“I had expenses.”
“What expenses?”
I said, “Vanessa, I can’t keep paying your rent.”
“You have savings.”
“Those savings are for my future.”
“So your future matters more than me?”
“That’s not what I said.”
“You know I’d help you if our positions were reversed.”
I wanted to believe her.
“I’ll help you work out a budget,” I said. “I’ll even sit with you while you call your landlord. But I’m not giving you another $800.”
Her face hardened.
“Fine. Enjoy being the responsible sister.”
She grabbed her bag and left before I could respond.
We didn’t speak for a week.
Then the restaurant manager called.
I was closing out invoices at work when an unfamiliar number appeared on my phone.
“Natalie?” a man asked. “This is Daniel from Sinverle. I’m calling to confirm payment arrangements for a private dinner.”
“I think you have the wrong person.”
“Your sister, Vanessa, said you would be covering tonight’s celebration for 12 guests.”
