Unbelievable Nerve: Should We Rent Out Our Seaside House to Family or Strangers? The Great Debate Between Pragmatic Natasha and Trusting Nick Over Money, Promises, and Family Loyalties

Author Emily TaylorReading 10 minViews 1

Limitless Cheek

Well, Alice, just be honest, Nick groaned. Whats the big difference whether we rent the seaside cottage to family or strangers? Its still money, isnt it?

Alice finished hanging clothes on the rack. If only hed stopped whining and helped instead.

Nick, darling, she replied, the difference is that you can never get money out of family. Trust me.

You mean about Jamie? Nick winced at the mention, Jamies my brother! Hell pay, I promise you. Hes not even asking for a discount. He wants the place for the whole summer and will pay full price. We wont even have to hunt for tenants.

Its a house on the Devon coast, Nick. I can get tenants in five minutes.

Can you explain why youre so determined not to rent it to family?

With strangers its simple: contract, deposit, dont pay out you go, end of story. But with family, its all, Oh Alice, you understand, weve got the kids, Oh, well transfer it later, Oh, we broke your telly but you wont charge us for that, will you? Ive seen it all before. You dont know how this ends.

The cottage had come down to Alice from her parents, whod also let it out. They lived in Exeter, and the house by the sea had been a nice little extra income. Alice followed suit, with one rule: no letting to mates or relations. Shed seen her parents short-changed by friends too many times.

And how did it end? Nick asked.

Family didnt pay and didnt even apologise! As if it was unreasonable not to let them have a free holiday. No. Its business, Nick. Not a free B&B for your relations.

Recently, Jamie decided that three months at the seaside was just what his wife and three children needed. Summer was the quiet season at work, so he could actually take it easy. Alice was certain Jamie didnt intend to pay a penny.

But Jamie isnt asking for freebies! Nick insisted. He will pay!

They always promise to pay up front.

Why get tangled up in this? We always have people queuing to pay the market rate. Theyll come, sign the contract, and Ill sleep easy. No family, no fuss. Friendships friendship, but money is money.

Nick found it hard to argue with Alices logic, but he knew how to press her buttons.

Alright, you dont trust Jamie. But you do trust me, dont you?

Alice waited for the catch.

I do, but what of it?

If Jamie skips out on us, Ill pay you the rent for the cottage myself, Nick blurted out. Trying to be a hero.

Only, it wasnt much of a bargaining chip.

Incredible. Youll pay me from our joint account.

Well, if you put it like that Nick hesitated. Ill find extra work. Evenings, weekends everything I earn goes straight to you. Separate money, just yours. Deal?

Alice had no idea Nick cared this much. Maybe, if he was so confident in Jamie, she ought to trust him too

You could talk the hind leg off a donkey, Alice said. Fine. Its on your head.

Summer was still months away. Alice had time to calm down and maybe even believe in Jamie.

June arrived, and trouble came with it. Nick rang Jamie every few days, gently hinting that maybe he could pay at least one months rent upfront. Each time, Jamie replied cheerfully:

Yes, yes, Nick! All sorted! The money? Oh, just waiting on a big client to pay up end of the month, he promised. As soon as I have it, youll be first. Sorry for the delay. Its just how it goes. Dont worry!

June ended.

Still no money.

Alice endured silently for a month didnt nag, didnt argue, didnt hassle. Nick had asked for her trust, so she gave it. She didnt want to dent his pride, but after another fruitless chat with Jamie, she broke:

So? Has he paid yet?

Jamie says his client still hasnt wired the cash. Any day now, he promises!

Same old excuse.

Alices tongue itched for a sarcastic who couldve guessed?

What did I tell you? Relatives always have a very good reason not to pay on time.

Alice, its just poor timing! Nick stammered. Its not on purpose! I know how it looks… but honestly, its a one-off! We just need to be patient.

Right, patient until September, when they pack up their suitcases and say, Thanks for the accommodation! Well sort the bill later?

At the end of the day, you wont be out of pocket. Ill take up a side job.

You? Go on then. Right now?

Nicks bravado fizzled out.

Give him a couple more weeks. If he still hasnt paid then Ill pay you. If its that important.

I never made you agree to this. You offered to prove your brothers integrity. So, prove it!

And the mood at home shifted. Nick started talking as glumly to Alice as he did to his own reflection.

July was a scorcher. In the evenings, Alice caught Nick browsing job ads, but he never rang any of them.

Nick, you realise its the thirtieth today? Two-thirds through summer and not a single pound in rent, she reminded him.

Hes still not sorted But

As soon as his money comes in, yes, yes.

Hell pay it back! He promised wed get it first. And hell even throw in a bit extra for the inconvenience.

I dont believe it any more. You vouched for him. You told me, Ill pay. So, pay up. Hows the job hunt?

