Chapter 5 - GRANT ASKED THE QUESTION EMILY HATED
Grant came to Emily’s apartment that night.
No champagne.
No joking.
He placed a spreadsheet on her table.
“What is this?”
“Our wedding.”
Emily looked.
Venue balance.
Catering.
Flowers.
Music.
Photography.
Dress.
Transportation.
Hotel blocks.
Welcome dinner.
Honeymoon.
The total remaining exposure was nearly $438,000.
Emily stared.
“We already paid deposits.”
“Your dad paid deposits.”
“So?”
Grant sat down.
“So what happens if he pays nothing else?”
Emily crossed her arms.
“Charles will.”
Grant looked at her.
“Can he?”
That question felt like betrayal.
“Of course he can.”
“His card declined.”
“Temporary.”
“Emily.”
She turned away.
Grant’s voice softened.
“Do you actually know what Charles owns?”
She spun back.
“What is this?”
“It’s me asking whether we planned a wedding based on money neither of us has.”
“I have money.”
“How much?”
She stared.
Grant continued.
“Not what your dad gives you. Not what Charles says you’ll have. Your money.”
The answer humiliated her.
Her salary covered ordinary life.
Barely, with her spending.
Her investment account held less than she had spent on flowers.
The condo down payment came from Thomas.
Her car came from Thomas.
The black card came from Thomas.
Emily sat down slowly.
May you like
Grant did not gloat.
That made it worse.
