I paused.
The room was silent.
“When Melissa turned 16, our parents threw her a garden party with a live band and 200 guests. It cost about $12,000. When I turned 16, I got a card with $50.
“When Melissa graduated high school, she got a brand new BMW. I got a 12-year-old Honda Civic.
“When Melissa got engaged, our parents offered to pay for her entire wedding. $85,000. When I got engaged, they offered me $3,000 and told me to keep it small.”
My mother stood up.
“Amanda, stop this.”
I kept going.
“When I was 12, my mother told a room full of dinner guests that my nose was unfortunate, but fixable if I ever cared about myself.
“When I got promoted to senior marketing manager two months ago, my father hung up on me because he was busy with Melissa’s reception menu tasting.
“And two months ago, at her final dress fitting, Melissa told me I should try Botox because a little effort might help.”