Clearly, the idea of pulling double shifts no longer appealed. Talking the talk is easy; walking the walk is much harder.

Ill find something. But the jobs are awful I cant be lugging crates around with my back.

Then maybe you should find the guts to send your brother to do it. You promised. Either you start working, or Ill ring Jamie myself and say unless we have at least half by Friday, his familys out, legally, and Ill take the matter to court.

A cold sweat broke out on Nicks brow.

Dont ring Jamie! Court? How would I explain that to Mum? Suing my own brother, Alice, no one would understand.

Jamie had no interest in paying, Nick didnt want to make good on his promise, and he sure didnt want a family row. So what did Nick do? He blamed Alice.

You know what? Obviously you care more about money than me, your husband, slogging away day and night, just to pay you, my wife, your blasted money.

I never asked for any of this, Nick. You insisted!

Well, I didnt know Jamie would leave us high and dry!

But I did, replied Alice. Because Ive seen it before. Many times. You wouldnt listen.

I get it! Nick tried to play the martyr. But you, Alice, youre just as bad! You care more about every last pound than about my health! What if I collapse with a heart attack? Youd still force me to slave away with a second job…

Im not forcing you! Im only holding you to the deal YOU offered.

Fine! Nick yelled. Ill go get another job and pay off Jamies debt. If money means more to you than I do, so be it!

Hed failed at his own game, but Alice stuck to her guns Nick went out and found evening work as a delivery driver. He glared at her hungrily each night as if she were to blame.

Its all your fault he muttered.

Is it?

Yes!

Perhaps now youll learn, Alice said. Its easy to play the big man on someone elses dime. Pay up for your brother, and maybe then youll understand.

Alice, if she were honest, was still hoping Jamie would have a sudden pang of conscience and cough up the money himself. And, as if on cue, Jamie called. Not Nick, but Alice.

Could she have been wrong? Was he finally about to pay?

Alice, Ive got a favour to ask

Jamie, I havent the time. You should have paid up for August by now, and were still waiting for July. Thats not my problem any more its Nicks. He vouched for you.

Yeah, Nick mentioned! Poor chap. But listen I hit a snag. The car broke down while we were here and the repair cost a fortune. I need a way to get the family home. As for the rent Ill sort it out eventually.

Predictable.

Alice hung up.

Nick saw her face and understood instantly.

Alright, he confessed, I was wrong to trust him so blindly. But you you never give me any leeway! Instead of supporting me, you just twist the knife

Was I supposed to just smile and say, Thats fine, Nick, let them stay for free, Ill carry the cost? You pushed this. You promised to pay if Jamie didnt.

Yes, I pushed for it! he snapped. But I didnt think youd be so happy for me to work myself into the ground! Do you ever think about me?

Does your brother think about you?

Hes not a bad bloke, he just got a bit stuck

Brilliant. So hes a good bloke ripping me off and leaving you to pay, but Im the villain for insisting on whats owed?

Nick had no answer.

Looks like a rocky patch was ahead for their marriage.

But perhaps, amongst the disappointment, a lesson was quietly stitched into the fabric of their summer: in family, as in business, boundaries are vital, and promises, especially when made on someone elses behalf, mean very little until youre the one paying the price. Without clear lines and honest communication, even the closest ties can unravel over the smallest slightor the biggest debt.

