?


    Abbey''s cheeks were flushed with determination, her voice a rapid-fire blend of frustration and charm as sheid out her predicament to Joie. "Look, I can take a hit, and getting embarrassed is the least of my worries. But when those rtives start asking why we live in such a nice neighborhood but don''t even have a washing machine, what am I supposed to say? That we''re broke because my parents helped us with the house and we''ve got nothing left? That his folks didn''t chip in at all?"


    "And after they''ve had their fill and leave, they''ll spread stories far and wide. Not that it bothers me or Henry much-we hardly ever visit. But, Grandma, I can''t stand the thought of you losing face over this."


    "Of course, if you think it''s no big deal, then by all means, I''d love to have our rtives over. I do love a good gathering!"


    Abbey finished with a beaming smile, waiting for Joie to weigh in, though internally she was seething.


    "Are you kidding me?


    We''ve just moved into our new ce, and I''ve barely had a chance to enjoy it. Why would I let those country bumpkins crash here?


    Only a fool would agree!"


    Joie''s eyes twinkled with a hint of understanding.


    "Since you''ve just moved in and haven''t got everything set up yet, let''s not bother. I mean, I can''t have my birthday guests without even a washing machine to use, right?"


    "Exactly," Abbey sighed, her smile barely concealing her relief. "If only our parents could help us out a bit more, we wouldn''t be in such a tight spot... Oh, but don''t take it the wrong way, I''m talking about my own folks, not you."


    Joie was silent, now having something to ponder, though she made nomitment to Abbey''s hint at financial support.


    Abbey internally rolled her eyes. Such a penny-pincher!


    But she had to admit, Joie knew how to y her cards right.


    Throughout this, Maddox, the head of the family remained silent, engrossed in his thoughts. He was usually too busy for such family matters, and if not for ast-minute change in his schedule, he''d be at the office right now.


    His wife, Raven, tried to defuse the situation. "Actually, we could make room for a few people here..."


    But Joie was firm. "I''ve already said no. It''s not happening at Abbey''s ce."


    Raven quickly retreated with a polite smile.


    Maddox stood, making his stance known. "Enough arguing. We''ll book some hotel rooms for them during the event. It''s easier and more convenient." Abbey quickly agreed, "Maddox always thinks things through. That''s a great idea!"


    "A hotel?" Joie frowned, concerned about the expense.


    Maddox sighed, "Mom, I''ll cover the cost. Don''t worry about it."


    "That''s not right! Your father and I depend on you for a lot, and you''re already footing the bill for the event We didn''t just raise you alone! And since when do we make our guests stay at a hotel? That''s not how you treat people. What will they say back in our hometown? I''m too old to be disgraced like this!"


    Uncle Irving couldn''t hold back, "Now, Mom, I don''t like where this is going."


    Sure, Maddox was paying for the event, but the gifts they''d receive would bnce it out. Their friends and colleagues wereing too


    eventually. Who was really


    and they''d have to rec


    benefiting here?


    Joie was adamant, "I won''t have our guests staying anywhere but our home. It''s about maintaining respect. Otherwise, who knows what stories will spread back home? I won''t stand for it!"


    Abbey, quick on her feet, chimed in, "Well, maybe there''s another way..."Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    All eyes turned to her, eager for a solution.