“We’ve decided to spend Christmas with my family this year, Joanne,” Renee announced. “So there’s no need for you to come over.”
I froze in the middle of the aisle, holding two packages of fresh thyme.
“But Adam invited me weeks ago.”
“He knows we’ve changed the plans,” she replied curtly. “We’ve already talked about it.”
I waited for her to explain. Perhaps there was a misunderstanding. Perhaps she would suggest another time to celebrate.
Instead, the conversation ended with a brief goodbye.
I stood there for several seconds before quietly wishing her a Merry Christmas and hanging up.
What Renee didn’t know was that I had recently sold my late husband’s beloved collection and received $31,000.
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