About a week ago, my brother’s friend — let’s call him Adam — mentioned he was going on a business trip to a big city (Metroville). He made it clear it wasn’t a vacation and said he didn’t want anyone tagging along.

On New Year’s, I went to Metroville with some friends. My brother (Eli) couldn’t come because of work, though I encouraged him to take a break. Later, I noticed he seemed interested in the city when Adam brought it up again, so I decided to plan another trip — this time including Eli.

He was excited, took time off, and asked if he could bring a couple of friends. I agreed, and we started planning — I was going to drive us in my car. We had dates and hotels set. Adam wasn’t part of the plan at all.

Out of nowhere, Eli’s other friend Marcus told me that Adam was coming and needed a ride. My car didn’t have space, and instead of splitting rides, they suggested we rent a larger car and split the cost — about $1,000 for five days — just to make room for Adam, who wasn’t even vacationing with us.

I said no. I didn’t think it was fair to take on that extra cost just to accommodate someone who wasn’t part of our group. I made that clear.

The next day, I found out there was a group chat I wasn’t even in. Then Marcus messaged me, calling me immature, and Eli texted me seconds later asking if I was “okay with not going.” So I didn’t back out — I got pushed out of the trip I planned.

I’m pretty upset, especially since my own brother was part of it. I didn’t make it about money or control — I just didn’t want to foot the bill for someone else’s business trip.

AITA for refusing to split the rental and then getting excluded from the trip I organized?