Barbra asked whether Dustin truly believed his entire education would be paid.
Stephen avoided answering.
“I never asked for a tattoo,” she whispered. “I only told you I wanted to feel like part of the family.”
“I was trying to fix the problem,” Stephen replied.
“You used Dustin.”
“I included him.”
“You bargained with him,” she said.
Stephen insisted everyone was being dramatic. He had never chosen a specific amount and said any contribution would depend on his finances.
“So you promised something you had not even planned,” I said.
The front door opened.
Dustin stood in the entryway.
“I told you to stay home,” I said.
“I couldn’t.”
He looked directly at his father.
“Were you really going to pay for college?”
Stephen took a slow breath.
“I was going to help.”
“That isn’t what I asked.”
“I would have done what I could.”
“You told me I wouldn’t have to worry anymore,” Dustin said, his voice shaking. “You said if I helped save your marriage, you would take care of school.”
Stephen shifted uncomfortably.
“I may have said something like that.”
I watched the hope disappear from my son’s face.
“So you never meant all of it.”
“I meant that I would contribute.”
