The empty plate in front of me wasn’t a mistake. My mother-in-law set it down with such a cold smile that I understood immediately dinner had never really been about food.
The dining room smelled of garlic butter and roasted crab. Across from me, my sister-in-law Vanessa cracked open an enormous king crab leg while my mother-in-law, Diane, hovered nearby like a proud hostess.
“Only the premium Alaskan kind for Vanessa,” Diane said loudly. “She appreciates quality.”
Then she placed an empty white plate in front of me.
I stared at it. “Did you forget mine?”
Diane laughed.
My husband, Mark, suddenly found his wineglass fascinating.
“Oh, honey,” Diane said. “We didn’t forget.”
Vanessa smirked.
Diane folded her hands. “Our funds for you are exhausted.”
The table fell silent.
