Chapter 3 - Shutting It Down
Vanessa shrieked. “What? You can’t do that! The Saint Jude board members are sitting right there!”
“Watch me,” I replied coldly.
I turned back to Maria. “As the sole cardholder who authorized the booking fee, I am terminating the rental agreement right now. Package up every single item paid for under the original $2,500 contract—the cupcakes, the kid favors, the balloon arch—and put them in boxes for me. Shut down the carving station. And package Jonah’s musical cake for Mrs. Miller to take out to the parking lot immediately.”
“Claire, you can’t be serious!” Ben yelled, his face turning an alarming shade of crimson. “Jonah worked for three years for this scholarship! If you embarrass his guests, they might revoke the offer!”
“Then you should have paid for your nephew’s luncheon with your own money, Ben,” I said.
I turned toward the Saint Jude representatives, who were already whispering among themselves, casting nervous glances toward the exit.
“Excuse me, ladies and gentlemen!” I called out to the lanyards. “I apologize for the inconvenience, but this party is over. The man who invited you used his daughter’s birthday funds without my knowledge, and the venue is closing our tab. Please feel free to take your coats.”
The older gentleman wearing the director’s badge stood up immediately, visibly mortified. “We had no idea. We were told this was a private conservatory luncheon hosted by the family.”
“It was supposed to be!” Vanessa cried, running toward them. “Dr. Sterling, please! Don't leave! My brother and I will cover everything—we’ll move to a restaurant down the street!”
Dr. Sterling shook his head stiffly. “Mrs. Miller, this is entirely unprofessional. We will contact you next week regarding the scholarship status.” He and his colleagues walked out briskly, leaving Vanessa standing in the middle of the room, trembling with rage.
She turned on me, her eyes wild. “You ruined his life! You vindictive, jealous bitch! You’ve always hated that Jonah has real talent while Lily is just... ordinary!”
Before Ben could speak, Mrs. Patterson stepped directly in front of Vanessa. “Don’t you dare speak about that sweet little girl like that. What you people did today is sickening. Every parent in this room is disgusted.”
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The other mothers nodded in fierce agreement, gathering their daughters' coats and gift bags. Within five minutes, the room cleared of guests. Only the balloons, the half-eaten trays, and the shattered remnants of my marriage remained.
***
