She told me that my appearance was embarrassing and that I had ruined the atmosphere at Sadie’s last birthday party. Her mother added that my simple dress and grocery store cake had made a terrible impression on their wealthy guests.
Kimberly suggested that it would be better if I kept my distance from their public events and social gatherings. She wanted to make sure that no one found out Justin came from a working class background.
I told them that I only had love to offer but Kimberly laughed and said that love did not pay for private schools. She claimed that love did not open doors in high society or earn a seat at the right table.
The waiter brought the bill and Justin paid nearly eight hundred dollars for a meal that I did not even taste. He muttered that the price was reasonable for five people even though I was only given water.
They all stood up to leave and Justin told me to hurry because they had to drop off Kimberly’s parents. I told them I needed to use the restroom first and they agreed to meet me outside the building.
I did not go to the bathroom and instead walked down the familiar hallway that led directly into the kitchen. I had walked this path hundreds of times over the last decade because I was the secret owner of this business.
I had built this empire from scratch with my savings and no one in my family knew the extent of my wealth. My manager Frank saw me and approached quickly with a look of concern on his face.
He told me he had seen me at the table without any food and asked if something was wrong with the service. I told him that everything was perfect because I had finally gained clarity about my son’s true character.
I asked Frank to come out to the dining room in a few minutes and address me by my formal title in front of my guests. He agreed with a look of satisfaction because he knew I had a good reason for the request.
I walked back into the dining room and found my family standing near the exit with the valet waiting. Justin told me that the evening had been educational while Kimberly told me to remember my place.
I invited them back inside for a moment and stood by the table we had just occupied. Justin claimed that I was embarrassing them while Kimberly accused me of trying to play the victim.
I asked them how they would feel if they had been treated with such cruelty for the past two hours. Kimberly’s mother said that the truth was often painful and that Justin had simply surpassed his humble origins.
I asked them if they truly liked the quality of the restaurant and the service they had received. Kimberly confirmed that it was the best in the city and asked why I was interested in her opinion.
