My dad’s sixtieth birthday invitation said, “Black tie only—dress properly or don’t come.” Then Mom called and whispered, “Your sister’s boyfriend is a senator’s son. We can’t have you embarrassing us.”

“your sister’s boyfriend will be there.”

“Okay.”

“He’s Senator Wallace’s son,” she continued. “There will be important people attending. Your father doesn’t want any… awkwardness.”

I looked over at Emma.

“What awkwardness?”

Mom sighed.

“You know what I mean. You’re a single mother. You work at a diner. You don’t exactly fit the evening.”

My chest tightened.continue reading …