Instantly.
A fork hit a plate somewhere behind me.
Lauren did not move.
I thought I must have heard wrong.
“Vivian.”
She turned.
“What?”
I was holding Sophie, whose hands were still coated in dried frosting.
“You did not just say that.”
“Oh, James.”
She laughed.
“Relax.”
Lauren still held the apron.
Her face had gone completely blank.
Paige spoke.
“Mom.”
Vivian looked around.
“What? God, everyone is so sensitive.”
“You just called your daughter a freeloader at her child’s birthday.”
“I did not use that word.”
“You didn’t need
