316, 310, 290. 282. That's it. Beth pulled up to the white house, its outer walls surrounded by bushes and yellow and orange flowers. She parked and stepped out of her car. Toys were strewn on the lawn, reminding her of her childhood home. And what her own living room looked like when Ben came over. Beth glanced up from her phone and locked eyes with a guy leaning against a car, watching her as she walked up the path.

"Whatcha here for sweetheart?" He asked.

Tall and muscular, he couldn't have been that much older than Annie. The way he spoke didn't charm her, and she could tell he thought other people fell for his charms easily. A simple "hi" would've been more friendly.

"Do you live here?" She asked tentatively.

The guy nodded. Maybe he was Mona's brother. She could see the resemblance in their eyes, something in their expression.

"I'm looking for Mona."

"Who's asking for her?" It was a fair question but there was suspicion under it. Beth put her phone in her back pocket, meeting his gaze. The guy was teasing her, she could finally tell, playing tough, but his lips hinted at a smile.

"Beth." She said, bordering on impatient. She hadn't gotten a good night's sleep in some time and she felt like he was giving her a hard time for no reason.

"Hey, Beth," Mona stepped out of the house, smiling and waving at her. "Hold on, I'll be right back."

"OK," Beth smiled at her. Wetness nudged at her leg. What?

She jumped back in surprise to find a curious brown dog, peppered with black spots sniffing at her and wagging his tail. She bent down, smiling and reached her hand out, letting the dog smell her. Having given his permission, the dog nudged closer to her.

"Is he yours?" Beth asked.

The guy didn't answer immediately, finally nodding. "Yeah," and whistled at the dog, who hesitated, enjoying the newcomer's attention, before begrudgingly joining his owner.

"Here it is," Mona interrupted them, walking down the stairs. "Sorry I'd ask you inside, it's just a mess right now."

That was something that Beth could understand. "Thank you so much," She said.

"You bet. I'm glad someone can use them," Mona said. Beth went to grab the box from her.

"Here, get the trunk and I'll put it in," Mona said.

"What's that?" The still nameless guy said.

"Nothing that belongs to you," Mona snapped at him.

"You sure?" The guy replied.

Definitely siblings, Beth thought.

Mona set the box in Beth's trunk.

"Is he getting any sleep?"

Beth shook her head. "But the good news is neither is anyone else."

Annie had stayed over recently. Beth was helping out with feeding, with giving Annie breaks so she could get some sleep. Dean had complained that Gregg wasn't helping out more, which Beth agreed with. But Annie hadn't wanted him over. It seemed that things were blissfully good or just not at all between them between one week to the next.

She hoped that she could learn from that. That it wouldn't be that way for her and Dean.

Mona laughed. "Yeah, I know what that's like," she turned her head but the guy who'd been standing there was already gone, along with his dog.

"Was that your brother?" Beth asked.

Mona shook her head slowly and put her hand on her hip. "Yeah. I hope he wasn't bothering you."

Beth chuckled and shook her head. It had been such a brief funny interaction. She'd been focused on finding Mona and he'd seemed more annoyed than anything else. The way he'd taken her in. She honestly couldn't tell if he was trying to flirt with her or intimidate her. "He seems to take the watchdog position of the family very seriously."

Mona crossed her arms and smiled. "Yeah, right. He'd like to think. Oh wait, I almost forgot!"

She ran back to the house, and came back with another bag, stuffed with toys.

"Good thing my mom didn't see me. We got too much. She gets sentimental and she can't throw them away even if no one's playing with them anymore. And even when we have two of each set," She shook her head.

Beth nodded, taking the bag from Mona. "This is amazing. If there's anything else I can do-" She motioned towards the trunk.

Mona waved her off. "Help me with that shift Sunday and Tuesday and we're good."

"Thank you. I'm sorry you'll be moving away," Beth closed her trunk.

Mona rubbed the back of her neck. "Not gonna be that fast. I'm happy I got this time off to start setting the place up."

Beth nodded. "Good luck!"

Driving off, she saw Mona call out and watched the family dog, who'd appeared out of nowhere, darting up to her. She'd happily help out with a few shifts. It would take some time away from Dean, true, but she still liked making her own money for now. He'd eventually take over his dad's business and things would be different then. When they'd get married. Thanks to Mona, she could help her sister with some baby clothes, some necessities. Annie had Gregg and his parents and Beth and Dean, but any extra help made a big difference. Babies grow quickly and she was lucky she had some coworkers and friends who could help out. One day it'd be her, she thought, looking down at her engagement ring as she waited at a red light.

