“It’s not really Mom’s fault,” I say. He opens his mouth to say something, but I keep talking. “Anyhow, it doesn’t matter whose fault it is. It matters that the money’s gone. We even had to sell the tour bus.”

“What?” my father asks. “What about your mansion in Los Angeles?”

I’m starting to get a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach.

“Foreclosed,” I say.

“But . . .,” my father begins, then stops. He looks stricken, and there’s a note of panic creeping into his voice. “But you said you could help us out with money. To buy a house. Maybe to pay the rent at the store.”

My insides have started turning cold.

“I wish I could,” I say flatly. I shrug again and hold my palms up helplessly. “I had no idea how bad our situation was until last night.”

“There’s no way of getting it back?” Dad asks, incredulous. “You’re sure?”

“I’m sure.”

“And it will take you years to get out of debt?”

“If we’re ever able to get out.” Real tears well in my eyes. “I mean, if my next CD doesn’t do well, we’ll have to file for bankruptcy. Even if it goes platinum, we’ll probably still be in debt.”

“My God,” my father mutters, shaking his head.

“So I was thinking,” I say, going in for the kill, hoping with all my heart that my dad will pass this test, “I was thinking that maybe I could stay with you until things get better. I mean, after a few years, I could probably give you a few thousand dollars for rent. But right now, things are tight.”

He’s shaking his head and talking to himself. I press on, unable to stop myself now.

“I know you said your place is small,” I continue. “But I don’t take up much room. I can share a room with Alison. Or sleep on the couch. I mean, the alternative is pretty much that I’m out on the street.”

“Well, I don’t see how that’s my problem,” my father says. My heart sinks. I can’t believe it. He looks slightly dazed.

“It’s not your problem,” I say. “I mean, it doesn’t have to be. But I’m your daughter. I’m asking for your help.”

“I don’t have any responsibility in this,” my father says. Every word he speaks feels like it’s stabbing directly into my heart. “I’ve terminated my parental responsibilities. Ask your mother. It’s all there in the court documents. She signed them too.”