Winifred sat playing rock-paper-scissors with Murphy, seemingly oblivious to what was happening across from them.
But inside, she was acutely aware of his every move.
She saw him accept the drink from Teresa, saw the small smile as he thanked her, and heard every word they exchanged.
Teresa is a good match for him, Winifred thought bitterly.
The Holmes family was prestigious, much like the union of Yetta and Wright, which had been hailed as a perfect match between a princess and a prince, a true power couple.
And what were she and Yvan? Prince Charming and Cinderella? The prince's charity project?
Monica watched, growing anxious. Was Yvan trying to make Winifred jealous? He wasn't usually so friendly with the youngest Holmes girl.
But what if this tactic backfired? What if it just drove Winifred away?
Here she was, on her seventieth birthday, still worrying about her son's love life. It was exhausting.
Just then, the emcee approached with a smile. "Mrs. Brown, it's time. Shall we head to the stage for the cake?"
Yvan, Yetta, and the others all stood up.
Yetta took Monica's arm. "Mom, let's go."
"Alright," Monica said cheerfully, then turned to Winifred. "Winifred, you come up with us."
"Mrs. Brown, I don't think that's appropriate," Winifred demurred.
The people on stage were all family or very close relatives. What would it look like for an outsider like her to be up there?



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