Chapter 9 - THE NEW TRADITION
We sat around my long mahogany dining table for four hours.
We ate roast chicken, fresh salad, and warm sourdough bread smeared with Mom’s strawberry jam. We drank good wine and laughed—real, genuine laughter that didn't come at anyone else's expense.
Daniel told funny stories about his early days in the sub-basement division at Vance & Stern, laughing at his own past arrogance. Vanessa shared hilarious tales from the StyleHub retail floor, describing how she had accidentally redirected a high-profile fashion influencer to the bargain rack.
My father sat at the head of the table, quiet and content, simply watching his daughters talk to each other like best friends.
"Audrey," Mom said softly during dessert, leaning across the table. "I want to apologize to you. Properly."
The table went quiet.
Mom looked down at her hands, her voice sincere. "I spent my whole life trying to build a 'perfect' family for the neighbors to admire. I thought success was about addresses, galas, and titles. I was so caught up in my own insecurity that I didn't see the brilliant, kind, extraordinary woman you were becoming. I am so proud of you, Audrey. Not because you own resorts... but because you are brave enough to be yourself."
I smiled across the table at my mother, feeling a profound sense of peace settle over my shoulders.
"Thank you, Mom," I said softly. "That means everything."
As the evening wrapped up and everyone began gathering their coats near the elevator, my father pulled me aside near the window overlooking the glowing Golden Gate Bridge.
"Audrey," Dad said, pulling a small silver key from his pocket. "What is this?"
I looked at the key. "That's the key to the beach house at Seaside Springs."
Dad blinked, confused. "Why are you giving this to me?"
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"Because," I smiled, wrapping his fingers around the key. "Next Easter, we aren't going to the public terrace. We're staying at the private owner's villa on the cliff. And this time, Dad... you're doing the grilling."
Dad laughed—a big, joyful sound that echoed through the penthouse. "I'd love that, Audrey. I'd love that more than anything."
