Boss coming up with no money for my paycheck

Grace

I’ve been at a new job as a contract employee groomer for the last month and a half and the last two weeks something has happened to where I didn’t get my check. Last week she left for her vacation and took my check with her. When she came back it was half my check amount and some cash to make the difference. I got my money it was just weird and seemed like she just wanted to wait on my check to make sure she had enough for her trip. I also watched her dog while she was gone and was going to pay me for it when she picked her up but said it needed to wait until today... but I didn’t get that nor this weeks paycheck. She’s been complaining about taxes being due this month so I’m wondering if she’s been struggling to pay me... I’m not wanting to say the wrong thing and get nothing for all of my hard work! I’ve worked sooo hard and even had the shop open and made her extra money while she was away. I’m trying not to be too upset but I rely on this money each week and it seems to becoming a pattern that her bills and other vacation expenses take priority over my paycheck. I’ve text her asking about my check and I’ve no reply since I’ve sent her my hours. What would you do if you were in this situation?