Chapter 2

02

In March, my mom called to say the wedding date was set for May twentieth.

"Your brother is getting married. You need to give him a big cash gift."

I said fine and promised ten thousand dollars. Mom called me her good, sweet daughter.

A week before the wedding, I took time off and flew back to Michigan.

I got home at three in the afternoon. The door was unlocked, and the living room was full of people.

Mom, Dad, my aunt, my uncle, and Lila were all there. There were also a few faces I didn't recognize.

The coffee table was covered in snacks, and the atmosphere was as festive as Christmas. I stood at the door with my suitcase and called out to my mom.

Mom glanced at me briefly. "Selah, you're back? Go get yourself some water."

Then she turned right back to Lila's mother to discuss the floral arrangements.

My dad sat in the corner of the sofa, nodding at me without saying a word.

I carried my suitcase into my room―or what used to be my room. It was now overflowing with wedding supplies.

White floral centerpieces, gift bags, and stacks of linens were everywhere. My bed had been dismantled and leaned against the wall.

There was only a thin sleeping bag on the floor for me.

I set my suitcase down and went to the kitchen for water. While I was drinking, I heard Lila's voice from the living room.

"Selah makes so much money in the city. Why is she only giving ten thousand? My best friend's sister-in-law gave twenty."

Mom's voice followed immediately. "Ten thousand is plenty. Besides, Selah paid for the whole house."

Her tone wasn't defensive. She was just stating a fact.

She sounded like she was discussing the price of a used car.

I set my glass down, the water unfinished.

That night, we had a big family dinner. The table was covered in Lila's favorite foods.

Mom pushed a plate of salad toward me. "Selah, try this. Lila's mom brought the dressing from their hometown."

I chewed it slowly. It tasted like nothing.

Halfway through the meal, Hudson raised his glass. "Selah, the wedding is next Saturday. Make sure you show up early to help out."

I nodded.

Then he took a big gulp of beer and spoke like he was giving orders to an intern. "Also, don't talk too much at the wedding. Lila's family is very high-class. I don't want you making us look cheap."

I froze. Don't talk too much? I paid for this entire wedding, and I was being told to stay quiet?

Mom chimed in from the side. "He's right. You're usually pretty quiet anyway. Just don't steal the bride's spotlight."

Dad said nothing. He never said anything.

I lowered my head and took a bite of potatoes. They felt like sand in my throat.