Chapter 2 - Guests Who Never Lifted a Finger
By the first evening, Lauren understood what the next few days would be like.
Patricia wanted fresh coffee each morning, even though she knew how to use the machine. Melissa left dishes wherever she finished eating. Both women complained when dinner was later than expected.
Lauren tried to remain patient.
She prepared the guest rooms, washed extra towels, bought Patricia’s preferred tea, and cleared a shelf in the bathroom for Melissa’s cosmetics.
No one thanked her.
Instead, Patricia walked through the house as if inspecting an employee’s work.
“The living room needs dusting.”
“You should fold the towels differently.”
“Ethan likes his shirts ironed.”
Lauren had been married to Ethan for five years. She knew how he liked his shirts, and more importantly, Ethan usually ironed them himself.
Patricia spoke as if Lauren had stolen a position that rightfully belonged to her.
Melissa was less subtle.
On the second morning, she placed an empty cereal bowl beside Lauren while Lauren was feeding Noah.
“Can you wash this when you’re done?”
“The dishwasher is right behind you,” Lauren replied.
Melissa stared at her.
“You’re already cleaning.”
Lauren wanted to refuse, but Noah threw his spoon onto the floor and began crying. She picked it up, cleaned his hands, and carried the bowl to the sink without another word.
Patricia smiled as if Lauren had finally remembered her place.
That evening, Ethan called from his hotel.
“How is everything?”
Lauren looked across the room. Patricia was watching television with the volume too high. Melissa had fallen asleep beneath Lauren’s favorite blanket.
“It’s busy,” Lauren said.
“Are Mom and Melissa helping?”
Before Lauren could answer, Patricia called loudly, “Tell him we’re taking excellent care of you.”
Ethan laughed.
Lauren forced a smile he could not see.
“They’re here,” she said.
May you like
It was not a lie.
But being present and being helpful were not the same thing.
