Without me youd never get anywhere, Emma said, rubbing her nose as she slumped back in the café chair. Business has been slow lately, Lucy. Maybe I made a mistake leaving the office?
Just go back, Lucy replied coolly, stirring her cappuccino. Theyll roll out the red carpet for you.
Emma snorted and shook her head. Nah. Better to be on my own than under the everwatchful eye of a boss. I just need to get my name out there.
For the past six months shed poured every ounce of energy into her photography business. She built a portfolio, launched a Instagram page, posted new shoots regularly. Clients trickled in, but the flow was erratic. One week shed be booked solid, the next shed hear only the wind rustling through her empty pockets. Emma knew it would take time, patience and a heck of a lot of elbow grease.
Lucy worked as a sales adviser in a large electronics retailer on Oxford Street. Friendly, with a ready smile and a talent for chatting about anything under the sun, she clicked with shoppers instantly. Whenever the conversation drifted to family gatherings or upcoming celebrations, Lucy would slip in a mention of her photographer friend. A couple of times that led to small jobs for Emmanothing groundbreaking, but a nice boost.
Remember that young couple who came in last week? Lucy said, sipping her coffee and squinting. I sent them your way for a baby photo session.
Oh, right, Emma nodded. Thanks, actually. They were lovely, the baby a total charmer.
No need to thank me, Lucy waved a hand. But, officially, you could owe me a cut.
Emma froze, the mug halfway to her lip. What?
Its only logical, Lucy shrugged. I bring the clients, you do the shooting. That makes us partners, doesnt it?
Emma stared at her friend a moment, trying to decide if she was joking. Then she burst out laughing. Your sense of humour does scare me sometimes.
Come on, Lucy grinned. Just thinking out loud.
They drifted onto other topicsTV series, mutual acquaintances, weekend plans. Emma soon forgot the odd remark; Lucy had probably just flubbed a joke.
Months rolled into a steady stream of shoots. Emma photographed families in parks, childrens birthday parties in softplay centres, corporate headshots for CVs. She posted ads on local sites, struck deals with event organisers, asked clients for reviews. The client list grew slowly but surely.
Lucy kept reminding Emma of her contribution. Occasionally shed drop a line like, Without me youd still be jobless, or feign hurt: I sent you so many people and you never even said thanks properly. Emma brushed it off. Lucy loved to embellish her role in other peoples successa quirk of her personality, nothing more. Yes, she had sent a few clients, but Emma could have managed without her.
One afternoon Emma dropped by Lucys flat. Lucy looked pale, dark circles under her eyes. Over tea she blurted out, Im done. Im quitting.
What? Why? Emma looked up from her phone, where she was editing photos.
Im fed up with the store. Customers never happy, the boss is a terror, the hours are insane. I cant take it any longer.
Seriously? Emma set the phone aside. What will you do now?
Dont know yet, Lucy shrugged. Maybe take a break, think things over. I want something better. Could be an office job, could be a total career change. I havent decided.
Bold move, Emma said, nodding. Good luck then.
Weeks after the resignation Lucy drifted into a relaxed routine. She met friends, went shopping, posted Instagram pictures with captions like Welldeserved rest and Finally living for me. She never uploaded a CV, never sat any interviews. When Emma asked what she was looking for, Lucy gave vague answers: Just browsing, nothing exciting yet, no rush.
A month later Lucys tone shifted. She started complaining, These cursed loans the banks called three times already about overdue payments.
Did you think about taking a temporary job while you search for something good? Emma suggested gently. At least to cover the bills.
Where would I go? Either they pay peanuts or the requirements are astronomical. I wont settle for anything less than proper work; I have experience, I have qualifications, Lucy snapped.
Emma stayed quiet. Arguing seemed pointless; Lucy would find an excuse either way. She seemed to be waiting for a miracle: a perfect vacancy falling from the sky, or money appearing out of thin air.
Meanwhile Emmas workload surged. She shot a lavish wedding, the couple pleasant and grateful, the bride had a detailed shot list, the groom was game for any idea. The day lasted from preparations through ceremony to banquet. Exhausted but thrilled, Emma spent the next few days editing, and the couple also ordered a short video highlight reel. The fee covered her expenses for the month comfortably.
That evening her phone buzzed. It was Lucy.
Hey, Lucys voice was businesslike. We need to talk.
What about?
You shot that wedding last week, right?
Yes, I did. Whats up?
Remember the couple I sent you? The bride bought a TV from the store about five months ago, and I mentioned you to her then.
Emma frowned. The bride had found Emma through Instagram after a long search, so the link was clear. Lucy, she found me on social media.
So what? I told her about you, she remembered and got in touch. That means Im involved. Hand over ten thousand pounds.
Emmas jaw dropped. Youre joking?
Not joking. I helped you, now I want my share.
Lucy, are you out of your mind? I mentioned your name a few times months ago. That doesnt make you a business partner.
It does, Lucy insisted stubbornly. Without my referral shed never have found you.
Without my referral shed have found another photographer. Id still have gotten work. My income depends on my skills, effort and equipment, not on your occasional namedropping, Emma snapped, growing angry. You have nothing to do with this.
Ah, so now Im irrelevant? When I was short on clients you complained, when I sent you people you were happy. And now the moneys coming in, Im suddenly useless?
Lucy, this is nonsense, Emma said, rubbing her temples. You have financial problems, I get that, but that doesnt give you the right to demand money for a service you never actually provided. You quit your job, you dont want to look for work, and now youre trying to milk me?
A true friend would help, Lucys tone turned hurtful. Im not asking you to support me. I just want what I deserve.
Youve earned nothing, Emma retorted sharply. You mentioned my name a couple of times. Thats not work, thats friendly chatter, which doesnt warrant payment.
Greedy, huh? Lucy sneered. Thought you were different. Youre just like everyone else take the money and forget the people who helped you.
Helped? Emma felt a surge of irritation. You told a few people Im a photographer. Thats the most you did. Ive invested time, money, sleepless nights into this business. What were you doing? Sitting on the sofa watching telly.
You think youre so successful, that you did it all on your own? Lucy hissed. Without me youd be nothing.
You know what, Lucy? Emma exhaled wearily. Im done listening to this. Sort out your loans yourself, get a job, act like an adult. Stop demanding money that isnt yours.
Youre no longer my friend, Lucy shouted, slamming the phone.
Emma sat there, phone in hand, trying to process the absurdity. Demanding cash for merely mentioning a namewas that blackmail, manipulation, or just plain audacity?
She opened her messenger, blocked Lucy, did the same on social media, added the number to her ignore list. No explanations, no goodbyesjust a clean cut.
Emma leaned back on the sofa and closed her eyes. How long had she tolerated those hints, those bizarre claims of joint earnings? How many toxic comments had she brushed aside, excusing them as Lucys quirky personality? The red flags had been there from the start; she should have noticed.
Real friends dont ask for payment for a favor. They dont guilttrip you into parting with money. They celebrate your wins, stand by you in setbacks, and never keep a tally.
Emma opened her eyes, stared at the untouched photo on her laptop, and knew she had to keep pushing. Grow the business, chase new clients, sharpen her craft. Most importantly, surround herself with people who value friendship, not its price tag.
