I shot a heated glare at Gloria, clenching my fists.
Gloria, however, seemed completely unbothered. “What’s this about? Why are you standing? Are you trying to threaten me? Listen up, this is my place, and everyone here is a Cooper! Whatever Emily feels like eating, you’re the one who has to make it.
“That’s how things work around here. And what about your parents? What’s the big deal if I mention them? I was just speaking the truth, wasn’t I?”
I was so furious that I was gasping for air.
Wayne gently touched my arm and said, “Mel, babe, hold back a little and talk less.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “Talk less? Are you deaf, Wayne? After all this time, you still don’t get who needs to talk less, huh?”
“That’s enough!” Wayne barked.
I froze in place.
“That’s my mom. She’s the one who raised me! So what if she says a thing or two? You’ve already cooked a bunch, so what’s one more dish for Emily? You’re her sister-in-law now. Why make a big deal out of it? You’ve never been like this!”
His words hit me like a slap, leaving me in shock. I couldn’t fathom how the person who once treated me with respect and love could change so suddenly.
I yanked my hand away from his, knocking the plates before me. They crashed to the floor, shattering into a thousand pieces.
Michael, who had been quiet until now, finally spoke up. “Is this the woman you picked, Wayne? Getting worked up over something this small? How could you marry someone like her? Back in the day, someone like her wouldn’t even have been let near the Coopers!”
He pointed a finger at me and angrily hurled his wineglass to the floor. It shattered, sending shards flying and cutting my hand. Tears rolled down my face.
It suddenly dawned on me that Mom’s words were wrong. Some people just didn’t deserve any kindness.
Wayne saw the blood on my hand and hesitated for a second.
