“You said you owned this house outright.”
Eric snapped, “Can everyone stop talking?”
Barbara didn’t.
“When the current arrangement ends, so does the family rate. After that, you can pay the proper rent or find somewhere else to live.”
Eric stared at her.
“I’m ashamed. There’s a difference.”
“You can’t change everything because you’re angry with me.”
Barbara shook her head.
“I’m not angry.”
Her voice hardened.
“I’m ashamed. There’s a difference.”
Eric looked away.
Eric shot her a warning look.
“Claire didn’t ask me to do this,” Barbara continued. “I finally understand what kind of man I’ve been protecting from consequences.”
Tessa folded her arms.
“What consequences?”
Eric shot her a warning look.
Barbara turned away from them.
“We’re done here.”
“No. I waited 34 years for you to grow up.”
Eric followed us to the curb.
“Mom, seriously, wait.”
Barbara opened my door.
“No. I waited 34 years for you to grow up.”
Then we drove away before he could answer either woman.
She stopped at the pharmacy and paid for Chloe’s supplies.
Eric had told me to ask someone who cared.
I stared at the bag in my lap.
Eric had told me to ask someone who cared.
Barbara had never heard him say it.
Somehow, that made it hurt more.
“I’ll repay you,” I said.
At my kitchen table, Barbara opened a notebook.
“Yes,” she answered.
Barbara smiled.
“Because this cannot become another woman cleaning up after Eric.”
At my kitchen table, Barbara opened a notebook.
“Savings he removed?”
“Yes.”
“He said he paid for most of the savings anyway.”
“Shared bills?”
“Yes.”
“Furniture he took?”
“Some.”
“Medical costs?”
I nodded.
“He said he paid for most of the savings anyway.”
