She said his system got them into my house three years ago. Phillip tried to soothe her by saying he would pay it all back.
He said he could ask me for a favor. Melinda snapped that she had had enough of favors and did not want to be more dependent on me.
I carefully placed the bag of vegetables on the counter. My heart pounded.
He was gambling again and had lied to me. There was no overtime.
The bedroom door flew open. I barely had time to turn to the refrigerator.
Melinda stormed out and slammed the door. She stopped when she saw me and said I was back already.
Her eyes were red from rage and her hair was disheveled. I asked what was for dinner and said I bought everything for a casserole.
Melinda stared at me for a few seconds. She shook her head and said she was leaving.
She grabbed her bag and rushed out. I exhaled slowly as Phillip emerged from the bedroom looking pale.
He asked if I heard everything. I nodded and asked how he could lose fifteen thousand dollars.
He lowered his eyes like a little boy. He mumbled that he thought he would get lucky this time.
I took his hand and begged him not to do this anymore. He promised to quit but we both knew it was a lie.