"Susan, I know you're short on cash for the new place. Take it. Consider it an interest-free loan."
Mike pushed a thick stack of bills across the table.
I didn't even look at the money. With one sweep of my arm, I knocked the entire stack onto the floor.
"Take it with you. Your money is filthy."
Mike immediately crouched down and began gathering the bills one by one.
"Susan, the diner's falling apart. I don't know how much longer I can keep it going. You look healthier than before, but you're working too hard."
I paused with the rag still pressed against the table and met his gaze.
"Mr. Carter. We stopped being family a long time ago. And right now, you're hurting my business."
The formal title seemed to wound him more than anything else.
"Susan, don't do this. I know I was awful.