There Won’t Be a Wedding “Why are you so quiet today?” Tanya asked. “We agreed we’d go pick out bedroom furniture on Saturday, but you seem down. What’s wrong?” Denis knew: now or never. He had to say it now. “Tanya… I need to say something. About the wedding.” Tanya had waited so long for this conversation. They’d agreed on a simple celebration, but she could tell Denis wanted to throw her a proper wedding—with guests, a photographer, the whole lot. She’d been looking forward to him bringing it up! “Just skip the long intro; I think I know what you’re about to say,” Tanya smiled. But Denis said: “Let’s postpone it… Let’s postpone the wedding.” Not the conversation Tanya had prepared for. “Postpone?” she froze. “What sort of sudden decision is that? Why? We were just talking about ordering invitations… You picked them! We discussed who’d come! Have you changed your mind about marrying me?” She thought he’d announce that his feelings were gone, like in a movie. But Denis replied off-script: “Money’s tight right now,” he mumbled. “My salary’s late. We’re not saving. And… We’ve only lived together half a year. A bit soon, don’t you think?” “Too soon?” Tanya sputtered. “We’ve been together for three years! Three years dating, six months living together—and that’s too soon for you?” Denis no longer looked so scared. “Come on, Tanya. I don’t want an argument. It’s just… a pause. I haven’t changed my mind, but weddings are expensive.” “Fine… Let’s just sign the register, the two of us, then celebrate with friends.” “Tanya, then it won’t be a real wedding.” “Well, then let it go to hell!” “But you wanted—” “I’ll live!” He keeps making odd excuses. “Tanya…” “Be honest. Did something happen? Are you not sure you love me? Or did you meet someone else? Because ‘the wedding’s too expensive’ is not a convincing excuse.” Denis shook his head. “No, Tanya, honestly. I just want everything to be perfect, you know? And right now, I can’t give you the perfect wedding. And yeah, it’s only been six months—we’re still getting used to each other. We need to see if we’re right together…” There was logic in his words. He was convincing, but Tanya’s gut screamed warning. Rarely did Denis work so hard to persuade her. He’d been the one urging a quick wedding. But she pretended to believe him. After that, Denis became not just a boyfriend, but the perfect boyfriend. He paid attention to details he’d always ignored, as if making up for the cancelled wedding. In shops, he always asked her opinion; he always washed the dishes himself. But he walked around gloomy—not just thoughtful, but truly glum, sighing at night, staring at the ceiling, brushing off Tanya’s questions: “It’s nothing, just tired.” Tanya tried not to push. “Later, later, later,” her inner voice whispered. A couple weeks later, Denis’s parents invited them over. Tanya resisted; she didn’t want to go. Denis wasn’t talking about the wedding anymore, but his parents would surely bring it up—and that would be awkward. But she had to go. And of course, the wedding came up. “So, when will you finally bring us some good news?” his mum asked after his dad left to watch TV. “We’ve already picked a venue for the reception. Table for twenty. What date should we book?” Denis wore the same sour face as Tanya. What was there to book? There’d be no wedding. “Mum, we’ve talked. It’s postponed,” he croaked. “Postponed? How come? Short of money? Denis, as a man, why didn’t you plan ahead?” After dinner, while the men excitedly examined a dismantled, still broken speaker, Tanya headed to the bathroom to freshen up. It was spotless, like an operating theatre. Not a speck of dust. No toiletries except shower gel and shampoo—his mum kept everything else in her bedroom. Tanya always wondered how she had the patience to carry it back and forth. Wiping her face, Tanya listened… The bathroom walls always carried whispers of secrets. Denis was back in the kitchen, talking to his mother. Tanya heard… “Denis, are you planning to break up with Tanya?” Tanya froze, towel pressed to chin. What? She didn’t let herself pretend she’d misheard. Quietly, she pressed her ear to the tiles. “Mum, I told you. We’ve postponed. We haven’t broken up.” “Postponed is just an excuse!” Galina whispered. “I can see you’re in torment. Why do you need her? She’s not wifely. A wife should obey her husband—not behave like that. What’s the point if you’ll just get divorced in a year?” “I love her, Mum,” Denis insisted. Tanya almost melted. But his mother’s next words knocked any sentimentality away. “You say you love her? She’s sly, Denis. I warned you! She’s not even your wife yet and she’s already turning you against us. You’ve stopped helping your sister, you don’t visit the cottage… She’s changing you, and not for the better.” Tanya clung to the cold