"I'm not going to make a scene in front of your guests, no matter how much you want me to. I apologize for my difficult daughter, Rohan, but it was nice to see you again." She turned away. "Now I need to speak with the caterers."
"For fuck's sake, Mom, I'm not being difficult. You're being a bitch."
She flinched like I'd slapped her. "I'm sorry you feel that way." She strode off, holding a hand up to Ari, who'd arrived.
I muttered a curse, curling in on myself.
"You want to go after her?" Rohan said.
"No point right now," Ari said.
I spread my arms wide. "Lay it on me, bro. I'm a horrible daughter."
Ari nudged my foot. "No, you're not. It's been a long time coming. Take her home?" he asked.
Rohan nodded.
"Happy birthday, Nee," Ari said, over his shoulder, already heading back into the fray. "There's no one I'd rather share it with. Even if your sense of timing sucks."
***