Chapter 9 - Patricia Finally Told Me the Truth
That fall, Patricia asked to speak privately.
She came to the farm store after closing.
“I owe you something besides money.”
She had repaid almost every dollar she personally charged.
But she wasn’t talking about money.
“I knew Daniel had problems.”
My stomach tightened.
“How much did you know?”
Not the affair.
Not the forged documents.
Not the loans in my name.
But she knew he had always chased status.
As a teenager, he lied about expensive shoes.
In college, he pretended to have money he didn’t.
As an adult, he borrowed to maintain appearances.
“I kept rescuing him.”
Her eyes filled.
“And every time I rescued him, I taught him consequences were temporary.”
That was the most self-aware thing I had ever heard Patricia say.
“I should have warned you.”
“Yes.”
She nodded.
“I know.”
We sat in silence.
Then she told me something else.
Daniel had recently started financial counseling as part of resolving his legal and debt problems.
He was working a regular salaried job.
No company.
No investors.
No luxury hotels.
I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.
So I did neither.
“I hope it helps him.”
Patricia looked surprised.
“You mean that?”
“Yes.”
I didn’t want Daniel destroyed.
I wanted him accountable.
May you like
Those were never the same thing.
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