Lisa flashed a quick, bright smile. “So much better. Rick even got a bonus.”
Still nothing about the loan. Not even a glance in my direction. That night, something inside me hardened. They weren’t forgetting. They weren’t struggling. They were choosing not to pay me back.
Months later, after excuse after excuse, I confronted Rick on their patio after Thanksgiving. The air was cold, sharp. My hands shook, but not from the weather.
“It’s been two years,” I said. “What’s the repayment plan?”
He paused too long. Then shrugged. “Next year, maybe. Monthly payments or something.”
I stared at him. “I gave you half my savings to save your house. You’re buying furniture and taking vacations. Don’t pretend you can’t pay me back.”
He bristled. “You’re fine, Ivy. You can afford to wait.”
