“Then a small gathering needed a small meal.”

His jaw tightened.

“You’re enjoying this.”

“No.”

And I meant it.

I didn’t enjoy Sarah having a miserable holiday.

I enjoyed no longer being responsible for repairing it.

Those were different things.

David continued.

“The mortgage payment bounced last month.”

I looked at him.

“You had thirty days to prepare.”

“We had other commitments.”

“So did I.”

“We had to move money around.”

“Then move it.”

“You were the one who suddenly canceled the transfer.”

“After you both told me to stay out of your lives.”

He shook his head.

“You keep repeating that like it justifies everything.”

“It explains everything.”

“We’re family.”

I almost smiled.

“So am I.”

He went silent.

I continued.

“Family cannot mean you want distance from my opinions, my presence, my questions, and my needs, but not from my bank account.”

His expression hardened.

“Sarah was emotional.”

“She sent the message.”

“Because you push her.”

“How?”

“You make her feel guilty.”

“For what?”

“For not visiting enough.”

“I stopped asking her to visit months ago.”

“For not letting you have Leo whenever you want.”

“I ask to see my grandson.”

“Exactly.”

There was nowhere productive left to go.

So I said, “The bank will be sending paperwork regarding the vehicle loan.”

He frowned.

“What paperwork?”

“I requested to be released as co-signer through a refinance into your names.”

“You can’t do that.”

“The bank can.”

“Our interest rate will change.”

“Then review your options.”

His face flushed.

“You’re dismantling everything.”

“No.”

I looked at him.

“I’m returning it.”

“What?”

“Your responsibilities.”

He stared.