“How dare you? Get rid of that! Now!”
“Oh, don’t be modest, Karen! It suits you perfectly. Very professional.”
I turned to my daughter.
“Come on, sweetheart. Let’s take our baking somewhere it’s actually appreciated.”
Lily started gathering her trays. Even Madison got up to help, looking thoroughly embarrassed.
Karen was still sputtering as we packed the last box.
“Enjoy your new position!” I called over my shoulder.
Then Lily and I walked away, leaving the proud head chef with exactly what she’d wanted.
The entire table to herself.
We had barely taken three steps when Karen called after us.
“Don’t worry about our table! Madison brought plenty of her own homemade treats!”
“Mom,” Madison muttered, “you don’t have to announce it to everyone.”
I looked more closely at the treats Madison was unpacking. Then I looked at Karen, who was proudly showing off another tray.
