Chapter 17 - “YOU WERE GOING TO GIVE US THE MONEY?”
Spencer asked for one private mediated conversation.
Avery agreed.
No Gloria.
No lawyers speaking unless needed.
He began:
“I keep thinking about the investment.”
Avery sighed.
“I don’t.”
“I need to ask something.”
“Okay.”
“You were really going to do it?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“I told you.”
“Because you loved me.”
“Yes.”
Spencer looked away.
“Did you know how bad the estate debt was?”
“Most of it.”
“You knew more than I did.”
“Yes.”
“That is humiliating.”
Avery looked at him.
“Why?”
“Because I was supposed to take care of you.”
“Who told you that?”
“No one.”
“Your mother?”
Spencer almost smiled.
“Maybe.”
Avery continued:
“I never needed you to rescue me.”
“I know.”
“I needed you not to control me.”
“I know.”
Spencer’s eyes filled.
“I would give anything to go back.”
Avery looked sad.
“I know.”
“Is there anything I can do?”
“Yes.”
He leaned forward.
“What?”
“Stop asking me to make your regret easier.”
He went still.
Avery continued:
“If you change, change because you don’t want to be that man again.”
Spencer nodded slowly.
“Not because you think it wins me back.”
“Yes.”
He swallowed.
“I don’t know if I can stop hoping.”
“You don’t have to.”
She softened.
May you like
“But hope doesn’t get a vote.”
That sentence stayed with him.