tile, heart racing. Turning him against his family? When? She’d always tried to be polite, even when Anatoly, his father, had torn apart her new haircut. It hurt, but she kept her mouth shut! Never had she deliberately turned Denis against his family. Quite the opposite—she encouraged him to keep close, knowing how important they were to him. And then it hit her: postponing the wedding? Not about money. His mum, lying to her face, was dead set against their marriage! Tanya hurried to rejoin them. “Ah, Tanya, you’re back! We were just saying you shouldn’t wait too long to make it official. I understand youth, but I don’t approve of living together without a marriage certificate.” How charming of her. “Of course, Mrs Smith,” Tanya smiled. “We won’t postpone for long. Once we’ve saved a bit, it’s off to the register office. Right, Denis?” “Yeah, Tanya, we’re basically already married,” Denis agreed. That night, driving home, Denis tried to put his arm around her but Tanya kept pulling away. She didn’t know how to start the conversation—or whether she should. If Denis hadn’t dumped her at his family’s demand, surely he loved her… but he had cancelled the wedding. “You acted odd when your mum started talking,” she said, watching the city lights fade behind them. “Me? Nah, she’s just rushing the wedding and—” “Don’t lie. She’s not rushing you. She’s completely against our wedding. She said I turned you against them, and that you should break up with me.” Denis’s hands jerked on the wheel. “So you heard? Tanya, my mum’s afraid her little boy will get married and forget her. Classic case. Don’t take it personally. She’ll get over it.” Tanya didn’t take his mum’s words to heart—what worried her was Denis’s reaction. He hadn’t stood up for her; he’d just agreed, rather than argue with his mother. The wedding question remained open. Denis continued looking like he’d bitten a lemon, and now, whenever Tanya mentioned future plans, he always said, “Maybe later…” Then, one day, Denis’s phone was left unlocked. “I’m just checking the time,” Tanya told herself. “I won’t look at his messages. Just a quick glance—” A notification from his sister, Vera, flashed up. Vera was only two years younger than Tanya but acted twelve. No job, no studies, lived off her parents. The message was blunt: “I see, no money for me. She’s got you under her thumb again. Go on, live with her then, if some girl matters more than your family.” Tanya reread it: “She’s got you under her thumb again.” It brought something back… Before the wedding was cancelled, when Vera had called Denis (again) asking for money, Tanya couldn’t help but say: “Denis, she’s twenty-seven, living at home, always asking you for spending money. Maybe it’s time she got a job? Our budget isn’t endless.” She wouldn’t usually butt in, but it was their shared money she contributed as much as Denis—and she hadn’t signed up to bankroll his family. Denis had reluctantly agreed: “Yeah, you’re right, Tanya. Enough’s enough.” Now she saw who was working to turn everyone against her. She copied the message, sent it to her own phone as evidence, and replaced Denis’s mobile exactly where she’d found it. Denis was dusting off snow in the hallway: “Got bread, got your favourite chocolate with hazelnuts. I was thinking, Tanya, maybe we should have—” “Denis,” Tanya cut him off. “What, expecting someone else?” he joked. But Tanya didn’t laugh. “What does Vera mean in her message to you?” she asked. Denis remembered that if you’re about to be cornered, attack first. He erupted, offended: “What, you’re snooping through my phone while I’m out?!” Classic defence tactic—shift the blame. “Doesn’t matter what I was doing, Denis. I want you to explain. Right now.” For a few seconds, his face cycled through all emotions: anger, panic. “Oh, Tanya, don’t worry. She’s still young, sulks about everything.” “She’s sulking because I asked her to grow up?” Tanya pressed. “Well, she’s used to asking me for money. Quite the habit. Hard to break. But don’t stress, she’ll get over it.” “Did she turn your parents against me?” “Well… yes,” Denis admitted. “I tried explaining it’s our money, that Vera should stand on her own feet… But Mum flipped out—Tanya’s got you under her control, you’ve abandoned us for her! But I don’t see it that way…” “But you cancelled the wedding… So she turned your family against me. Got it. I can’t be around them. But what about you? Do you want to marry me, or are you just putting it off because you can’t say ‘no’ to your mum?” “Of course I want to marry you! Just not now… maybe later, when everything’s settled…” That’s your answer. “You know what, Denis, I’ve realised something… I don’t want to marry someone who’s not sure about me and jumps at every whim of his little sister. It’s a good thing the wedding’s off.”

