“I forgot.”
“I didn’t.”
She gestured toward the swimsuit.
“You said I should stop hiding under those oversized shirts because I deserved to enjoy myself.”
Vanessa said nothing.
Her mother continued.
“So which version of you am I supposed to believe?”
That landed harder than any insult could have.
The relatives around us weren’t laughing now.
This wasn’t about getting even.
Vanessa had been caught applying one standard to her own mother and another to me.
Daniel shook his head.
“Vanessa, you owe Mom an apology.”
“I know.”
She looked at me.
“I’m sorry.”
I waited.
She seemed surprised that two words hadn’t ended the matter.
“For what?” I asked.
Vanessa glanced around.
“For hurting your feelings.”
“No.”
Her eyes narrowed slightly.
“What do you mean, no?”
“That’s what people say when they want the injured person to carry half the blame. My feelings weren’t the problem.”
Her mother nodded.
Daniel remained silent.
Vanessa looked uncomfortable.
I continued.
“You told me my aging body was something other people shouldn’t have to see. Then, when I covered myself, you acted as though it had been my choice.”
Her expression softened.
“You’re right.”
I hadn’t expected that.
She took a breath.
“I’m sorry I shamed you. There was nothing wrong with your swimsuit or your body.”
Emily smiled.
I didn’t.
Not yet.
Vanessa turned toward the relatives who had overheard us.
“And I’m sorry I said it in front of everyone.”
Her mother crossed her arms.
“Better.”
Vanessa gave her a look.
“Please don’t grade my apology.”
“I’ve been your mother for 49 years. I’ve earned grading privileges.”
That broke the tension.
Even I laughed.
Then Emily grabbed my hand.
“Can we swim now?”
I looked toward the pool.
For the first time all afternoon, I didn’t think about my stomach, the loose skin on my arms, or whether someone might see the veins in my legs.
I thought about my granddaughter waiting for me.
“Absolutely.”
I dropped the towel onto a chair.
Emily cheered.
As we approached the pool, Vanessa’s mother hurried after us.
“Wait for me.”
Emily looked over her shoulder.
“Are you sure? You’re older than Grandma.”
Her grandmother gasped theatrically.
“I beg your pardon?”
Emily pointed at Vanessa.
“I’m checking the rules.”
Laughter erupted across the patio.
Vanessa covered her face.
“Apparently, I’m never surviving this.”
Daniel smiled.
“You created the rules.”
“I know.”
Her mother stepped beside me.
