Said Story

“You’re not welcome here,” Mom texted. “Christmas is for successful children.”

I didn’t reply. Next morning, my fiancé’s company acquisition made national news.

Now my phone won’t stop ringing. The text arrived while I was helping James pick out his tie for tomorrow’s board meeting. Nothing special, just his standard under-the-radar Brooks Brothers in navy.

The man worth $4.2 billion dressed like a mid-level accountant, which was exactly how he wanted it. Mom, about Christmas dinner, we think it’s better if you skip this year. Christmas is for successful children.

Your sister just made partner at Goldman, and your brother’s new beach house is being featured in Architectural Digest. We don’t want them to feel uncomfortable with your situation. I showed James the message.

He paused in his tie selection, reading it twice. “Your situation?” he asked quietly. “You mean your job as chief strategy officer at my company?”