“What do you need?”
“What kind of help?”
“Groceries, baby supplies. Maybe enough to get us through the next couple of months.”
“Have you worked out how much you’re short?”
“Not exactly.”
“Then that’s where you need to start.”
He frowned.
“Not exactly.”
“Mom, I wouldn’t ask if things weren’t difficult.”
“I believe you. But I need you to understand where I stand.”
He waited.
“I’ll buy what Abby and Layla need: diapers, formula, clothes, whatever helps keep them comfortable. But I won’t give you money without knowing where it’s going.”
“You think I’d waste it?”
“I wouldn’t ask if things weren’t difficult.”
“I’m not accusing you of anything, Lucas. You’ve got two daughters now. You need a plan for supporting them.”
He leaned back.
“I thought you’d be happy to help.”
“I am happy to help. I’m also still trying to understand how you lived three years without telling me you were alive.”
