Page 62 of Dial A for Aunties

Maureen sucks in a breathy gasp. “Thank you—”

“Okay, that’s just crazy talk.” Tom lets go of Jacqueline’s hand and does this totally humorless laugh. “I mean, I know she’s your friend or whatever, but shestolefrom us.”

“And our friendship is over because of it. But we’ve found the gifts now, and I just want to move past it, put it behind us.”

Tom snorts, an ugly sound. “Okay, babe, I don’t think you’re thinking straight right now. Maybe you’re all confused ’cause it’s the wedding day, but this is a serious crime.”

“We found the gifts! What more do you want?” Jacqueline snaps.

“Well, you know what? I hate to say this, but the gifts were mostly from my relatives, so I think I get to decide what happens to the thief who tried to steal them.”

“What?” The word comes out poisonous. I’m pretty sure no one in the room is breathing, and honestly, wow. Tom Cruise Sutopo, going even lower than the very low bar I set for him.

He must have felt the tide turning against him, because he sputters, hesitates before he decides to push on. “I just mean—ugh, Pa, help me out here. Talk some sense into her!”

Mr. Sutopo takes a few steps forward and places a hand on his son’s arm. “Come on, son. I think it’s best to let it go.”

“Yes,” Mrs. Sutopo says, “like we always tell you, whenever possible, choose to be generous. So be generous now.” She turns to Nathan and says, “Thank you, the matter is done. We won’t be pressing charges.”

Nathan nods, ignoring the wail of complaint from Tom.

“Thank you, Jackie,” Maureen sobs. “I’m so sorry—”

“I want you to leave,” Jacqueline says, still in that very calm voice. “I don’t want to see you ever again. Is that okay?” she asks Nathan. “Is there a yacht available?”

“I’ll make arrangements.” Nathan nods at one of the guards, who escorts Maureen, still weeping, out of the room. “I’m sorry for all the trouble. Is there anything else I can do for you?”

Jacqueline shakes her head, and we all leave the room, deep in our own troubled thoughts.

25

Outside, Jacqueline’s mom checks her watch and says, “Oh my god, it’s almost time for the ceremony.”

“But what about the family portraits?” Mr. Sutopo says.

“No time. We can do them after the ceremony, maybe?” Mrs. Sutopo gives me a questioning glance, and I nod.

“Yeah, definitely, we can squeeze them in then,” I say in the most reassuring tone of voice I can manage.

“I just got a storm warning headed our way,” Mr. Sutopo says, looking at his phone. “I hope it doesn’t hit us during the ceremony. That’ll be a bit of bad luck, eh?”

“It’ll be fine,” Nathan says, quickly. “We’ve got the ballroom set up in case it starts to rain.”

“Good. Okay, we need to go and touch up your makeup for the ceremony,” Jacqueline’s mom says. “Meddelin, can you call your auntie and ask her to meet us at the bridal suite?”

“Sure.” I take out my phone and dial Second Aunt’s numberwhile everybody else rushes off to prep for the ceremony. Why’s she taking so long to pick up?

Noise floods through the receiver. “Hallo? Meddy?” Second Aunt’s practically shouting.

“Second Aunt? Where are you?”

“Aduh, Meddy. Got a bit problem.”

Oh no. My chest tightens, and my free hand clenches into a fist. No, whatever it is, please don’t let it be too, too bad. I’ve just handled one crisis, can’t I have a break? It’s a struggle to keep my voice level. “What is it?”

“Ummm. Well, you see. Well. Hard to explain whose fault, you know? Because nobody telling anybody what anybody do, so then everybody doing everything.”

“Second Aunt, you’re killing me. Please just tell me what’s happened.”

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