Mr. Calloway advised me to hire my own attorney because the bank couldn’t resolve a disputed court record. Before leaving, I made sure no joint account would be opened and that all trust correspondence came directly to me. Then I drove home carrying the divorce papers. Brandon was entertaining colleagues on our patio. Dolores spotted me and loudly announced that everyone had been waiting for dinner. Before I could respond, she pushed a stack of dirty plates into my hands. She told the guests I worked myself exhausted at the warehouse and was lucky Brandon could provide such a beautiful home. She even reminded me to handle the plates carefully because they weren’t dishwasher safe.

Brandon heard every word. He simply smiled and returned to his conversation, allowing his mother to humiliate me in front of his colleagues. I carefully placed the silverware on the serving table, then walked to the outdoor trash can. I lifted its lid and dropped every plate inside. The crash silenced the entire patio. Dolores stared at me, demanding to know what I was doing. I set down my bag, picked up the red wine, poured myself a glass, and turned toward Brandon’s colleagues. Then I raised my glass and suggested a toast to Brandon finally taking responsibility for the bills I had been paying, beginning with his Porsche.