The Argument Moved to the Bar

Ten minutes later, Susan approached Natalie.

Emily wasn’t there.

Daniel was speaking with relatives.

Susan said:

“If you have something to say about me, say it to my face.”

Natalie replied:

“Okay. The dress was disrespectful.”

Susan rolled her eyes.

“Your sister doesn’t care.”

“She cares. She’s trying not to ruin her own wedding.”

Susan laughed.

“You young women are obsessed with this ridiculous white-dress rule.”

Natalie answered:

“Then why did Emily specifically ask you not to?”

Susan didn’t respond.

Natalie continued:

“You could have worn literally any other color.”

Susan stepped closer.

“You need to stay out of my relationship with my son.”

Natalie looked at her.

“This isn’t about your son.”

Susan answered:

“Everything today is apparently about Emily.”

That sentence was the tipping point.

Natalie Picked Up the Wine Glass

There was a half-full glass of red wine on the bar.

Natalie picked it up.

The bartender immediately realized something was wrong.

“Ma’am—”

Susan looked at the glass.

“Don’t you dare.”

Natalie paused.

For one moment, she had the chance to put it back down.

She didn’t.

She tipped the glass forward.

Red wine splashed across the lower front of Susan’s ivory dress.

The entire section of the reception went silent.

Susan looked down.

Then up.

“Are you insane?”

Natalie placed the empty glass on the bar.

“Now nobody will mistake you for the bride.”