday. Said she’s never been to an event at the Pearson Club before and wants to make the right impression.

My heart sank. Caroline Williams was the daughter of clients I’d worked with for years. I’d planned her sweet sixteen.

Her college graduation party. Most recently, her brother’s wedding. And apparently she had been invited to my son’s engagement celebration.

With trembling fingers, I opened Instagram and navigated to Caroline’s profile. There it was in her stories. A flat-lay photo of the invitation I had been waiting for.

Continue reading…