I poured hot water over the tea bags and put one mug down in front of her on a woven coaster.

“The house expenses have been completely predictable, Margaret,” I said, sitting down across from her.

“They’ve been the exact same amount every month for four years.”

“Nothing in commercial development is ever predictable,” Margaret answered, raising her mug for a small sip.

“He carries enormous financial pressure keeping up your stay-at-home lifestyle.”

“I run our household budget down to the exact penny every single week,” I said.

Margaret set her mug back on the coaster without making a sound against the wood.