Without Me, You Wouldn’t Have Achieved Anything

Dear Diary,

Without me youd never have gotten anywhere.

Lucy, business has been slow lately, I complained, wiping my nose and leaning back in the worn chair of the little café on Victoria Street. Maybe I made a mistake quitting the office?

Just go back, Lucy answered, stirring her cappuccino indifferently. Theyll welcome you with open arms.

I snorted and shook my head.

No, thanks. Id rather be on my own than live under a bosss constant watch. I just need to get my name out there.

For the past six months Ive poured every ounce of energy into building my photography business. Ive assembled a portfolio, launched an Instagram page, and posted my work regularly. Clients trickle in, but its erraticone week Im booked solid, the next I hear nothing but the wind rustling through my empty pockets. I know it will take time, patience, and relentless effort.

Lucy works as a sales adviser in a large electronics shop in Manchester. Friendly, with a ready smile and a knack for chatting about anything under the sun, she quickly finds common ground with customers. When the conversation drifts toward family celebrations or upcoming parties, Lucy casually drops that she has a photographer friend. A few times that has landed me a small ordernothing grand, but its always nice to have a lead.

Remember that couple who came in last week? Lucy said, taking a sip of her coffee and squinting. I sent them your way for a childrens photo shoot.

Oh, right, I nodded. Thanks, actually. Theyre lovely, the babys an absolute sweetheart.

No need to thank me, Lucy waved a hand. But, honestly, you could have given me a cut.

I froze, my mug halfway to my lips.

What?

Its only fair, Lucy shrugged. I bring the clients, you do the shooting. That makes us partners, doesnt it?

For a moment I stared at her, trying to decide whether she was joking. Then I laughed.

You scare me sometimes with your humour.

Come off it, she smiled. Just thinking out loud.

We drifted onto other topicsnew series on Netflix, mutual friends, weekend plans. I quickly forgot her odd remark. She must have just missed the mark with a joke.

Months turned into a steady stream of shoots. I photographed families in the park, kids birthdays in softplay rooms, and corporate headshots for CVs. I posted ads on local sites, negotiated with event organisers, and asked clients for reviews. The client list grew slowly but surely.

Lucy kept reminding me of her contribution. Occasionally shed drop, Without me youd be out of work, or, with a fauxhurt tone, Ive sent you so many people and youve never properly thanked me. I brushed it off. Its just her way of embellishing her rolenothing more. Sure, she did refer a couple of clients my way, but I would have managed without her as well.

One afternoon I stopped by Lucys flat. She looked pale, dark circles under her eyes. Over tea she blurted out:

Thats it. I cant do this any longer.

Whats happened? I looked up from my phone, where I was editing a batch of pictures.

Im quitting, Lucy said, rubbing her face with her hands. Im fed up with the shop. The customers are never satisfied, the managers are always on my back, the shifts are impossible. Im done.

Seriously? What will you do next? I set my phone down.

I dont know yet, she shrugged. Maybe take a break, think things over. I want something better, but I havent decided what. Maybe an office job, maybe a whole career change.

Its a bold move, I said, nodding. If youre sure, I wish you luck.

The weeks after she left were a blur of lazy mornings, brunches with friends, and endless scrolling on Instagram, posting pictures captioned finally a proper rest and living for myself. She never posted a CV, never went to an interview. When I asked about job hunting, she evaded, saying she was just keeping an eye out and nothing interesting had popped up yet.

But after a month her tone shifted. She started complaining:

These damned loans, she snapped at her phone. The banks called for the third time to remind me Im behind.

Did you ever think about taking a temporary job while you look for something permanent? I suggested gently. Just to keep the bills paid.

Where would I go? Either they pay peanuts or the requirements are astronomical. I wont settle for anything less than what my experience and education deserve, she retorted.

I said nothing. Arguing seemed pointless; she would find an excuse anyway. It was clear she was waiting for some miraclea perfect vacancy falling from the sky or money appearing out of thin air.

Meanwhile, my own work kept humming. I shot a lavish wedding in the countryside. The couple were genuine and grateful; the bride had prepared a detailed shot list, the groom was supportive of every creative idea. The day unfolded from the preparations, through the ceremony, to the reception. I returned home exhausted but satisfied. Editing took a few days, and the couple also asked for a short highlight video. The payment covered my expenses for the next month comfortably.

That evening my phone buzzed. It was Lucy.

Hey, she said, businesslike. We need to talk.

What about? I kept editing another shoot.

You did that wedding last week, right?

Yes, I did. Whats up?

The couple I sent you? The bride bought our shops latest TV set about five months ago; I mentioned you to her then.

I frowned. The bride had found me through Instagram after scrolling through portfolios for weeks. Shed said shed been looking for a photographer for months.

Lucy, she found me on social media.

So? Lucy huffed. I told her about you, she remembered and got in touch. That means I played a part. So hand over ten thousand pounds.

I stared, stunned.

Youre joking, arent you?

No, Im not. I helped you, now I want my share.

Lucy, are you out of your mind? I tried to stay calm. You mentioned my name a few months ago. That doesnt make you a business partner.

It does, she insisted stubbornly. Without my referral she would never have found you.

Without my referral she would have chosen another photographer anyway. My earnings depend on my own skill, effort, and reputation, not on a passing comment, I grew angry. You have nothing to do with it.

So thats it? Her voice turned icy. I sent you clients when you were short, you were grateful. Now the moneys flowing, Im obsolete?

Lucy, this is nonsense, I said, rubbing my temples. I understand youre in financial trouble, but that doesnt give you the right to demand money for a casual mention. You quit your job, youre not actively looking, and now you want to squeeze money out of me?

A true friend would help, she said, sounding wounded. Im not asking you to support me. I just want what I think I deserve.

You havent earned anything beyond a few namedrops, I shot back. Ive invested in equipment, worked late into the night, built this business from scratch. What have you been doing? Sitting on the sofa watching telly?

Do you think youre so successful all by yourself? she snapped. Without me youd be nothing.

You know what, Lucy? I exhaled wearily. Im tired of this. Sort out your loans yourself, get a job, behave like an adult, and stop demanding what isnt yours.

Youre no longer my friend, she shouted before hanging up.

I sat there, phone in my hand, trying to process the absurdity. Demanding money for a simple namedrop? Was that blackmail, manipulation, or sheer audacity?

I opened the messaging app and blocked Lucy. Then I did the same on every social platform, added her number to the blacklist. No explanations, no goodbyesjust a clean cut.

I slumped back on the sofa and closed my eyes. How long had I tolerated those odd hints, those claims of a joint profit? How many times had I dismissed toxic remarks, rationalising them as quirks of her personality? The red flags were there from the start; I should have paid attention.

True friends dont ask for payment for a favour. They dont use guilt to extract cash, nor do they claim partnership without real contribution. Real friends celebrate your wins, stand by you in setbacks, and never measure friendship in pounds.

I opened my laptop again and stared at the untouched photograph waiting to be edited. Theres still work to domore shoots, more clients, constant improvement. Most importantly, I need to surround myself with people who value friendship for what it is, not for what it can buy.

Emma Johnson.