"A bigger question is where do we stand. We must be committed. I'm on a month to month lease, and I'm giving my notice. I'll be out next month. I'm also putting up my life savings, including a loan on my 401K. I'm all in. Karen, how about you, are you still in?"

"My lease is gone next month. I have to stay someplace. Do you really think it will be livable?"

No time for waffling. "Absolutely. I guarantee it. I just need to know you're behind this."

"Ok. I'm in. Let's do this." The words sounded sure, the tone much less so.

I turned to Debbie. "Debbie, without you,...