Real Son “Lynn, you won’t believe it! Matty and I have decided—we’re off to Turkey again next year!” My stepdad was beaming. “He says he needs that same hotel with the sea view again. What can I do—he’s my son after all.” He didn’t even realise he’d emphasised *real* son. “I’m happy for you both,” she replied, remembering the happier days before Matty appeared. “Real son… You always told me we were a family, that it didn’t matter who was actually related.” He had. He’d said she was his daughter, no matter what. “Not this again, Lynn! You’re my daughter, no question. You know I love you as if you were my own. But Matty…” He didn’t even realise he’d proved her point. “Matty’s the son. And I’m just someone you know, apparently.” “Lynn, don’t be like that! I told you, to me you’re as good as family!” “As good as… But did you ever take me to the seaside? Not once in fifteen years of being my ‘dad’?” He hadn’t. Arthur loved to claim there was no difference between her and Matty, but Lynn saw how much more he did for his actual son. The difference was enormous. “It was never possible, Lynn. You know money was tight. You’re old enough to know what two weeks in a five-star hotel costs… It’s expensive.” “I get it,” said Lynn. “Too expensive to take me. But Matty—who you only met six months ago—you’re willing to get a mortgage to buy him a flat so he’d have a place for a wife. I suppose that’s a ‘minor’ expense, as long as it’s for your son?” “I’m not buying him a flat, who told you that?” “Nice people.” “Well, tell those nice people to stop spreading rumours.” Lynn perked up a bit. “So, you’re really not?” “Of course not. Oh, guess where we’re going Saturday?” He answered himself: “Go-karting! He used to race a bit at uni, I’m just tagging along.” “Go-karting,” Lynn repeated. “Sounds thrilling.” “Exactly!” “Can I come with you?” The words burst out before she could stop them. Arthur clearly hadn’t wanted her along and stammered, “Uh… Lynn… You’d be bored. Honestly. It’s a… bloke thing. Matty and I need to have a father-son talk.” How much that hurt… “So… it’s fun for you, but not for me?” “Not quite… We just—we never spent any time together, and we’re trying to make up for it. Just us two. I hope you understand.” Understand. That was their new, most cruel phrase. She was supposed to understand that real was more important than adopted, and that she should now know her place outside the fence. Matty, in fairness, was amazing. Grew up without a father—his mum had never told Arthur—yet he’d done so well. Smart, handsome, kind. “Dad, I helped at the shelter today—fixing the dog runs.” “Dad, did you know I got a first-class degree?” “Dad, look, I fixed your phone.” He wasn’t just a son. He was the perfect son. That night, after Arthur had left, Lynn sat sorting through old photos—Arthur’s wedding to her mum (who’d died five years ago, leaving her and Arthur alone). Their holiday at the cottage… Lynn’s graduation photo… Nothing would ever be the same again. *** “Lynn, are you up? Got an urgent question.” Arthur turned up at eight in the morning. “What’s so urgent?” Lynn swept her fringe back with a headband and started the coffee machine. “It’s about Matty’s flat.” “So it’s true after all?” she breathed. “Sorry, but yes… true.” “And you lied to me.” “I didn’t want to upset you. But I need your advice! I really think I should hurry. He’ll want to marry someday, needs a place of his own. I remember what it was like for me…” “Just take out a mortgage,” Lynn muttered, who really did not want to discuss buying Matty a flat. What a cushy deal for Matty. “Yes, yes, I know. But you know my credit score… But Matty needs help. He deserves his dad to buy his very first home.” “And what are you getting at?” “Would you help? If I asked?” “Depends how.” “I’ll explain. I’ve got £20,000 for the deposit, but the bank won’t lend to me. You’d get approved. Your credit’s perfect. We’ll put it in your name, I’ll make all the payments. Promise.” The illusion that “there’s no difference” between them shattered for good. There was. They weren’t putting Matty’s neck on the block. “So Matty gets the flat, I get the debt—is that it?” Arthur shook his head, looking so wounded, it was as if Lynn had made the suggestion. “Don’t talk nonsense! I’ll pay. I’m not asking you to do anything but put it in your name. Think about it…” “You know, Arthur, I’m not even thinking about signing the loan. I’m thinking about how you don’t see me as your daughter anymore. Now you have a son. Known him for half a year, known me for fifteen, but that doesn’t matter—he’s *real*.” “That’s not true!” Arthur flushed. “I love you both equally!” “No. Not equally.” “Lynn, that’s not fair! It’s just—he’s my real son…” Curtain. She was done being his daughter. She was the stand-in, acceptable only until the real thing came along. “Fine,” she said politely. “I can’t, Arthur. I’ll need a place myself one day. Can’t take a second mortgage.” Arthur seemed to just remember she had nowhere herself. “Oh, right, you’ll need one too… But for now, before you want to buy your own place, you could help me. I’ve got most of the money, just need a bit more, only for a few years.” “No. I won’t do it.” She didn’t expect Arthur to understand. “All right,” he said. “If you can’t help me as a daughter… so be it. I’ll sort it some other way.” Whether he’d ever really seen her as his daughter no longer mattered. Now she saw Arthur only in photos. One evening, scrolling through social media, she saw it. A photo at the airport. Arthur and Matty, both in light jackets. Arthur, arm on Matty’s shoulder. Caption: “Off to Dubai with Dad. Family is everything.” Family. Lynn put down her phone. She remembered a moment from her own childhood, before her mum met Arthur. She was five. They had little money, and her favourite doll from Grandma broke. She cried, and her ‘real’ father told her: “Lynn, stop crying over nonsense. Don’t bother me.” You never could bother him. He was only ever interested in his bottle. Really, Lynn never had a dad. And thought Arthur had replaced him… Later, Arthur tried once more to persuade her. “Lynn, I think you’re overthinking this trust issue—” “What trust issue, Arthur? I said no.” “You just don’t get it. Matty grew up without a dad. I need to make it up to him. He’s grown up, needs somewhere to live. I’m not asking much—you just need to sign, I’ll pay every penny.” “Who’ll fix my empty spaces, Arthur…” That got to him. “Lynn, enough! I don’t want an argument. I do love you, that’s true! But you must understand—Matty is my real family now. When you have your own kids, you’ll see. Yes, I love you both, just differently, but you matter.” “Sure. As a tool.” “Lynn, cool off! You’re being dramatic.” “You dropped me the moment he turned up, Arthur. I don’t ask you to choose. There’s nothing to choose. You said it yourself—Matty’s your real son. I never was.” Half a year passed. Arthur never called. Not once. One day, scrolling her feed again, she saw a new photo. Arthur and Matty, standing in front of mountains. Arthur in trendy ski gear. Caption: “Teaching Dad to snowboard! He’s a bit old for it, but with a son—anything’s possible!” Lynn stared at the picture a long time. She turned to her desk to finish her report when a message pinged. Unknown number. “Hi, Lynn. It’s Matty. Dad gave me your number—he can’t ring himself. He’s sorted the flat another way, and he’s worried about you. He really wants you to come for the Bank Holiday. He can’t say why, but it matters.” She drafted a reply, deleting and rewriting several times. “Hi Matty. Tell Arthur I’m really glad for him, I’m thinking of him too. But I won’t be coming. I have other plans for the long weekend. I’m going to the seaside.” She didn’t bother mentioning she’d bought that trip herself, and the beach was in Cornwall, not Turkey—and she was travelling with a friend, not a dad. Lynn hit send. And realised she could still be happy, even without him.

