That is terrible, my lovely @deirdyweirdy. I think she may have made up reasons to leave; your friend maybe took advantage of you. You should have paid her after the job was done. At the same time, we can be kind and trusting, especially if we think we know someone (do you?). I bet she would have stayed even if you came home late if payment were done after, lol. You kept the bridge open, but she chose to end it, maybe because of the money. It’s a pity that some people see money as more important than a good relationship or friendship, and losing trust seems unimportant to some who have their own motivations. Would you swap a good friend for £3,000? Come on, that’s stealing. She didn’t refund you. You have been so kind, TBH, I can be like that when there's enough for me, I share, but I am still learning, especially about people taking advantage, Lol.