Tina had already ordered for them, as usual, and a glass of chardonnay guarded the empty place setting. Cara sat down and kissed the glass hello before even acknowledging the other woman. When she finally did, it was preceded by an overt sigh that drew looks from the next table.

“Oh, please, quit the dramatics. Is it done?”

“Is what done?”

“Don’t be cute with me, lady. Did you mail the announcements?”

“No, I dumped them in New York Harbor. They’re passing the Statue of Liberty as we speak.”

Tina’s eyes were like two hot coals as they bore through Cara who couldn’t suppress a shudder.

“I did it,” Cara said. “He’ll know I was put up to it. You can’t fool Father, Tina. He knows I despise your machinations and I refuse to do anything further. I’ll host the event, nothing more.”

“Stop calling me Tina. I’m your mother and you will do what I say. It’s for the good of the family.”

“It’s for the good of your boyfriend, Tina; you’re not fooling either of us.”

Cara drained her glass, glaring.