She nodded. “Yeah. I just . . . I’ve never been to a funeral. Or memorial. Or whatever this is.”
“That’s understandable. I’m sorry your mom couldn’t be with you for this. Is she at work?” I asked. Winnie worked way too much, and I wished she had taken off an hour or so to be here with her daughter. Katie really seemed to be struggling now that she was here.
“I bet she’s too busy working and mourning Oskar Weinman,” Mary Ann Randall said as she joined our group.
Katie blanched and tears sprang to her eyes as she held back a sob. Before I could tell off Mary Ann, she continued sticking her foot in her mouth by turning to Beth and saying, “You must be relieved that the case is over now.”
The statement itself was fine, but she must’ve also heard something amiss in Mary Ann’s tone because Beth narrowed her eyes at the momtestant. “I must be? Why?”
“Well, because your husband’s killer was caught. Why else? It’s just so convenient, though, don’t you think? Because it means now you can move on.” Mary Ann raised her eyebrows. “Unless you don’t think Oskar was the killer. That would really be something, wouldn’t it? Though it seems you’ve found someone to protect you should that be true. Good of you, managing to move on despite the very recent tragedy.”
Beth had just looped her arm through Jae’s when Mary Ann made that comment. Jae stiffened and tried to move away, but Beth had an iron grip on him. “While I don’t like your tone or the implication, of course I’m happy Rob’s killer has been brought to justice, and I don’t appreciate you trying to spread rumors or fear. I may not have lost a husband in the romantic sense you all seem to go on about, but I did lose my life partner. Because that’s what he was to me.”
As much as I loved seeing Mary Ann get put in her place, I knew this was directed at me as well. It’s like she could hear the inner monologue that constantly ran through my mind when I saw her and Jae together. I shouldn’t have been judging anyone’s sorrow and yet I’d been doing that since I met Beth. Being petty was one thing, poking at someone’s pain was another. Before I could say anything （though honestly, what could I say that wasn’t me trying to make myself feel better?）， Sana and Valerie came to join us.
“So this is where the party is,” Valerie said, taking in the large group of us and either not noticing or hoping to alleviate the tension. “Beth, I just wanted to say you did a fabulous job. Company issues aside, you’ve done right by my brother and I want to thank you for that.”
For possibly the first and only time in her life, Beth was speechless. It might’ve been because she’d been drinking from a flute of champagne when Valerie complimented her, and she was now too busy coughing up the most expensive champagne Shady Palms Beer & Liquor carried. We all looked away and gave her a moment, knowing she wouldn’t want us seeing her do something as undignified as choke on a drink, though Mary Ann did let out a snide laugh.
Jae discreetly handed her a napkin, which she used to dab at her mouth. Despite being painted a lovely shade of coral, her lips managed to stay perfectly done and not a bit of color was transferred to the white napkin. Impressive. Beth found so many ways to show she was not to be trifled with and somehow this was what made the biggest impact on me.
After she regained her composure, Beth said, “Thank you, Valerie. I know the two of you had a complicated relationship, but I also know how important you were to each other. He respected you. I can’t think of a higher compliment when it comes to Rob.”
Valerie sipped at her glass and cleared her throat several times as if to say something, but she didn’t. Sana stepped in to say, “I can’t wait for the big event. I have to say, the girls really surprised me. Never realized how hardworking and ambitious their generation is. I’m looking forward to seeing the culmination of everyone’s hard work.”
“Honestly? Same. The moms are just as ba—um, just as I remembered, but working with these girls is really inspiring. I love how they’re not afraid to ask for what they deserve. That they feel like they can just go for it.” I smiled at Joy and Katie, who blushed at the praise. “So thanks for insisting that I be one of the judges, Valerie. This experience has been . . . invaluable.” I smiled at Valerie, who was still speechless after Beth’s compliment.
“Yes, but who do you think is going to bring home the crown?” Mary Ann asked, leaning forward so she was literally the center of our attention.