The seafood Colin sent became drinking snacks. The liquor went into Dad's stomach. And the man who gave the gifts became "tacky."
The doorbell rang. Carrie rushed to answer.
"Excuse me, is this Georgia Coleman's home? I'm Mr. Delgado's assistant, here to deliver the engagement banquet outfits and jewelry."
A staff member stood in the doorway, holding gift boxes.
Mom's eyes lit up instantly, and she rushed over to grab the gift box.
"Yes, yes, yes, come in!"
She tore into the packaging. Inside was a red, diamond-studded toasting dress and a heavy set of gold jewelry.
"Oh my God! This is way too beautiful!"
Caroline cried out, snatching the gold necklace to hold against herself.
"Mom, look! The workmanship, the weight!"
Mom was grinning so wide her face might split.
"Gorgeous! This is what real gold looks like!"
She slipped the bracelet directly onto Caroline's wrist.
"Carrie, this makes your skin look so fair. Perfect as a first-meeting gift!"
My head went boom. I rushed over and grabbed Mom's wrist.
"That's my engagement token! What are you doing?!"
Mom shoved me back.
"What are you yelling for? Your fiancé sent this to show respect to us!"
"Once it comes through this door, it belongs to the Colemans! I'm your mother—what's wrong with giving some to your sister?"
Caroline shielded the bracelet.
"Georgia, you're way too stingy. Colin has so much money—he'll buy you more later."
"So what if I want this one?"
The shove sent my lower back slamming into the table corner. I sucked in air through my teeth.
Three hundred thousand dollars on the floor, completely ignored. But three pieces of gold in my hands? Suddenly family property.
I took a deep breath.
"Everything Colin gives is registered."
"If I'm not wearing this set at the engagement banquet, he'll report it stolen."
"Mom, you don't want Caroline dragged to the police station the moment she gets back, do you?"
Mom's expression shifted. She yanked the bracelet off Caroline's wrist and threw it back in the box.
"Fine, take it! All you ever do is use outsiders to threaten me! Ungrateful brat!"
Caroline stomped her foot.
"Enough!"
Mom shot me a glare.
"It's just some crappy gold anyway. When you marry someone even richer later, you'll make her sick with envy!"
I took the gift box and went back to my room.
Mom's voice followed through the door.