Chapter 6 - The Pop-Up Success
The pop-up dinner series, June’s Table, launched in September. It was a five-course experience, limited to twelve guests per night, and tickets sold out within hours of the announcement.
I helped June with the logistics, the marketing, and the table settings. We didn't invite my mother, of course, but the buzz reached her anyway. She had to sit in her empty house, listening to her acquaintances rave about the "young prodigy" who was "redefining modern American cuisine" in the old bookstore district.
The irony wasn't lost on anyone.
During the third week of the series, we had a VIP guest: the local food critic who had once praised Bellweather. He arrived with his wife, clearly expecting to be entertained by a novelty act.
He left having written a full-page review: “There is a maturity to the palate of this young chef that is rarely seen, even in the top-tier establishments. While others rely on trend, she relies on soul. It is a rare, authentic experience.”
That night, June cried. But they were good tears.
"I’m doing it, Mom," she said, exhausted but happy as we cleaned up the kitchen.
"You’re doing it," I agreed.
Just then, my phone rang. It was an unknown number. I hesitated, then picked up.
"Claire?" It was a lawyer’s office. "I am representing your mother in a matter regarding her housing."
I stiffened. "Is she being evicted?"
"She is in arrears on her property taxes, and her primary residence is being flagged for foreclosure. She claims that the money for these taxes was 'embezzled' by her family, and she’s looking to file a suit against you to recover assets."
I laughed. It was a cold, bitter sound. "Tell her that all transactions were documented, and the credit card records are public knowledge. If she wants to see me in court, I’ll be happy to provide the judge with the records of the thousands she 'borrowed' and never returned over the last decade."
The lawyer paused. "I see. I will relay that to my client."
I hung up.
May you like
"What was that about?" June asked.
"Just a ghost," I said. "A ghost trying to haunt a house we don't live in anymore."
