the early financing.”
My throat tightened.
All those speeches.
All those birthdays.
All those comparisons.
Kayla was fearless.
Kayla was ambitious.
Kayla built something from nothing.
Except that “nothing” was my credit.
My money.
My financial security.
My forged signature.
Mom reached toward the door.
“We can fix this.”
“No. You can face it.”
“Natalie, please. If the sale collapses, your father could lose the house.”
I frowned.
“Why?”
She said nothing.
My stomach dropped.
“Mom. Why?”
She whispered, “He borrowed against it.”
“How much?”
Her silence was enough.
I
