“Why bring the twins that morning?”
“After my grandmother died, she left me the apartment. Julian wanted to see you, but he was also worried about bills. I told him he couldn’t ask for help without telling you everything.”
“So he sent you.”
“He was supposed to come with me.”
“That wasn’t your responsibility.”
“I know. I don’t want Emma and Chloe growing up thinking you stop speaking to people when you hurt them.”
I looked at the girls.
“I want to be in their lives. But I won’t pay for Julian’s silence.”
“I’m not asking you to.”
“Then ask me directly when you need help. Julian must speak for himself.”
Maya nodded.
For the first time, we were discussing the family we might build.
“Mom, I need to ask you something,” Julian said.
He’d come over alone the following week. We were discussing another visit with Maya and the twins when he mentioned money.