There Won’t Be a Wedding “Tanya, why are you so quiet today?” she asked as she sipped her tea. “We agreed—we’re going furniture shopping for the bedroom on Saturday. But you seem down. What’s going on?” Denis knew this was the moment. If not now—never again. “Tanya… There’s something I need to say. About the wedding.” Tanya had waited ages for this day. She and Denis had already agreed to keep things simple, but she suspected he wanted to make their wedding special: guests, catering, a real event. She had hoped and hoped for this conversation. “No need for a dramatic build-up,” Tanya smiled. “I think I know what you’re going to say.” But Denis’ answer was not what she’d expected. “Let’s postpone it, Tanya. Let’s put off the wedding.” This was not the talk she had prepared for. “Postpone?” She was stunned. “Why? We just picked our invitations! You were the one choosing them…. We’ve decided who we’re inviting! Did you change your mind about marrying me?” It felt like a scene straight out of a melodrama. Any moment now, he’d say his feelings had faded. But Denis didn’t follow the script. “It’s just… money, Tanya. I’m short on cash, my payday keeps being pushed back. We haven’t managed to save up at all. Plus… we haven’t been living together that long. Six months isn’t much, don’t you think?” “Six months? Denis, we’ve been together three years! Three years dating, half a year under one roof—that’s ‘not long’ to you?” Denis looked more resolved. “Let’s not fight, okay, Tanya? I don’t want a row. It’s just… a pause. I still want to marry you, but a wedding costs a lot.” “Fine… Let’s just go to the registry office together, and celebrate with friends after.” “Tanya, that won’t be a proper wedding.” “Honestly, who cares anymore!” “But you’ve always dreamed of—” “I’ll survive, Denis!” It was such a feeble excuse. “Be honest with me. Is something going on? Are you not sure you love me? Or… is there someone new? Because ‘weddings are too expensive’ doesn’t convince me.” Denis shook his head. “No, Tanya. I swear. I just want our wedding to be perfect. And right now, I just can’t make that happen. And yes—six months together. We’re still learning about each other. Maybe it’s too soon.” His logic… almost convincing. Denis was never usually this desperate to persuade her. He himself had pushed to get married sooner, not later. She pretended to believe him. After that talk, Denis was the model boyfriend—attentive, careful, picking up on all the details he used to ignore as if to make up for cancelling the wedding. At the shops, he asked what she wanted, always did the dishes… But he was gloomy, not just thoughtful, but truly down, sighing at night and brushing off Tanya’s questions with, “Just tired, that’s all.” Tanya did her best not to push. “Later, later, later,” her inner voice insisted. A couple of weeks later, they were invited for dinner with Denis’ parents. Tanya wasn’t keen—she knew the wedding would come up. And Denis’ parents would ask questions. Awkward. But they had to go. Of course, the wedding came up. “So, are you two ever going to make us happy?” his mother asked, as the father disappeared to the TV. “We’ve already found a place for the banquet—table for twenty. Should I reserve a date?” Denis looked as glum as Tanya. What were they reserving a table for? There would be no wedding. “Mum, we’ve told you. We’re postponing it,” he mumbled. “Postponed? What for? Short on money, is it? Denis, as a man, shouldn’t you have thought of that sooner?” After dinner, while the men examined a half-dismantled radio, Tanya headed to the spotless bathroom to freshen up. Not even a dust mote, nor a spot of makeup—his mother always kept all that back in the bedroom. Tanya used to laugh at the ritual of lugging it all in and out. She dried her face—and suddenly tuned in. The bathroom walls could carry every whispered secret. Denis had returned to the kitchen, talking quietly to his mother. “…Denis, you’re not planning to break up with Tanya, are you?” Tanya froze with a towel to her chin. What? She pressed her ear to the chilly tiles, not daring to rustle. “Mum, I’ve said—postponed, not broken up.” “Postponed is just an excuse.” Galina snapped. “I can see you’re miserable. Why are you with her? You know she isn’t a wife. A wife should obey her husband, not constantly question him… Why marry if you’ll just divorce in a year?” “I love her, Mum,” Denis replied softly. Tanya almost felt moved. But the next thing his mother said wiped away any sentiment. “You say you love her? She’s cunning, Denis. I told you! She’s got you turned against us and she’s not even your wife yet. Stopped helping your sister, stopped visiting the cottage… She’s changing you—but not