"Where do you want to go for our honeymoon?"

When Dean had first posed the question, the words didn't add up at first. It wasn't like they'd never taken trips before, sure, but a longer one, just the two of them? They'd talked about getting married, what kind of service they'd like to have, and Dean had pleasantly surprised her by having some preferences, having some thoughts about how he'd like it to go. She'd expected he'd leave it all up to her but he'd smile as she'd talk about it, encouraging her vision, sharing his own thoughts and looking at her like – like he'd made the right decision choosing her as his wife. But until he'd asked her they hadn't really talked about what'd happen after, the celebration that would just be between her and him.

"Are you sure we have the money?" Beth asked gently. "We can go up north for a few days. Where we went with Ruby and Stan-"

"You're so modest, Beth. One of the reasons I love you," Dean said, kissing her on the lips.

"I don't need much," she reminded him. "I just need you."

Dean cocked his head at her and smiled. "Think about it. I can get some time off work, Annie can stay over at Gregg's while we're gone. We've never been anywhere far."

It probably wouldn't be such a long trip. Annie still needed her, her baby. She'd want to support Ruby as well, whose mom hadn't been feeling well, to the point that she and Stan were talking about bringing in someone to help out, so she could stay at her apartment. But surely they could take off a week, Dean had reasoned and she'd agreed. Hesitantly and then more readily after she'd spoken with Ruby and Annie who had both been excited for her, Annie assuring her that she'd be fine. Beth knew she would be. She'd just not left for such a long time before.

As she thought about it she grew more and more excited. She allowed herself to daydream, picturing a sandy beach, walking up stony stairs, listening to a band play while holding hands with Dean. They had had visited Yosemite and parks in Michigan, maybe they could find one in Mexico to explore. Spending time in nature with her parents and sister was intertwined with a few of her happiest childhood memories before things fell apart. Camping or hiking with them, lounging on the sand on Lake Michigan.

As she grew older the sweet memories swirled with the bitter ones so much that it was no longer possible to tear them apart, the edges dissolving into one another. But the memory of the smell of the lake, the kick of the waves and boat undulating on the water, that she could still feel the night later, the smell of pine trees, those always centered her.

The first few months after Ben was born it seemed like no one was getting much sleep but it had been a little over a year now. Her and Dean were talking more and more about setting a date for the wedding, Beth not ready to commit before Annie was on her feet. They were already living together, Dean tried to reason with her, and there was a guest room for Annie. There wasn't much that needed to change in the short term. He was ready to get married but understanding, even offering to help to get Annie started on her own, Annie and Gregg not sure if they'd be ready to commit to each other. It would maybe come to Dean helping but still Beth took on extra shifts, putting money aside, wanting to do her part to give Annie a good start.

A few weeks after Dean had first asked her about honeymoon plans Beth started buying travel magazines. The first time she did she was standing in line, having done the weekly grocery shopping, her eyes scanning the headlines while she was putting the ingredients together for a new dish for dinner, when a glossy cover caught her eye. It was of national parks from South America. She'd picked up a magazine every Friday after that, her daydreams captured by the photos. Like a fairy tale character in a story, she thought to herself, then promptly chastised herself for carrying in. It wasn't like her to get lost in fantasies.

Each time she'd come home she'd put the groceries away, leaving the purchased magazine behind on the counter. Her fingers would flip through a few pages before she'd add it to the ones she kept in a drawer. It was only some weeks after getting the first magazine that she let herself sit down at her kitchen table and splayed the magazines in front of her.

Anywhere. If she could go anywhere, where would she go? Dean was interested in exploring some adventure sports, ziplining, rafting. He'd even brought up paragliding. He'd left the final destination choice to Beth, and she'd thought over what he wanted to do, considered what she'd be willing to do and where she'd prefer to stand on sturdy land while waving to Dean from a distance.

Given such a free hand was harder than she thought. Usually she wouldn't go back and forth between her choices. She only planned on one honeymoon, she reminded herself. Something just for her and Dean. She'd turn pages of each magazine, circling dozens of countries over forty pages, finding it hard to narrow her choices.

Paris was beautiful. She wondered what it was like in the fall. They were going to have a fall wedding. She'd suggested it. Something about the trees changing their colors.

