Chapter 7 - THE HOUSE PATricia THOUGHT SHE OWNED
Property inspection found serious deferred maintenance.
Roof damage.
Electrical issues in the guest suite.
Unpermitted rental modifications.
Westlake had to act.
The safest option was temporary relocation during repairs.
Patricia heard:
Eviction.
She called every relative.
Then she called a lawyer.
Good.
Her lawyer read the occupancy agreement.
Then called Daniel.
They negotiated.
Westlake would repair the home.
Patricia would disclose rental income and stop unauthorized leasing.
No eviction.
Clear rules.
Patricia hated it.
Then something unexpected happened.
She asked to meet me.
Just us.
I agreed at Rachel’s office.
Public enough.
Safe enough.
Patricia sat with her purse in her lap.
“I owe you an apology.”
I waited.
“For the hospital night?”
She nodded.
“Say it.”
Her face tightened.
“What?”
“Say what you did.”
She hated that.
Good.
“I told you to wait.”
“Yes.”
“I said you were exaggerating.”
“Yes.”
“I suggested you had wet yourself.”
“Yes.”
She looked ashamed.
“And I expected you to clean after thirty-two guests.”
“Yes.”
Her eyes filled.
“I was cruel.”
There.
No but.
No pregnancy is natural.
No women used to work until delivery.
Just cruel.
“Why?”
She looked down.
“I thought you looked down on us.”
I almost interrupted.
Didn't.
“You were always so composed. So capable. Nathan asked you for help with the house, the company, taxes…”
Her voice shook.
“I hated needing you.”
There it was.
“I thought if I could make you do ordinary family work, maybe…”
“Maybe what?”
“You'd stop feeling above us.”
I stared.
“I never thought I was above you.”
“I know that now.”
“Do you?”
“Yes.”
She looked at me.
“I think I needed you to be arrogant because otherwise I had to admit I was jealous.”
Painful honesty.
“I don't forgive what happened.”
“I know.”
“You won't be alone with Samuel.”
She flinched.
“I understand.”
“Maybe later.”
She nodded.
It was not reconciliation.
It was reality.
May you like
That was enough for one day.
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