The winter property taxes on Maple Street are due in six weeks, and your logistics salary doesn’t leave much of a cushion.”

“My half of the house account is paid through the end of the year,” I said.

“My job keeps this house going, and the mortgage is up to date.”

“I know how the accounts work,” Lauren snapped, twisting her silver earring again.

“You don’t have to talk to me like I’m one of your shipping clerks.”

She reached across the table for her coffee mug, and her elbow knocked over a little pile of unopened mail propped against the napkin holder.

A long white envelope slid out from under a hardware store flyer and landed face up on the counter in front of me.