email thread with the linen rental company, the one that delivered tablecloths and chair covers so everything looked elegant.
I sent a simple message.
“Plans changed. Please cancel. Thank you.”
Finally, I called Grandma.
She answered on the second ring.
“Liv, are you excited for Christmas at your mother’s?” she asked, already sounding breathless with anticipation.
My throat tightened, but I didn’t show it.
“Actually, Grandma, Mom told me she’s really overwhelmed this year,” I said carefully. “She’s scaling things way back. But I didn’t want you to be stuck
