I added that I didn’t want party games or speeches. Being the center of attention already made me uncomfortable, especially while pregnant.
She assured me she understood.
Two weeks later, I discovered she’d invited nearly forty guests, most of whom I didn’t recognize. She’d changed the restaurant, ordered elaborate decorations, and planned several activities I had specifically asked her to leave out.
I looked over the guest list.
“Diane, I don’t even know most of these people.”
She barely glanced at me.
“They’re my friends, Mel. Everyone is thrilled for me.”
For me.
I noticed those words.
But I told myself she was simply excited.
Whenever I questioned another detail, Diane gave me the same reassuring smile.
“Trust me. You’ll appreciate everything once you see it.”
Levi noticed that I was becoming increasingly uncomfortable.
One evening, while we were cleaning the kitchen together, he stopped drying a plate and looked at me.
