“I told Ethan my family had money.”
I said nothing.
“I said Mom traveled constantly. I said she didn’t like public events.”
“You said your parents owned property.”
Ethan’s expression hardened.
“You told me your mother spent half the year in Europe.”
Lauren covered her face.
“I know.”
“You said your parents owned property.”
She started crying harder.
“My father did own property.”
I finally spoke.
“He owned our house, Lauren.”
She started crying harder.
I didn’t comfort her.
I asked the only question that mattered.
Not yet.
I asked the only question that mattered.
“When did being raised by me become something you had to be ashamed of?”
Lauren lowered her hands.
“I don’t know.”
“Everyone had more.”
“Try.”
She breathed unevenly.
“College.”
“Why?”
“Everyone had more.”
“At first, I exaggerated small things.”
“More what?”
“Money. Connections. Parents with impressive jobs.”
“So you invented a story?”
“At first, I exaggerated small things.”
Ethan shook his head.
“And every lie needed another lie.”
“Then you met me.”
Lauren nodded.
“And every lie needed another lie,” she whispered.
She looked at me.
“When I saw your picture at their house, I panicked.”
“You kept me away because you were afraid I’d expose you.”
I finally understood.
“You didn’t keep me away because I would embarrass you.”
Lauren shook her head.
“You kept me away because you were afraid I’d expose you.”
“Yes.”
