Renee, quiet in the corner.

Bianca and her mother Colette, arriving cheerful and unsuspecting, expecting to talk through wedding logistics.

And then, at my request, the front door opened and Samantha walked in, and my mother could not lift her eyes to meet her.

Bianca recovered first, putting on a brave face.

“Elliot, I don’t understand why she’s here.

The invitations are supposed to go out this week.”