Or maybe Ghana? Kakum national park. They'd find enough to do there for both of them.

The more she thought about her and Dean discovering a new place together she realized how much she was looking forward to it, maybe even more than the wedding. The wedding was an important ceremony, and she'd never pass on the chance to celebrate with her friends and family. But going away for her and Dean would be something just for them. The start of their relationship as a married couple.

As she put away travelers' accounts and photos for the night she thought about where she'd gotten to. A home she found comfort in, a steady support in Dean she could rely on. When she was younger she wished for a home with cabinets that always had food. A pot and a pan bubbling and sizzling, wafting an inviting smell, ready to nourish the people she loved. To know that electric bill will be paid without having to go without something else. Where she could sleep without worrying about the what ifs. Falling asleep as a teenager she'd be kept up thinking, if something happened to her, what would happen to Annie? If something happened to either of them, how could they afford the care they needed?

Those days were behind her. Conversation was now about growing. In fact Dean and her had already talked about the house they'd get when they'd have a family. The house they had was lovely, more than that, but it'd be too small for a family. She had her sights on a house, with a back yard with enough space for little Buddy to run, so for when they'd have kids they could play with Ben. She couldn't wait.

There wasn't enough concealer that could hide the dark bags under her eyes, Beth was sure. At least she was getting more sleep. Annie was doing her part of caring for Ben and staying up with him, but the days she stayed with Beth were longer, with Beth trying to help out as much as she could. In the last week she'd picked up shifts at DQ, wanting to stay busy. This sense of restlessness jarred her when she'd open her eyes, when she'd walk into DQ, when she folded the laundry.

When she added up the numbers her budget, even with extra shifts, it never added up quickly enough. Not with the timeline she'd wanted. Not with setting aside money for Annie to get started off in an apartment. With or without Gregg it wasn't clear, though Beth was sure that there was a lot of love there. Even if Gregg was there he was also get set on his feet.

If she wanted to be selfish and think about herself, she could assure herself that for the honeymoon Dean would have enough money. She still wanted to contribute towards it. It would make her feel like she had ownership over it.

If she'd make some sacrifices, postpone some bigger expenses, she thought as she crossed out items from her want list, she could maybe make this work and get married by next fall.

"Did you choose a spot yet?" Ruby asked.

Stan and Dean were chatting in the living room while Ruby and Beth stood in the kitchen, Beth putting finishing touches on dinner. Beth's travel magazine of the week was still sitting on the kitchen island and Ruby had pulled it to her, a wine glass in her other hand.

Beth cut into the meat, deciding it still needed a few more minutes and slid the dish back in the oven. "How about Peru?"

Ruby hmmed, turning the pages quickly and double backed on one page. "This is beautiful," she said, sitting down. Stifling a yawn, she rubbed her eyes.

"Are things OK?" Beth sided up to her.

"No," Ruby said. "My mom didn't get much sleep night night. So I didn't sleep so good last night."

"I'm sorry."

Ruby sipped on her wine. "I don't want to talk about it tonight. A friend from church is keeping her company and- it's just so hard to see her this way."

Beth squeezed her best friend's hand. Ruby let her and then pulled her hand away, blinking away tears.

"I can come this week," Beth quickly thought through her calendar. "On Tuesday. I know you and Stan were going to see Beyonce-"

Ruby shook her head. "You have your hands full. Between Annie, and DQ-"

Buddy came into the room, holding a toy in his mouth.

"It's not a problem," She assured Ruby as she knelt down to pet him. Buddy dropped his toy and wagged his tale as if making an offering.

Beth knew that money was tight for Ruby. She'd never accept money, even if Beth couldn't offer much, but it was the least she could do.

"Annie's going to stay with Gregg for a few days. Sylvie will help out, I'm sure."

"Sylvie?" Ruby furrowed her brow. "Do I know her?"

Beth took a cracker and cheese from her appetizer dish. "Oh, I thought you'd met. Annie met her at her parenting class."

Ruby shook her head. "No, we hadn't." She took some olives, lost in thought.

"Thank you," She finally said. "I appreciate-"

"OK, it's done," Beth said quickly. "I'll bring my lasagna. It's not yours – but I know your mom loves it.

"She does." The creases in Ruby's forehead smoothed. "I just wanted you to have some time with your fiance," she said playfully.

