Before I could finish, she slipped the bottle into her bag, like it was no big deal.
I tried to give her the benefit of the doubt. Maybe I’d misunderstood. But then she caught me watching her and immediately got defensive.
“Oh, come on, Elaine! Don’t get the wrong idea,” she said, her eyes darting around. “I just thought the scent was nice and wanted to show it to my daughter. She can buy one for me later. I wasn’t planning to take yours!”
I forced a tight smile, trying to ease the tension. “I understand, Cindy. Feel free to look around. If there’s anything else you like, just let me know.”
Her expression darkened. “What’s that supposed to mean? Are you being sarcastic? I told you—I was just looking. Don’t be so stingy. It’s just this perfume I like. Hand it over.”
“But—” I tried to explain.
“No buts!” she snapped. “You said David bought it for you. That means I want this one!”
Right then, David walked in, holding a plucked chicken.
“What’s going on here?” he asked, looking between us.
Cindy wasted no time. Hands on her hips, she launched into her story. “David, you married a real piece of work! I barely touched her bag, and she accused me of stealing. Then she acted all high and imposing like she was doing me a favor. And when I said I liked the perfume, she wouldn’t even give it to me! She looks down on me because I’m from the countryside!”
I opened my mouth to defend myself, but David cut me off.
“Elaine, just give it to her if she likes it. It’s not a big deal.”
I stared at him in disbelief. “But it’s the perfume you gave me for our anniversary—”
“It’s the New Year,” he said, his tone patronizing. “Family harmony is what matters most. You can always buy another one. Cindy has done so much for me over the years. I can’t let people think I’m ungrateful.”
My stomach churned as I stared at the plucked chicken in his hands. The sight of it made me nauseous, and I bolted to the side, throwing up.
Cindy jumped back, disgusted. “What’s your problem? City folks are so delicate. Forget about eating this chicken now.”
After she left with my perfume, David came over, patting my back like nothing had happened.
“Honey, don’t take it personally. She’s family. Just tolerate her a little, okay? Thanks for being so understanding. I’ll make you some chicken soup to cheer you up.”
As he rambled on, something clicked.