Grandma lived on a modest pension, but she bought the supplies herself and spent three days baking and decorating.
When I visited, sugar flowers covered the kitchen table.
She rubbed her aching wrist, then held up a delicate rose for me to admire.
“It’s beautiful,” I told her.
She smiled and went straight back to work.
She spent three days baking and decorating.
I stayed overnight so I could drive her to the wedding outside the city. Ashley was coming for the cake in the morning.
***
I woke up to the smell of coffee and the sound of voices in the front hall.
Ashley had arrived.
She stood by the cake like a customer at a dealership, arms folded, phone out, taking photos. Not one word about how it looked.
Ashley was coming for the cake in the morning.
Then I heard Grandma’s voice. Small. Careful.
“Honey, could you pay for the cake now? I spent quite a bit on the ingredients, and I’m embarrassed to say this, but I need to buy my medication soon. Every dollar matters.”
Ashley laughed right in Grandma’s face.
“Oh, Grandma. Why should I pay? We’re family. Can’t you do this for free?”
Grandma blinked.
Ashley laughed right in Grandma’s face.
“I don’t mind doing things for you, dear. I just didn’t expect to pay for this one myself. Every dollar of my pension is already budgeted. I’m sorry.”
“Stop acting poor,” Ashley said. “I’m not paying. I already have enough expenses.”
That’s when I walked out.
“This isn’t right,” I said, and my voice came out calmer than I felt. “You agreed to pay her. Out loud. In front of me, actually.”
“Stop acting poor,”
Ashley rolled her eyes. “It’s a cake.”
“It’s days of hard work and the expense of buying the ingredients.”
“Please.” She turned to the men she’d brought to carry it, pointed at the tiers, and said, “Careful with the top.”