Beth laughed. Ruby didn't stop teasing her about that – Beth using the word fiance. The first time she'd said it she felt a tickle in her throat. Her and Dean were already dating but they'd made a commitment. She wanted to tell everyone.

Maybe they'd go to Spain, she thought a few days later as she carried the groceries inside the house. She knew the sensible choice was to take the money and put it as a downpayment for a new house. It would be better to plan early. But whenever she closed her eyes the vivid photos danced in front of her and she wanted to step into them each and every time.

"Beth?"

Beth balanced the phone on her shoulder and started beating the eggs and flour. "Yeah?"

"Could you come here?" Annie asked, her voice sounding smaller than usual.

Beth put down the bowl. "What's wrong? Are you OK, is Ben-?"

"No, no, nothing, everything, everything's OK. I just need you."

There was an edge to her voice and her calmness sounded forced. Whatever had happened she didn't want to say it over the phone and it made Beth feel like she was swallowing her heart.

"Where are you?"

"Your place."

"Yanna, I have to go, I'm sorry, it's a family emergency," Beth said to her friend.

"Is everything OK?"

"My sister needs me."

"No problem, I hope everything's OK."

As she made her way home her ears stayed peeled to her phone in case it rang again. It couldn't be that Annie was hurt, or Ben, she assured herself. Right? Or she would've called her from another place, the hospital – please, not that. Her fingers were perched over the horn, ready to to honk if the car in front of her didn't move quickly enough after the green line hit.

She missed the lock on the first try, holding the key stead as she unlocked it and stepped inside. "Annie?"

"In here," a male voice answered and Beth's stomach flipped.

She made her way quickly through her living room, not even dropping her purse. She slowed down her steps as she saw three men stood in her kitchen and found Annie and Ruby sittting stiffly in the corner.

"There she is," A lean, tall man with a buzz cut called out to her. "Take a seat."

The two other men stood behind him, one leaning on each end of the counter, both wearing blank, almost bored expressions. Unlike them the man who'd greeted her stood closer to Annie and Ruby.

Ruby moved to clear space for her as Beth stepped inside. As her eyes moved from the men to the corner of the room she caught sight of a golden gun sitting on the table. Cold sweat broke on the back of her neck and she inhaled deeply, trying to slow down her breathing.

"What do you want?" She asked as she sat down between Ruby and Annie.

"We're just here for the money that you stole from us," the man. His neck tattoo moved as he spoke.

"What money?" Beth asked, trying to use confidence to mask her fear. "We didn't steal any money."

"Uh. I..."

Beth's head snapped to her sister. "Annie."

"It wasn't my fault! Sylvie said we'd be fine."

Beth's eyes widened. It was nothing short of a miracle that no one could hear the stampede inside her chest, that to her was so loud that if she stopped and focused on it it'd be all she could hear. "Sylvie put you up to this?" Beth asked, missing the fearful response in Annie's eyes.

"That's my sister you're talking about."

Beth whipped her face to the neck tattooed guy. What was that anyway? A bird?

His sister?!

"Shouldn't she be here then too?" Beth asked, instantly regretting her words as Rio's face grew colder in response.

"Beth," Annie muttered under her breathe.

"Yeah, I don't think it's any of your business," He said icily.

He looked behind him on the shelves on the kitchen wall. Something about him, Beth couldn't put her finger on it –

His eyes narrowed and Beth tried to follow his line of vision, to see what he was looking at.

"You ladies didn't have to be here," he said, his gaze returning to them, and it was something about his stance, his voice, made her think this wasn't the first time she'd seen him – but how could that be?

Her eyes went to the gun, now in his hand, and transfixed on it.

"It's this one we got issue with," the man continued as he moved his hand. "She wanted you here," He said to Beth. "And this one wouldn't leave until you got here." He said to Ruby.

Beth tore her eyes from the gun, trying to catch Ruby's eyes. Almost immediately her focus shifted quickly to the tattooed man. "If it has to do with my sister, it has everything to do with me."

He broke into a smile. "OK," he looked back at his men and shrugged his shoulders. Suit yourself. He approached the women who huddled closer, clasping hands. Beth's eyes again zeroed on the gun in his hand.

"Just get us the money you owe us," he said, waving the weapon. "Right quick too. With interest."

That's who he was, Beth blinked as her eyes tore from the gun, his voice echoing back something from a year ago. Mona's brother! His voice, his face, it all came together. He hadn't had a tattoo then. She would've remembered that. It was his stance. He'd been guarded when she'd seen him but there had been something playful to it. Like he was also putting on a show, almost like he was trying to get her attention. Nothing was playful in his speech and his posture now. No warmth was behind it.

