Eric stared at me as if I’d just spoken another language.
“What did you just say?”
“You heard me.”
The waiter glanced nervously between us.
“Ma’am… would you like me to process that now?”
“Yes, please.”
He walked away before anyone could stop him.
Eric laughed, but it sounded forced.
“Claire, quit joking.”
“I’m not.”
Mom leaned forward.
“This isn’t the time for one of your little statements.”
“It’s actually the perfect time.”
Dad slowly put down his fork.
“Claire…”
“No, Dad. Please let me finish.”
I reached into my purse and pulled out a small folder.
“I’ve been carrying this for two weeks because I knew tonight might finally be the night I needed it.”
Eric frowned.
“What is that?”
“Statements from the family account.”
His face tightened immediately.
“I requested copies from the bank since my name is the primary account holder.”
Mom’s eyes widened.
“You went behind our backs?”
“No, Mom. I reviewed my own account.”
I opened the folder.
“Over the last three years I’ve deposited just over $94,000.”
The room became painfully quiet.
“Eric has contributed…”
I glanced at the page.
“Zero dollars.”
My brother folded his arms.
“I’ve contributed in other ways.”
“Really?”
I flipped another page.
“The account paid for your anniversary trip to Napa.”
His wife stopped smiling.
“It paid for your new patio furniture.”
Eric looked away.
“It paid your daughter’s dance competition fees.”
No one spoke.
“It even paid for tonight’s reservation deposit.”
Dad slowly looked at Eric.
“Is that true?”
Eric shrugged.
“We’re family.”
I nodded.
“Exactly. That’s what you always say when it’s my money.”
Mom tried to interrupt.
“Claire, you’re embarrassing everyone.”
“No, Mom.”
I looked directly at her.
“I’m ending the embarrassment.”
I held up another statement.
“Do you remember telling me the account needed another five thousand because of unexpected medical bills?”
She swallowed.
“Yes.”
“The hospital confirmed every bill had already been paid by insurance.”
Her face went pale.
“So where did the money go?”
She didn’t answer.
“It paid for your kitchen remodel.”
Several relatives exchanged shocked looks.
One of my cousins quietly asked, “Wait… seriously?”
Dad looked at Mom.
“Eleanor…”
