The house was an absurd display of fake wealth. Massive floral arrangement spilled over marble columns and a live jazz quartet played on the sweeping back terrace. I took a deep breath smoothing the skirt of my simple black dress and knocked on the heavy oak door. I carried a $200 bottle of imported French wine, a peace offering to celebrate my sister Brittany marrying into the prominent Jefferson family.
My mother yanked the door open. There was no hug, no warm greeting, not even a simple hello. Her eyes immediately darted up and down my outfit, her mouth twisting into a familiar sneer of disappointment. You actually wore that? Brenda scoffed, keeping her voice low so the wealthy guests behind her would not hear.
I told you this was a black tie event, Caroline. You look like you are heading to a funeral or a shift at a diner. I forced a polite smile and held out the bottle. I brought this to celebrate Britney and Terrence. Congratulations, Mom. Brenda snatched the bottle from my hands, squinting at the label before rolling her eyes.
She practically shoved it back at my chest. Are you kidding me with this grocery store trash? We are serving the Jeffersons tonight. Do you really think I am going to serve them a cheap bottle from a government worker on a miserable salary? Hide this away before someone sees it and thinks we are destitute. I stepped inside, the loud chatter and clinking glasses of the party washing over me.
I looked around for my sister, hoping to at least offer my congratulations before retreating to a quiet corner. But Brenda grabbed my forearm, her manicured nails digging painfully into my skin. She pulled me away from the grand foyer and dragged me down a narrow hallway toward the catering kitchen.
‘Where are we going?’ I asked, trying to pull my arm free. I just got here. I have not even seen Britney yet. You are not going out there to mingle. Brenda hissed, pushing me through the swinging kitchen doors. The catering company sent two servers home sick today. We are severely understaffed.
The Jeffersons are used to perfection, and I will not let your lazy presence ruin your sister’s chance at a billionaire lifestyle. She reached onto a stainless steel prep counter, grabbed a stained white catering apron, and shoved it against my chest. Put this on,’ Brenda commanded. ‘You are going to collect the dirty appetizer plates and wash them in the sink.
