I wanted one unguarded look at the household my son was preparing to join.
Vanessa gave it to me before lunch was served.
The young server placed his tray on the grass and walked toward me with a folded white napkin.
“Ma’am,” he said, “are you hurt? Let me help you up.”
Vanessa spun toward him.
“If you touch her, you’ll be gone before dessert.”
The boy froze with his hand extended.
He could not have been more than twenty.
His uniform was slightly too large at the shoulders, and one cuff had been mended with thread that did not quite match.
I reached up and squeezed his fingers once.
“It’s all right, sweetheart,” I said. “Today, everyone is showing exactly who they are.”
Vanessa threw back her head and laughed.
“Now she’s giving us a sermon.”
The lawn went strangely still.
One guest lowered his phone.