for the better.” Tanya stood frozen, glued to the wall. Turned Denis against them? She always tried to be as polite as possible with his parents, even when his dad had cruelly mocked her new haircut. She’d never, ever tried to come between them. In fact, she’d always nudged Denis to visit more—family was important to him. Then it clicked: postponing the wedding wasn’t about money. His mum was the one behind it all, lying to Tanya’s face, against the wedding. Tanya returned to the kitchen. “Ah, Tanya! We were just discussing how you shouldn’t put off registering the marriage. Youth, yes, but I don’t approve of living together until it’s official.” How sweet. “Of course, Mrs Williams,” Tanya replied warmly. “We won’t leave it too long. Once we save a bit more, off to the registry office, isn’t that right, Denis?” “Absolutely, Tanya. We’re practically married already,” Denis picked up instantly. That night, driving home, Denis reached to hug her, but Tanya slid away. She didn’t know how to start the conversation. Should she? If Denis hadn’t dumped her on his mother’s orders, did he really love her? Yet he’d called off the wedding. “You acted weird when your mum started talking,” she said, watching the streetlights disappear into the distance. “Me? No, she just… wants the wedding to happen, that’s all—” “Don’t lie. She’s not in a hurry for a wedding at all. She’s completely against it. She says I’ve turned you against the family. She wants us to split.” Denis jerked the steering wheel nervously. “So you heard? Tanya, she’s just afraid her son will get married and forget about her. Typical, right? Don’t take it personally. She’ll get over herself.” Tanya didn’t care about a mother-in-law’s possessiveness. It was Denis’ own words that stung—he hadn’t defended her, just agreed to avoid a row. The wedding question hovered, unresolved. Denis remained gloomy, and now, whenever Tanya hinted at plans, he just said, “Maybe, in time…” And then Tanya got the chance to see Denis’ unlocked phone. “I’m just checking the time,” she told herself. “I’m not snooping. I’ll just… glance.” On the screen—a message from his sister, Vera. Vera was only a couple of years younger than Tanya, but acted as if she was still twelve. No job, no studies, living at home with their parents, on their dime. Her message was clear: “So I’m not getting any money then. Under the thumb again, I see. Go live with her then, if some girl’s more important than your own family.” Tanya read it again. “Under the thumb again.” And the memory came back… Before the wedding was off, when Vera had once again asked Denis for cash, Tanya had said, unable to keep quiet: “Denis, she’s 27, living with your parents and asking for pocket money. Maybe it’s time she started her own life? We’re not made of money.” She wouldn’t have cared, but they shared finances, and Tanya contributed as much as Denis. Denis had reluctantly agreed. “You’re right, Tanya. Enough’s enough.” So now it was clear—Vera was turning everyone against Tanya. Tanya took Denis’ phone, copied the message, and sent it to herself to keep the evidence. Then she put the phone back exactly where it was. Denis was shaking snow from his coat in the hall: “I got bread… and your favourite chocolate with hazelnuts. I was just thinking, maybe, we should have gone—” “Denis,” Tanya interrupted. “Yes? Who else were you expecting?” he joked. She didn’t laugh. “What did Vera mean in her message?” she asked. He tried to shift blame, tried to get angry first. “Did you go through my phone while I was out?” Classic defence, Tanya thought. Lay the blame elsewhere. “That doesn’t matter, Denis. I want an explanation. Now.” Denis stood there, face flickering between panic and anger. “Oh Tanya, don’t worry about it. She’s just a kid, always taking offence.” “Offence at what? That I asked her to grow up?” Tanya pressed. “She’s used to coming to her brother for cash. Not easy to break the habit. Forget it, don’t get worked up.” “She got your parents wound up, didn’t she?” “Well… yeah,” he admitted, “I tried to explain it’s our money, that Vera should stand on her own… Mum flipped out—accused you of turning me against my own family. But that’s not what I think…” “But you still called off the wedding. So, what—I can’t get along with your family, I get that. But what do you actually want? Do you want to marry me, Denis? Or are you just putting it off because you can’t say no to your mother?” “Of course I want to marry you! Just… not right now. Maybe later… when it all calms down…” There it was. “You know what, Denis—I finally get it. I won’t marry someone who isn’t sure about me and jumps every time his sister scowls. Maybe it’s for the best—the wedding’s off.”