Beth held on tighter to Ruby and Annie's hands.

"You can forget about calling my sister," He said pointedly to Beth. "Neither of them," he glanced at Annie before turning his attention back to Beth. "They can't help you," he said before leaving her kitchen, walking away with his gun, his men walking behind him. The door closed shut and Beth leaned back, her shoulders sore from their stiff position.

He'd remembered her too.

"What am I going to do?" Annie asked softly.

"We're going to get the money," Beth said without hesitation, wanting to sooth her sister. But she also knew there'd be no other choice.

"$40,000?!" Beth rubbed her forehead.

Annie nodded, her eyes pained, as she stretched her arms out, her fingers clutching to the ends of her sleeves.

They'd moved out of the kitchen, settling in the living room. Beth had offered they leave but Annie didn't want to, preferring to stay put. Ben was thankfully with Gregg and Beth couldn't be more grateful for that.

"What happened?" Beth asked.

"I bet he didn't go swinging a gun in his sister's face," Ruby said, as Beth wondered why she wasn't having the same shocked response as she did.

"You really haven't met him before?" She asked her sister.

"Just a couple of times, but it was just for a minute. I haven't been to her house much, and he hasn't really been around. I don't even know his name." Annie cocked her head at Beth. "Don't you know Mona?"

"Who's Mona?" Ruby asked.

"His older sister," Annie kept her eyes on Beth.

"You both know his sisters?!" Ruby shook her head in disbelief.

"I used to work with Mona but she left DQ months ago."

They'd also had a falling out before she left, something she never told Ruby and Annie about. More than a falling out but that didn't matter, surely she'd help, Beth had to believe that. In fact she'd called her twice already and left a message, picking up her cell as soon as her hands stopped shaking. It went straight to voicemail, each time she tried. Sylvie's phone had rung without an answer, Annie had said.

Annie broke into a smile. "I couldn't believe it when you talked to him like that," she said to Ruby.

"What did I miss?" By the time Beth had joined the two in the kitchen, both seemed equally terrified.

"I see guys like him at the diner every day," Ruby gestured with her hand before her expression grew somber. "Except they don't have a gun and they're not so – serious. I thought I could get him to back off."

Beth thought back to the tattooed man standing in front her. It was like a different person altogether. It wasn't that she'd remembered Mona's brother very well, but how she felt after talking to him over a year ago was not the impression he left at her this time.

"Between the two of you, it still didn't work," Annie said.

"Not when you actually owe a criminal $40,000!" Beth said. "Please tell me you still have most of it."

Annie looked between Beth and Ruby. "I have $10,000."

"Oh, Annie," Beth leaned back against the arm rest.

"What? It was for Ben – mostly. I can return the car."

Beth's expression froze as she processed that.

"I can fix this," Annie said.

Beth leaned towards her. "Really? Will you get it from another shark loan?"

"He didn't loan it to me," Annie fidgeted, then slapped her thighs. "I needed it!"

"You don't need it. You have me," Beth said.

Annie wrapped her arms around herself.

"Are you going to say something?" Beth turned to Ruby.

"Listen B, maybe, we shouldn't be so hard on her," Ruby said softly.

"There were three guys in my house with a gun pointed at all there of us.

Ruby moved in her seat.

"Don't tell me you had something to do with this," Beth said.

"Annie was helping me too."

"We said we wouldn't tell her yet," Annie said.

"OK, someone tell me what happened. Why is he acting like you stole money from him?"

"It could be because we sort of did," Annie sat back in her seat.

Beth blinked, waiting for Annie to continue.

"Not Ruby!" Annie looked from Ruby to Beth. "It was me and Sylvie. We didn't know it was his money!" She exclaimed, maybe responding to something on Beth's face. "It was Fine and Frugal."

"Where you work?! Sorry, keep going," Beth said as she felt Ruby's eyes on her.

"So does Sylvie. So we got some help from one of her friends, he's some wiz with breaking locks. We came in after hours and got some money. We didn't even take all of it!"

Beth sat back, taking it in. "What about Sylvie? Did she take any money?"

"She took $10,000."

"Did she give it back?"

Annie pushed her shoulders back. She didn't know. "I'll talk to her."

"If she calls you back," Beth crossed her arms.

