Chapter 2 - Chloe’s Thanksgiving Dream
Chloe Carter had spent her entire life wanting what Sarah had.
When they were children, Sarah received scholarships, awards, and praise from teachers. Chloe received expensive gifts from their parents whenever she complained that Sarah was being treated better.
Sarah studied engineering.
Chloe tried three college programs before leaving school to open an event-planning company with Ryan.
The business had failed twice, but George continued investing in it.
That year, Chloe wanted to host a Thanksgiving celebration that would impress several wealthy potential clients. She planned to transform the mansion into a holiday showpiece with professional decorations, catered food, photographers, and nearly sixty guests.
There was only one problem.
She wanted Sarah’s bedroom.
“It has the best balcony and natural light,” Chloe explained during breakfast. “Ryan and I need it as our private suite while we organize the event.”
Sarah looked up from her tea.
“My medical equipment is already in there.”
“You barely leave the room,” Chloe replied. “You could use the guest room.”
“The guest room is full of your decorations.”
Chloe exchanged a glance with Linda.
Linda sighed.
“Sarah, your sister is trying to rebuild her career.”
“And I’m trying to carry a baby while investigating my husband’s death.”
George lowered his newspaper.
“That sounds dramatic.”
Sarah stared at him.
“The military contacted me yesterday. There were irregularities in Daniel’s mission data.”
George’s expression changed, but not with concern.
“Does that delay the insurance payment?”
Sarah felt something cold settle in her chest.
“I don’t know.”
Chloe pushed her chair back.
“This is exactly what I mean. Everything has to be about Daniel, the baby, or your secret computer project.”
“It isn’t a secret project.”
“Then tell us what it is.”
“I can’t.”
Ryan leaned against the kitchen counter.
“Maybe there isn’t a project. Maybe she sits upstairs pretending to work so no one asks her to help.”
Sarah closed her eyes briefly.
She was tired of defending grief to people who treated it like laziness.
“I’ll move into the smaller room after Thanksgiving,” she said.
Chloe shook her head.
“I need the bedroom now.”
Linda reached across the table and touched Sarah’s wrist.
“Just for a few weeks.”
Sarah pulled her hand away.
“There are no available rooms.”
George folded his newspaper carefully.
“There is the garage.”
Everyone became quiet.
Sarah waited for someone to laugh.
No one did.
“You can’t be serious,” she said.
“It has electricity,” George replied. “We’ll put a bed in there.”
“It’s November.”
“We have a heater.”
Ryan smiled slightly.
“It might help you focus.”
Sarah looked from one face to another.
Her mother avoided her eyes.
May you like
Chloe lifted her coffee cup as though the matter had already been settled.
Sarah finally understood that the decision had been made before breakfast began.
