Grey Friends

"Steph?"
I couldn't help but sound hesitant. She'd withdrawn from the group over the past week, though the others hadn't appeared to notice. Well, they noticed because she stopped being willing to throw out cash at every suggestion that Tanya made. Though Tanya had dismissed it as a phase.
I doubted it was that.
There was anger.
There was hurt.
And I could only guess why. She hadn't been the same since Tanya had once again brought up the fact that Stephanie had been lying to us about how rich she was. I couldn't help but think she had overheard us. Because on that day she'd been late meeting up with us, and Steph had made an effort to be on time. Always.
She barely glanced up. "Yah?" She asked cooly.
I took it as barely an invitation to sit by her side.
"Are you okay?"
"Peachy."
I pursed my lips. "You don't sound okay...you've been acting weird."
"It's nothing."
I doubted that. With a shrug I moved to stand. "Alright....but...." I reached into my jacket and pulled out an envelope. "I just wanted to give you this. I hope it helps." I set it down next to her hand and turned away.
I hadn't gotten more than six steps when her voice reached me. "...What is this Anthony?" She asked.
I glanced over my shoulder. "What I owe you for the past few years." I said simply. "I wanted to wait until you told us yourself the truth..." I shrugged, turning away. "But since you seem to be breaking ties, I figured I'd give it to you now before you completely disappeared on us."

-Inspiration from an episode of Detective Conan