"She's not like that," Annie raised her voice. "Something's going on."

It wouldn't be the best time for Beth to add anything but it was taking everything in her not to say anything.

A phone buzzed. Annie glanced at the screen. "It's Gregg. I'm gonna-" She said and picked up the call.

Ruby got up from the couch and sat beside Beth as Annie made her way to the guest room.

"You've been awfully quiet. Did you have something to do with-"

Ruby put up her hand and shook her head.

"But?" Beth asked, anticipating Ruby's response.

"It may not make a lot of sense, but she was trying to help you."

"Me?" Beth glanced back towards the direction Annie walked to.

"She knows that you've been putting aside money for her. That it hasn't been easy. I'm not saying she made the best choice…" Ruby lowered her eyes to her hands. "She was trying to help me too."

"What do you mean?"

"She gave me some money, for my mom. For her to get care. I didn't know it was her money. I just knew I got a good chunk of money I needed on the GoFundMe page. I didn't ask any questions. I took it. Turns out it was from her."

"You didn't know where it came from," Beth said, understanding why Ruby was holding back.

"I mean, it was an awful idea. But the way things were going with my mom, I was having thoughts… Let's say I wouldn't even talk with Stan about them."

Gregg's parents wouldn't be able to help, Annie said after she'd come back. And anyway, that had been the point.

"I know you help sis, I wanted to figure this out on my own. This wasn't the way I should've done it, I get it. But I can still figure this out on my own."

"No, you won't," Beth shook her head resolutely. "You don't have to. We'll get through this together."

"You're sure? You don't-" Annie stopped when she saw something in Beth's face.

There was no way Beth would let Annie face this alone.

"Count me in too," Ruby said.

"How?" Annie glanced between Ruby and Beth.

Who'd have that kind of money – anything close to it?

Dean. She was sure Dean would help.

"What did she do?" Dean asked with a deep exhale. The response could've been comical if the situation was different.

Torn between honesty and protecting her sister, who'd begged her not to tell anyone, especially Dean, what happened, Beth considered her next words carefully. Her fingers wrapped around the salt shaker. "It doesn't really matter, she made a bad call and she needs— to pay some money."

"How much? Bethie?"

Beth glanced at Dean's hands then back at his face. "$20,000."

Dean's eyebrows shot up as his eyes widened. "How-"

"It's better you not know. Trust me."

At that point she'd made dozens of calls with no luck. She was either not getting them or worse, didn't care. They hadn't worked together in over six months and Beth had no idea how she'd respond but she had to keep trying. But her calls kept going straight to voicemail and there was no response to any of her texts.

Dean closed his eyes briefly and opened them, his face taking on a pained expression. "I can't," Dean said dryly. "I'm sorry, Bethie, I can't."

She clasped her hands, then tore them apart. "Listen, I know that it's not the first time we'd be helping her out but if we don't she'll really be in trouble."

"No, I mean I really can't," he rubbed his face. "I don't have that money."

"Well, what about your parents? We'll pay them back-"

There'd be few things less appealing than the prospect of owing money to Dean's parents, but for her sister she'd suck it up and do it in a heart beat.

"No, you don't-" He sat down at the kitchen table. "They don't have it either."

"What?" A cold fear shot through Beth as she processed his words. A kind of panic squeezed her stomach. One she hadn't felt in a long but – but not long enough – time. "You've seen me go over travel magazines for weeks. We've been talking about plans, about moving to a bigger house..." She stood, frozen in place.

"I didn't want to tell you like this." Dean nodded guiltily. "I wasn't going to tell you at all because my dad's straightening it out."

She sat down across from him. "We're getting married," She said dryly.

"We are getting married," Dean said reassuringly. "You wanted Annie to get on her feet and I understand. I want that too."

Beth nodded. "Are you OK? You're not worried?"

"No," Dean answered quickly, then looked like he wanted to add something before he smiled. "It's just a lull. Been a slow patch lately. This happens all the time, Bethie."

There was a little hesitation there and she felt a pinch in her stomach, like he wasn't sharing everything.

"Listen to me," he put his palm on the table. "Everything we planned for is going to happen. It might take a little bit longer. We might have to tighten things up for a little while. But my dad's taking care of. I'm taking care of it," he said, putting one hand over the other. "What kind of trouble is Annie in? Did she do something – is this the kind of thing we need to involve the police?"

