"Can we talk?"

Natalie dropped a stack of envelopes and sale papers on the coffee table. She kept one envelope addressed to Abigail and Olivia.

"Sure. What's on your mind?"

"Why is Abigail on your bank account and credit card?"

"Because she uses my cards."

"That's not fair."

"Natalie, you have a savings account."

"I don't have access to your bank account or credit cards."

"Abigail shares one bank account and one credit card. She is not on all my accounts."

"Why does she have plastic and I don't?"

"I had to give her access to my bank accounts. I couldn't go home and cook while I was your nanny. The cards are for restaurants when I'm working."

"I want to be added to your accounts."

"No."

"That's not fair!"

"I'll give you cash.

"I want plastic."

"No."

"Are you saying Abigail is your favorite?"

"I don't have a favorite. I am saying Abigail is more responsible than you."

"No she's not!"

"You know what happened last time you had access to my bank account."

"That was last year, and you wouldn't buy me what I wanted."

"You spent $8,000 in one day shopping online. My account was overdrawn thanks to you."

"I needed a new MacBook and some other stuff. I didn't know your bank account was linked to a shopping website."

"I will allow you to withdraw $200 a month from your savings. I'm not adding you to anything."

Natalie's lip trembled and her eyes watered. "Please mommy. I won't spend all your money."

Olivia tried to keep a poker face. Natalie was good at crying when she wanted something. Yet, she was pulling at her heart strings. Natalie had never called her mom.

"Stop crying."

Natalie ignored Olivia and covered her eyes. More tears fell and she sniffled. "Give me a chance to show you I can be smart like Abigail."

Olivia shook her head and opened the bank statement. Abigail spent $200 at restaurants last month. Olivia hated showing favoritism.

"I check my account every morning. If you spend more than $200 in one month or use my credit card without permission, I'm revoking your access."

"Thanks mom!"