Chapter 7 - A Wedding Built on Credit
The last guest had barely reached the doorway when Vanessa said, "Yes. Eventually."
Marcus stood with his back to the tall windows. The light edged his navy tuxedo in gold. "Eventually is what people say when they want the benefits of the truth without the consequences."
"You don't understand the pressure."
"Then help me understand."
She gestured toward the flowers. "Every invitation came with expectations. Your coworkers, my friends, relatives we barely know. People were going to talk if we served cheap food in a plain room."
"People are talking now."
"Because you made a scene."
He stared at her. "You threw my mother's jacket at her feet."
Vanessa's cheeks burned. "I know what I did. You don't have to repeat it."
"I repeat it because you keep calling the consequences my fault."
For an instant, she looked young, not polished or cruel, only overwhelmed. They had met on a rainy Thursday when she made him laugh in a coffee line. She used to tell the truth so quickly it startled him. Somewhere between choosing an engagement ring and choosing napkins, her honesty had become negotiable.
"I thought if I gave us a beautiful start, everything after it would be easier," she said.
"A start is not a stage set. It's what we do when something goes wrong."
"I was scared you'd think I couldn't manage money."
"I would have helped you make a plan. I might have been angry. But we'd still be standing on the same side."
Vanessa glanced at Evelyn. "She told you I was trouble from the beginning."
Evelyn shook her head. "I told Marcus I wanted to know you better. That's different."
"You never liked me."
"I brought you soup when you were sick. I helped you choose your dress. I wanted you to be happy."
The plain truth made Vanessa flinch harder than any accusation.
May you like
Marcus loosened his bow tie. "I need to know whether there's anything else."
Vanessa said no. Then Evelyn took a folded envelope from her purse. "There is," she said quietly. "And this part is mine to explain."