Beth shook her head sharply. "No, we can't call the police."

"Will you tell me what happened?"

"I will. I will, just not now. You should focus on the dealership."

It wasn't that she always told him everything but not telling him about this – it wasn't easy. But it was a little easier knowing he himself hadn't let her know about their finances. Though – if he was taking care of it, did she have to know? She trusted him. It made sense that businesses had ups and downs. If he didn't tell her, it probably meant there wasn't much to worry about right now.

It had surprised her that she'd felt a little hurt that Annie hadn't come to her for help with money, and now it ate at her that she couldn't have helped much after all. It should've made her feel good that Annie was trying to to find her way on her own, and it did, but that was masked by how she'd tried to do it.

Even so, as she thought it over, to take that kind of risk, to put herself in that position. It was a bold move, even if it wasn't right. And she did it for her son, and Ruby. She had to respect that, as upset that she was.

How long has it been that she'd taken care of her sister that it was hard to imagine not doing that anymore. But now the kind of help her sister needed was on a level Beth had never faced before.

Trying not to be set back by her conversation with Dean she caught up with her manager the next chance she could to see if there was any way she could get an advance on her next paycheck.

"If I do it for you, I have to do it for everyone," Cal said.

"I've been here for 8 years," she leaned forward in her seat.

"Why do you think I helped you last time you asked?"

"That was over two years ago, my sister had just had a baby."

"I'm sorry, my hands are tied."

Even if he was going to help her, it wouldn't be nearly enough, not the kind of money she needed. But it would've at least boosted morale, given her a head start. The confidence she'd felt at getting back the cash quickly was waning, and each time a door closed at her house her eyes shot up to see if it wasn't Dean or Annie. Time was running out, she knew. Mona's brother and his men had left no clue of when they'd show up again, but it could be any minute that they'd come back, armed. She needed to find a solution fast.

"We have $4,500 between us." Annie said, sitting next to Beth at her kitchen table.

The money they owed might as well have been a million dollars. Beth closed her eyes.

A breeze came through the window, blowing bills and bank statements on the floor.

"What is all of this?" Annie asked as she helped Beth pick up the papers.

"I'm going through credit cards bills," Beth picked up a statement. "Maybe there's something I can dispute."

"That's where this is coming to?" Annie surveyed the papers, picking one up. "Chipping at $50?"

Beth set down the statement she was holding. "I know, I'm just trying."

It wasn't going to be hardly enough, she just had to do something. As desperate as it was it was also keeping her from panicking.

"I know," Annie said softly. "Can I help?"

"No," Beth exhaled, picking up the statement she'd just looked at before Annie came in. Something had poked at her when she'd looked it over but only now she stopped to think it over.

It was a lingerie store. But it wasn't one that Dean had used before. Neither was it one she'd shopped at. Was he waiting for a special occasion? The purchase was dated two months ago.

"What?" Annie asked.

"There's just this charge, I don't recognize it."

"What is it for?" Annie glanced down at the paper.

A quick phone call and a request to the supervisor and Beth looked up the item online A g-string. A tiny glittery piece at a size she definitely couldn't fit into.

Not believing her eyes she picked up the statement again, compared the item's name with the onscreen photo though she already knew what she was seeing. She put it down on the table, overwhelmed by an impulse to wash her hands. Annie was beside her as she made the call, put the manager on speaker phone. Once she'd accepted it Annie excused herself, Beth asking for time alone. She put all the papers away, filing them quietly. She knelt down and patted Buddy, the room not looking the same. The table, the shelves, it was like looking at a room for the first time. The only familiar thing was her dog. She just had to leave.

Half an hour later she was pacing through stores, conversations a white noise around her. Her feet took her from one store to another as she wandered aimlessly.

"… I can't believe that people spend thousands of dollars on tiny dolls like this."

"Sure, for collectors these can be worth in the thousands," The woman said to the older women beside her. "Even more."

"Thousands? What's the point of getting a toy if you can't play with it?"

The younger woman nodded her head. "Not if you're making an investment."

"If I wanted to look at something, I'd buy a painting."

Maybe… Maybe that would work. Beth pulled her phone, ran a few searches before heading out the store, her steps a little lighter, more urgent. A short trip later she stepped out into the street, circled the block before calling Annie who picked up on the second ring, her voice soft. But that wasn't what she was calling about.

Beth spoke resolutely into the phone. "I think I have an idea of how we could get the money."