Speaking of his boss, Mark remarked, “I don’t understand why Steven would want younger people with basically no experience to come in and take over.”Our way of life was being crushed under the weight. To make ends meet, we had no choice except to reduce everything. Mark was taking on any odd jobs he could find while I worked two part-time jobs.He was recently learning more about the job when he worked with a mechanic. We would spend our evenings scrutinizing bank statements and bills in an attempt to maximize our spending. “Emma, I’m so sorry,” my husband said to me. “We’ll manage to overcome this. I swear to you. I’m still making every effort to return to the banking sector.”I squeezed his hand and said, “I know,” to him. “I know that we just need a lucky break, and we’ll get it soon.” Though the weight of it all was unrelenting and always bearing down on us, I still believed what I was saying. It had to get significantly worse before it could possibly get any better.Jessica said, “Hello Emily,” over the phone, her voice slurring. I answered the phone and immediately regretted it. “Hi Jess,” I said.“Don’t forget about the potluck this weekend,” she stated. However, I’m going to be talking about luxury foods. I’ll send out a message asking for everything you can bring.If Jessica’s remark to the family group chat confirmed how much I didn’t want to go, then I was already dreading the potluck. Hello family Recall that the potluck’s theme is luxury. Among the items you can contribute are the following: Exotic chocolates, gourmet cheeses, and fine wines. You are free to select the nation of your choice at this time.Jessica shocked me beyond belief. Her husband was as rich as they came, so it was easy for her to dictate to everyone. Thus, money held no value for her.Mark said, “I know you want to skip the entire event,” after I read him the list. But you must not overlook this. At the end of the day, it’s for my father, right?” I gave a nod. I would have skipped dinner altogether if it had been any other night, but this one was really significant. My father-in-law was celebrating his retirement, and I knew it meant the world to Mark. “I can’t afford to skip my shift at the mechanic,” he stated. I have no option but to leave. Thus, you must speak on our behalf here.” “No, I know,” I replied in agreement. “It’s just that your sister makes everything so difficult.” My spouse rubbed his forehead and sighed.“I don’t know how we can afford to get anything on the list Jessica sent,” I responded. “We’ll work things out. We always do,” Mark remarked as he took a seat to eat. He put down his fork and said, “Actually, love, you know what?” “Create something. Prepare a dish or a takeout item. How Jess can be upset because you took over what she made at home is beyond me.” “That seems like a good idea,” I grinned.I created a handmade casserole that was really hearty. With a few modifications, I created my own version of the dish using the ancient recipe my grandma had shared. On the day of the potluck, Mark commented, “It’s delicious and always a hit with me,” as he prepared for his shift. My side of the family always enjoyed this meal, so I thought that would be sufficient. With my casserole in hand, I went to Jessica’s house, hoping she wouldn’t cause a scene. She looked at my food with contempt as soon as I entered the kitchen.“Emily, what’s this?” she questioned, furrowing her nose. I said, “It’s a family recipe.” “I thought that it would be nice to bring something homemade among all the things you wanted.” “At home? For heaven’s sake, Emily, this is a potluck, not a soup kitchen. When everyone else is bringing treats, why do you choose to arrive with this? As you may know, Gretchen is bringing three varieties of caviare. How come you would decide to make such a fool of yourself?” She enquired. She groaned and swept a dismissive hand over my meal.I could feel the wrath and embarrassment rising on my cheeks.
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