“It’s enough for the deposit and the first month,” Ethan said, clearing his throat before answering.

“There’s a two-bedroom unit on Maple Street with a lease start date of October 15th.

We can sign it without asking anyone for help.”

“You stood in that kitchen yesterday while your mother slipped my car keys into her cardigan pocket,” I said, adjusting my watch strap until the leather pressed tight against my wrist.

“A job offer doesn’t change the fact that you let her do it.”

He didn’t look away, but his grip tightened on his keys.