Victoria stood near the head of the table in a cranberry-red sweater, graciously accepting compliments.
« Oh, you’re too kind, » she told one guest. « We wanted to make this year special. »
I felt my jaw tighten.
As I walked past an elaborate champagne display, my shoulder caught its edge.
Several glasses tipped.
The next second, crystal shattered against the hardwood floor.
The room went silent.
Daniel rushed over.
« Mark! What happened? »
I barely heard him.
I was looking at Victoria.
« Why is my thirteen-year-old son eating Christmas dinner in your garage? »
Her expression hardened.
« Excuse me? »
« He’s out there with a turkey sandwich while everybody else is eating in here. »
Several people looked toward the garage entrance.
I continued.
« And I’d like to know who knew about it. »
Victoria crossed her arms.
« Mark, please don’t make this into some huge situation. »
« Then explain it. »
« I was simply trying to keep the dining room pleasant. »
