“I covered for you,” Richard continued, his voice breaking. “I always did. But not anymore.”
Aaron looked stunned.
“Dad?”
Richard turned to him.
“Your mother can’t stand anyone else being admired. She lashes out, and I let it happen. That’s on me.”
He faced the crowd.
“I apologize to all of you for her behavior and for mine in allowing it.”
Then he looked at Patricia.
“I’m done. I won’t excuse this anymore.”
Patricia began to cry, furious tears streaming down her face.
“You’re h.u.m.1.l.i.a.t.1.n.g me.”
“No,” Richard said quietly. “You did that yourself.”
He walked to my mother and offered his arm.
“Let’s get you cleaned up.”
