At Hugo.
“Respect for Olivia when her life doesn’t match yours.”
Then Carla again.
“Respect for the older woman in a clearance dress because she is a human being, not because she could buy your house.”
Silence.
“How can I prove it?”
“Time.”
He nodded.
“And choices nobody forces you to make.”
“Gabriel wants to see you.”
“He is always welcome.”
Relief crossed Hugo’s face.
“But you will not use him to pressure me.”
“I won’t.”
“You will not tell him I abandoned him.”
“I already corrected that.”
“Good.”
“I can bring him tomorrow.”
“Yes.”
Carla looked up.
“Can I come?”
“No.”
Her face tightened.
“Hear me before you react. Gabriel deserves to visit his grandmother without being put between adults.”
After a moment, she nodded.
“I understand.”
I stood.
“One more thing.”
Hugo looked at me.
“I am not financing your lifestyle.”
“I didn’t ask.”
