Quick context: I (Susan) was involved in a small, informal catering business with a friend, Fred.

Fred and I ran an unlicensed catering business. We were both aware of the risks.

At the same time, I was dealing with two serious personal issues: • A life-threatening medical condition. • A stalker who was actively threatening me.

Fred was aware of these issues and tried to be considerate of my situation.

Our agreement was: • Fred paid 100% of the food costs. • I handled finding customers and collecting payments. • We agreed to split profits 50/50 after covering costs.

Over the course of one week, we completed five deliveries: 1. Nine meals — $180 (cost $90, profit $90) 2. Four meals — $80 (cost $40, profit $40) 3. One meal — $20 (cost $10, profit $10) 4. Two meals — $40 (cost $20, profit $20) 5. Three meals — $120 (cost $60, profit $60)

Totals: • $440 collected • $220 cost • $220 profit (to be split evenly)

Each time, I collected the cash but forgot to distribute Fred’s share. I was overwhelmed by fear about the business, my health issues, and the threats I was receiving. Fred did not bring up the missed payments at the time, and I did not realize or correct the mistake as we went.

At the end of the week, Fred planned to raise a separate sensitive topic and, before doing so, asked for the money he was owed.

I gave Fred $120 at that point. However, he was actually owed $330 (his costs plus his share of the profits). Fred accepted the $120 without pressing the issue immediately.

Shortly after, when the separate topic was raised, a major argument occurred, ending both our business relationship and our friendship.

Now, Fred believes I am at fault for forgetting and underpaying him, and I believe he shares responsibility for not addressing the missing payments earlier.

I’m trying to understand if I’m the one in the wrong for how the financial side was handled, given the circumstances, or if it was a shared issue.

AITA?