The first message hit my phone at 8:07 that morning.

“WE’RE ALREADY ON THE WAY! Mom says you better have the champagne chilled.”

I stared at the screen.

Then another notification appeared.

My sister, Brittany, had added me to a group chat called:

VILLA WEEKEND!!!

There were eighty-three people in it.

Eighty-three.

Me…

and eighty-two guests she had invited to my beach house without asking me.

Before I could even type a response, my mother called.

“Claire, don’t start,” she snapped before I could say hello. “Your sister has had a difficult year. This party means a lot to her.”

I stared at the phone.

“A party for eighty-two people at my villa?”

“It’s basically family property.”

“No, Mom. It’s my property.”

There was a brief silence.

Then Dad got on the phone.

“Stop being selfish. Brittany already told everyone you’re providing the seafood, steaks, wine, and open bar. These are important people. Don’t embarrass the family.”