Queen of Diamonds

Chapter 26

Chapter 26

"Whoa. This menu is pretty pricey," Kara mused, head down eyes bulging at the leather-bound options.

"Don't look at the prices sweetheart," my mother soothed. "This is my treat for my girls," she smiled warmly around the table at each of us.

"Thank you, Mama Moneybags," Blanche said under her breath beckoning over a waiter to quench her thirst.

"Do you and your mom always eat at places like this?" Kara whispered to me behind the menu.

"Sometimes," I answered her with a tight smile.

"Wow. Looks like you're the original richie of our group, huh," Kara snickered.

But I didn't really find it quite as amusing. It made me think back to when we went to our first richie party and the valet assumed I was a regular. I didn't like being labeled. Labeled as a privileged wealth snob that has everything handed to her. Especially now by my best friend who should know me better than that. My parents came from nothing and worked hard to create the life they did for themselves. To belittle their self-earned success to generational wealth insults what they've killed themselves to build. Almost quite literally.

It actually almost made me have a tiny bit of compassion towards Ruby who was born into a life she detested and clawed her way to separate herself from. Well, almost.

"Excuse me, can we get a round of orange juice and a bottle of champagne please?" Gram requested to the dapper waiter.

"Absolutely, ma'am," he replied with a small bow. "A special occasion?" he asked to generate friendly conversation.

"Oh, yes," she beamed. "My beautiful daughter here," she gestured placing her hand on my mother's arm affectionately, "is tying the noose!"

"I-I beg your pardon?" the waiter asked in uncomfortable uncertainty.

"You know, tying the knot?" she explained. "Noose, knot. Tomato, Tomato," she playfully waved as if they were both the same thing. "They're both bound to kill you anyway,' she added muttering to herself. My grandmother, always the fiancé never the bride.

"Anyway," she went on to the waiter with over-the-top expressions and volume. "We are just so excited for Everleigh here. Man after man, loser after loser, frog after frog. She has just waited so long to find her Prince Charming," Gram went on thickening her story of lies to this poor man and everyone in ear shot. "I honestly thought it would never happen. And her Prince Charming is still a bit of a frog. Not a real looker," she whispered for just the waiter to hear, using all here Blanche theatrics now. "But here we are, my little petunia's getting married," she smiled adoring her artificially engaged daughter. "Today's a celebration but tomorrow you will have to start that diet," she grimaced between my mom and the waiter as my mom finally let out a sigh at Gram's antics playing into the tall tale.

"Make that bottle a big one, would you?" Mom said painfully leaning into the waiter. He gave her a pitiful sharp head nod back feeling her pain.

"A round of orange juice and a bottle of champagne coming right up," he replied, eager to scurry off away from Gram. As soon as he left Kara burst with excitement.

"Oh my gosh, Mrs. Lennings, you're engaged!" Kara sang in surprise. "I mean Everleigh, I guess I can't call you Mrs. Lennings anymore, now you're going to be a new Mrs. something. And you don't need to go on any diet you look great," she went on ranting in true Kara fashion. "Why didn't you tell me?" she turned to me with a kicked puppy dog face.