I looked around the table and immediately realized what they were asking because my job involved reviewing financial risk every day. “You have already been denied for the loan once, haven’t you,” I said slowly while studying Dustin’s face.
“It was just a temporary credit problem,” Brittany answered quickly. “We are close to closing on the house and your help would push everything through.”
My father took a sip of whiskey and watched me carefully. “You are the responsible one,” he said.
I set my fork down and replied carefully because I knew how dangerous that request could become. “If something goes wrong with the payments I would be legally responsible for the debt.”
“Nothing will go wrong,” Brittany insisted with an impatient laugh. “We are family.”
That word family hung over the table like a rope waiting to tighten. I told them I would think about it and left the house feeling uneasy.
The next morning I met my closest friend Danielle at a small café near my office and explained the situation while staring into a cup of coffee that had already gone cold. Danielle listened quietly and then leaned forward with a serious expression.
“Abby, do not sign anything,” she said firmly.