They both wave me off, though Tiana’s jaw ticks.
“Forget it,” she says. “Anyway, I thought you had a scholarship for college.”
“I did. A partial one.”
“How partial?”
“Enough to get me in, not enough to keep me afloat.” I shrug, forcing a brittle laugh. “I thought I could cover the rest, that I could keep up.”
“But you couldn’t,” Demi says gently.
I shake my head. “Not really.”
Tiana’s eyes soften, but there’s hurt there too. “You should’ve told us.”
“I know, I’m sorry. Just—don’t tell Mom. Please. I don’t want her to worry about this.”
She opens her mouth to argue, then closes it again, rubbing her forehead. “You’re unbelievable.”
“I prefer ‘stubborn,’” I say with a tentative smile. “Look, I’ll take care of it, just like I’ve been doing with my other debts.”
Her brows snap together. “Otherdebts?”
Shit. Shouldn’t have said that.
I shift my weight, gripping the back of a chair. “Nothing serious.”
“Mya.”
I sigh. “Okay, fine. My credit score isn’t great.”
Her eyes widen, and she throws her hands up. “Not great? Oh my God!”
“Please don’t say anything to Mom, TJ,” I beg.
She blows out an exasperated breath, crossing her arms. “Fine. Well, if you get evicted, I guess you could just move back home. We all miss having you there anyway.”
I shake my head quickly. “The last thing I want to do is move back, Tiana. I do miss you guys, but I like having my own space and independence. That would be my literal last option. No offense.”
Tiana rolls her eyes but doesn’t argue.
Demi pipes up, sliding into the conversation with a softer tone. “You could always come stay with me. Put your stuff instorage until you find a new place.” She rounds the island and loops an arm around my shoulders, giving me a quick squeeze. “Either way, we’ve got you, babe.”
I smile at her, warmth tugging at my chest. “Thanks. What would I do without you two?”
“Live on the street, that’s what,” Tiana deadpans.
I shove her shoulder, laughing. “Fuck off.”
We sip our wine, and Tiana and Demi start chatting animatedly about where they’re headed tonight, while my mind drifts elsewhere.
How am I going to get out of this mess?
Maybe I can ask for an advance. HR might be able to help me out. It’s worth a shot.
I set my glass down, pull up my email on my phone, and draft a message to Claire, head of HR.
I hit send and take another gulp of wine.Here’s to hoping.