Shameless Cheek: “So, Natasha, tell me honestly,” whined Nick, “what universal difference does it make, who we rent the house to? Friends, strangers—money’s the same!” Natasha finished hanging the laundry. He could help, instead of moaning. “Nicky, my dear,” she replied, “the difference is you can never squeeze money out of family.” “You’re talking about Jamie? That’s not fair—he’s my brother! He’ll pay, I guarantee it. Not even asking a discount! He’ll rent for the whole summer.” “It’s a house by the seaside. I’ll find tenants in five minutes.” “Why must it be strangers?” “With strangers: contract, deposit, no pay—they’re out. With family, it’s ‘Oh Natasha, you understand, we’ve got kids,’ or ‘we’ll pay later,’ or ‘we’ve broken your telly, but you wouldn’t charge us, right?’ Been there, seen that.” The house had come down from Natasha’s parents, who also rented it. She kept the rule: no family, no friends. She’d seen how mum and dad were ‘done’ by their own. “But how did it end?” “With family staying for free and not even apologising! Listen, Nick, the house is business—not a free holiday camp for your lot.” Jamie’s decided his wife and three kids need three months by the sea—nice when business is slow. Natasha was certain he didn’t intend to pay. “He’s not asking for charity!” Nick insisted. “He’ll pay.” They all promise at first. “We always have a queue of proper tenants, Nick. No friends, no family. Business is business.” Nick tried another tack: “Alright. You don’t trust Jamie. But you trust me?” Natasha paused. “Of course. So what?” “I’ll pay the rent myself if Jamie tries to stiff us.” Weak. “Genius. And pay me from our joint savings?” “Well… no, I’ll find a second job—nights, weekends—all the money to you. Not ours, just yours. Deal?” Natasha didn’t realise Nick cared this much. Maybe she should trust him… “You could talk the hind legs off a donkey. Fine—it’s your responsibility.” There was time until summer—Natasha tried to believe in Nick. June began, and so did the problems. Nick called Jamie every three days for the first month’s rent; always, always, excuses. “Yeah, all fine, Nick! Just waiting for one big client to pay me. End of the month, for sure.” June ended. No money. Natasha waited, stayed silent. Nick had asked her to trust him. But after yet more phone calls: “So? Has he paid?” “The big client’s not paid Jamie yet. As soon as he does…” Same excuse, month in, month out. “This is exactly what I told you. Family always has a reason not to pay.” “It’s just coincidence! Just wait…” “Till September? Till their three cases are packed and they sail off with a cheery wave and nothing paid?” “You’re not losing out, love; I’ll get a side job.” “You? Now?” Nick wilted. “Give him a couple more weeks. If not… I’ll pay you.” “You insisted!” A chill settled in the house. July. The heat was stifling. Natasha caught Nick browsing job adverts, never dialling. “Nick, it’s the thirtieth. Two-thirds of summer, zero rent.” “He’ll pay. He said he’d make it good.” “I’ve stopped believing. You vouched for him. Now it’s your turn to pay. Where’s your extra job?” Evidently, Nick didn’t fancy actually keeping his promise. “I’ll find something. Just nothing’s right. I mean, my back’s not up to heavy lifting, is it?” “Maybe tell your brother to shift bags then. You promised. Either get a job now, or I ring Jamie myself and tell him: pay half by Friday or we evict you—legally.” Nick paled. “No, don’t! What will family say, if you sue my brother?” Jamie won’t pay, Nick won’t work, and the court option horrifies him—so now it’s all Natasha’s fault. “You care so much about me, your husband! You’d rather I work two jobs than just let your wife ‘win’.” “You insisted!” “But I didn’t think Jamie’d shaft us!” “But I did,” said Natasha. “Seen it a dozen times. You didn’t listen.” “Alright! But you, Natasha—forcing me to work overtime proves you don’t love me. Money over my health! What if I have a heart attack?” “I’m not forcing you. Just asking you to keep YOUR word.” “Fine! I’ll get a job, I’ll pay Jamie’s rent. Happy now?” So Nick became an evening delivery driver and glowered at Natasha every night. “You… it’s all because of you.” “Because of me?” “Yeah!” “Maybe now you’ll understand what it means to be Mr Nice Guy at my expense.” Natasha hoped Jamie would have a change of heart—but then he rang her. “Natasha, I’ve got a problem—car’s acting up, had to spend your rent money on repairs… I’ll pay you… at some point…” Natasha hung up. Nick saw her face. “Alright, I was wrong to trust him. But you—you don’t let me make mistakes! Instead of support you just push me harder…” “So I should just smile and tell you: ‘Fine, Nick, your family can summer for free, I’ll live’? You insisted you’d pay if he didn’t!” “I did! But didn’t expect you to agree so easily that I should run myself ragged.” “And your brother—he thinks about you?” “He’s not bad, just—” “Marvellous. He gets a freebie and you the blame, and I’m the villain?” Nick was silent. A rocky road ahead for their marriage.

📌 Useful Social Services & Contacts in the U.S.

Stay informed and get help when you need it. Below are key national services with direct contacts that may support you or your loved ones:
🏥 Health & Mental Support

SAMHSA – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

What they do: Free and confidential help with substance use and mental health disorders.

Hotline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) – 24/7, anonymous support

Website: samhsa.gov

🧒 Support for Children & Families

WIC – Women, Infants, and Children Program

What they do: Nutritional and healthcare support for pregnant women, new mothers, and young children.

Federal Info Line: 1-800-522-5006

Find local WIC office: fns.usda.gov/wic