Patricia added her own layer. “We’ve worked so hard to ensure Jessica has every opportunity, the right education, the right connections. We just want her to be comfortable.”
“Are you suggesting I can’t provide for your daughter?” Michael’s voice had gone tight, controlled in that way that told me he was one sentence away from losing his composure entirely.
“Not at all,” Richard said smoothly. “But let’s be realistic. Your father is retired on what I assume is a modest pension. No offense, Tom, but you’re not exactly positioned to help if times get difficult. And in this economy—”
I’d stayed quiet through the entire exchange, eating my plain chicken, watching, listening, letting the whole picture assemble itself in front of me. Now I set down my fork.
“You’re worried about Michael’s ability to provide for Jessica.”
“A father’s natural concern,” Richard said.
