Theresa took the finest cut of meat, added a generous spoonful of the garlic shrimp, and set the loaded plate directly in front of Lauren.

“Eat up, sweetie,” she said.

“At least you know how to spoil this family.” Lauren beamed as though she had won a prize.

“Oh, Mom, you’re always so good to me.” And Aaron, her husband, burst out laughing.

“That’s because Lauren has class,” he said.

“Not everyone knows how to live well.”

I stayed silent.

And I looked at Daniel, and I waited.