Cake?

The Question:
My son was married a short time ago. The reception was held at my condo member hall. After the reception, the bride and groom asked me to refrigerate the leftover bottom layer of the wedding cake. They said they'd pick it up the next day.

Six days later, the cake was still in my fridge. They made excuses every day for not picking it up. Finally, I threw it away.

Now I'm the bad guy, and the bride is demanding an apology. Abby, the cake was hard and crusty, and I felt six days was long enough. Was I wrong in dumping the cake?

The answer:

Wellll, not exactly although dumping it may have been a bit harsh. The wedding and reception day are full of stress and emotion along with the joy and romance. A bride can become very attached to something like the leftover wedding cake and not see the basic impracticality of keeping it. Did you let them know the cake's condition and your plans to throw it out? Realistically it should have been covered tightly and frozen. Any other means of storage would result in an inedible cake. (although even freezing it will render it funny tasting) If this was not something you knew or had the ability to do, then you did your best in the situation.

My question to you is, how hard is it to say sorry for upsetting someone who is now a part of your family? Granted, she and your son were rude for leaving the cake for so long after being asked to pick it up but, they are newly married. Cake is not at the top of their list. It may go a long way to apologize for the cake being discarded as this would validate the girls feelings and you could also point out you did not know what else to do with it as it was deteriorating in the fridge.