Plans

“We can have that lovely orchestra that Josie and Walter used at their daughter’s coming out party, what are they called? The Moonlight Waltz, or something or other. Oh, and when you officially propose at the engagement party, we can do it outside so we can use firecrackers, just like they did at that wedding we attended in France. It’ll be wonderful.”

Meg’s fork was poised over her salmon, but her eyes were glued to Charlie’s across the table from her, neither of them even blinking.

“Mother, I really don’t think all of that is necessary. At all,” Charlie began, not losing hold of Meg’s eyes.

“Please, Charlie. My only son will only be getting engaged once,” Pamela insisted.

Meg cleared her throat but said nothing, and rather than taking a bite she moved some of her carrots around on her plate so that it might appear as if she were eating.

“Honestly, Mother, I appreciate t