Chapter 10: Her Guest

Ansley's mother had set the table for twenty.

It was the sixth memorial dinner, and her dining room was full of aunts, cousins, and men from the foundation's board.

A framed photograph of Ansley stood at the head of the table with a candle burning in front of it.

My aunt had driven down to sit with Sam, so he was safe.

I was not.

I had told Vaughn I would not come.

He had said, "Then I'll stay home too."

So I came, in a navy dress with my back straight, and I sat at his left hand.

Kendra sat across from us, in cream, with her ring on her finger.

She had greeted me at the door with a hug.

She had said, "I'm so glad. Mother is nervous, but she'll come around."

Ansley's mother did not look at me through the soup.

She did not look at me through the fish.

She waited until the plates were cleared and the whole table was listening.

"Vaughn," she said, "I understand there is a child."

The room went quiet.

"There is," he said.

"I understand she says it is yours."

"The tests say it is mine."

"The tests." She folded her napkin.

"A woman walks into a gala and demands bone marrow, and we are meant to be grateful."

"I have worked every year since," I said.

"You were fired for cause."

"I was fired because you sat on a board."

An older man at the end of the table coughed into his hand.

Kendra leaned forward and put her fingers on her mother's arm.

"Mother, please. She's been through a terrible time."

"I've heard what she's been through," said her mother.

"I've also heard she has a payment arranged."

I stared at her.

"I have never asked anyone here for a dollar."

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