Page 183 of Bitter’s Sweet

Mercy tenses.

I stop anyway.

Trixie looks uncomfortable.

Good.

At least one person here should.

“I meant what I said yesterday.”

“I know.”

“I didn't know.”

“I know.”

She looks back toward Bitter. “I would've told him to go fuck himself.”

I almost smile. “I think he found a workaround.”

Her mouth twists.

“Still sorry.”

“Thank you.”

She nods.

Then she surprises me.

“Don't let him make you think you imagined it.”

I freeze.

Trixie lowers her voice. “That man didn't look at you like you were some woman he fucked.”

My eyes sting.

I hate her a little for saying exactly what I cannot afford to hear.

“It doesn't matter.”

“It does.”

“No.” I shake my head. “It mattered yesterday.”

Trixie’s face falls.

I look past her.

Bitter is still standing beside his bike.

Still watching.

I hope he hears me.

“Today I believe him.”