Then She Said the Wrong Thing
Patricia looked toward Rachel.
“Your father isn’t actually going to know where the chair is.”
Silence.
Even Patricia seemed to realize how bad it sounded once the words were out.
Rachel’s face changed.
Emma stepped forward.
“Wow.”
Patricia immediately said:
“That is not what I meant.”
Rachel replied quietly:
“Then tell me what you meant.”
“I mean this is for the living people attending your wedding.”
Rachel looked at the framed photograph on the table.
“And I’m one of them.”
Patricia had no answer.
Ethan Put the Chair Back Himself
He took the chair from Rachel.
For a second, Patricia looked relieved.
Then Ethan carried it back to the front row.
He picked up the photograph.
Placed it on the seat.
Straightened the small reserved sign.
And said:
“It stays.”
His mother stared at him.
“You’re choosing this over making your guests comfortable?”
Ethan looked at her.
“No.”
Then he said:
“I’m choosing not to change my bride’s wedding behind her back.”
Patricia looked hurt.
Rachel almost felt guilty.
Almost.
