Eventually Richard concluded Lauren wanted nothing to do with him.
Lauren sat down.
“My whole life…”
Paige reached for her.
Lauren pulled away.
Not angrily.
She simply seemed unable to be touched.
“My whole life she told me he didn’t care.”
“I know.”
“She told me he forgot birthdays.”
“I know.”
“She said he wouldn’t even help with college.”
Paige nodded through tears.
Lauren stared at the papers.
Then whispered:
“She told me she sacrificed everything.”
At 10:14, Lauren called Rebecca.
The older woman answered on the first ring.
