“If you steal even one dollar, I’m done.”
“I understand.”
“If you manipulate Megan into hiding things from me, I’m done with both of you.”
Megan looked up. “Jake.”
“I’m serious.”
He turned toward her.
“I cannot be married to somebody who lies to me and covers things up.”
Megan started crying harder. “I’m sorry.”
“No more giving him money without us talking about it.”
“Okay.”
“No more secret meetings.”
“Agreed.”
“No more using others to cover your lies.”
He glanced at me.
“Especially her.”
I said, “Strongly agree.”
For the first time all night, someone almost smiled.
Jake looked back at Ryan.
“I’ll help you in any way I can.”
Ryan looked shocked. “What?”
“You heard me.”
“Why?”
“Because if my wife is doing this, she is not doing it alone.”
Ryan’s eyes filled.
“But I’m not your bank account.”
“I know.”
“I’m not your landlord.”
“Agreed.”
“And we are not starting at zero with this trust thing. You’re starting below zero.”
Ryan gave a shaky laugh. “Fair.”
The interview happened the following week.
Ryan got the job.
Entry-level.
Nothing glamorous.
He was thrilled.
It’s been four months now.
He’s still sober.
He has paid Megan back a few hundred dollars.
