During my daughter’s baby shower, I walked in to find her on her hands and knees scrubbing spilled wine off the rug.

scrubbing red wine from an ivory rug.

Above her sat Patricia Vale.

My daughter’s mother-in-law wore diamonds before noon and cruelty like a second skin. She lounged comfortably on the sofa opening gifts meant for Emily’s baby while slicing ribbons apart with one perfectly manicured nail.

“Oh, don’t worry, dear,” Patricia said loudly. “Crawling around continue reading …