I kept my eyes on the printed page.

He wanted me working every Saturday so my salary would carry the whole household.

“Ava’s expenses are going up too,” Daniel said.

“She needs a new laptop for school, and her track team fees are due next month.”

“Her mother should split those costs,” I said.

Daniel rubbed his left eyebrow with two fingers.

“Melissa is struggling with her rent right now, Claire.

We have to carry a little more of the weight for Ava.”