Chapter 8 - ASHLEY'S BEST ARGUMENT
Ashley did not believe she was entitled to everything Claire owned.
She believed Claire used money to establish superiority.
In mediation over the related civil claims, Ashley said:
“She always makes sure everyone knows what’s hers.”
Claire stared.
“When?”
“The Lexus.”
“I said it was mine because you asked me to give it to you.”
“The vacation house.”
“It belongs to my aunt.”
“You corrected me in front of people.”
“Because you told them Daniel owned it.”
Ashley’s face tightened.
There it was.
Accuracy felt like humiliation to someone whose family survived through generous ambiguity.
Ashley continued:
“You act like we’re irresponsible.”
Claire answered:
“You are in debt.”
“That doesn’t mean I’m stupid.”
“No.”
“Then stop talking to me like I am.”
That complaint had truth inside it.
Claire could become sharp.
Numbers made her impatient with emotional explanations.
She sometimes sounded superior.
May you like
But a rude tone did not transfer title to a Lexus.
Two truths could stand without balancing each other equally.
