Then I felt foolish.
I’d spent days trying to imagine the thoughts of strangers.
That had become its own form of humiliation.
I carried the box inside.
Helen was coordinating a flower delivery.
“Marilyn!”
She looked pleased to see me.
Then confused.
“Are you here for the ceremony?”
“Not exactly.”
I explained that I needed a gift delivered to Lauren.
“Could you give this to her before she leaves?”
Helen looked at the velvet box.
“Of course.”