Chapter 10 - The Christmas Invitation
Three weeks after Thanksgiving, a heavy, cream-colored envelope arrived in Joan’s mailbox.
Inside was a formal Christmas Eve dinner invitation printed in gold foil. Attached was a handwritten card from Brittany.
Dear Joan,We would love for you to join us for Christmas Eve dinner at 6:00 PM. We are holding a full family reconciliation gathering. Please come. We will have a special seat reserved just for you.Love, Brittany.
Joan held the card up to the window light, studying the tight, nervous penmanship. She knew exactly what this was. Brittany was desperate to repair her social standing before the holiday country club gala, and having Joan sit at her table—smiling and eating off fine porcelain—was the only way to silence the neighborhood rumors.
Joan walked over to her desk, picked up her fountain pen, and pulled out a simple note card.
She wrote back three polite sentences:
Dear Brittany,Thank you for the thoughtful invitation. However, I have already made plans to host Christmas Eve dinner at my house this year for Emily and a few close friends. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday.Warmly, Joan.
May you like
Joan sealed the envelope, slipped on her winter coat, and walked down the snowy driveway to drop it in the mailbox.
The game was no longer being played on Brittany’s terms.
