Brandon spoke as if he were still in our kitchen, delivering a lecture about household expenses.

Every time he used the word irresponsible, I imagined the cashier’s tired, kind face and the infant formula waiting on the conveyor belt.

I was tempted to interrupt him.

Lauren touched my notebook and shook her head.

We had agreed to let him make his assertions, then respond with documents.

The firm’s lending committee had already reviewed delinquent reporting and a breach of a required financial ratio.

The acceleration decision would be communicated formally, with notice and the opportunity to pursue contractual remedies.