She stood beside the cake, arms crossed, holding her phone and photographing it like a customer inspecting a car.
She didn’t offer a single compliment.
Then Grandma spoke, her voice quiet and hesitant.
“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 directly in her face.
“Oh, Grandma. Why should I pay? We’re family. Can’t you do this for free?”
Grandma blinked in disbelief.
“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 was when I stepped into the hallway.
“This isn’t right,” I said, sounding calmer than I felt. “You agreed to pay her. Out loud. In front of me, actually.”
Ashley rolled her eyes. “It’s a cake.”
“It’s days of hard work and the expense of buying the ingredients.”
“Please.”
She turned toward the men she’d brought to transport it, gestured at the tiers, and said, “Careful with the top.”
She didn’t even look back at Grandma.
Moments later, they were gone. The front door closed, leaving the house silent.
I wanted to drive straight to the venue and retrieve that cake myself. I already had my car keys.
“Please don’t,” Grandma said.
She sat at the kitchen table, hands folded, her eyes filled with tears. She looked utterly crushed.
“It’s Daniel’s wedding, sweetheart. I don’t want a scene. Not today.”
“She laughed at you, Grandma.”
“I know.”
Grandma gave a slight shrug, trying to minimize how deeply she’d been hurt.
“Maybe I should have… I don’t know. Asked for it in writing. It’s my fault.”
“It is absolutely not your fault.”
I sat opposite her and held her hand.
She’d begged me not to ruin Daniel’s wedding, but I couldn’t allow her to go without money for her medication.
“Where are the receipts?” I asked.
