MY NEPHEW SPIT IN MY FOOD WHILE MY WHOLE FAMILY LAUGHED—SO I STOPPED PAYING THEIR MORTGAGE.
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Chapter 13 / 15
Chapter 13 - LAUREN AND RACHEL
Lauren came to Rachel’s office parking lot one evening.
She looked tired.
“Derek says you’re tearing the family apart.”
Rachel laughed.
“Of course he does.”
Lauren did not defend him.
Then:
“I laughed.”
“Yes.”
“I shouldn’t have.”
“No.”
Lauren swallowed.
“I think I wanted you embarrassed.”
Rachel looked at her.
“Why?”
“Because Mom always says you’re the responsible one.”
There.
Childhood.
Still alive at thirty-nine.
Lauren continued:
“When my restaurant failed, she said, ‘Rachel would’ve run the numbers first.’”
Rachel stared.
“I never knew that.”
“I know.”
“Then why punish me?”
Lauren laughed without humor.
May you like
“Because you were easier than punishing Mom.”
That was probably the most honest thing Lauren had ever said.
