Page 340 of Bitter’s Sweet

“I know.”

“If you hate it, we burn it.”

“You are very committed to fire.”

“It solves things.”

“So does communication.”

“Less satisfying.”

I stand.

Bitter stands too.

I slip the support vest on.

It fits.

Of course it does.

I turn once.

“Well?”

His face changes, something rough and open moving through it.

“You chose it.”

“Yes.”

His voice drops.

“You choosing me?”

I step closer.

“I've been choosing you for three months.”

“I know.”

“You just wanted a dramatic leather moment.”

“Maybe.”

I put my hands on his chest.

“You know this doesn't mean you own me.”

“Yeah.”

“You know if you ever act like it does, I am giving Sheriff your social security number.”

His face goes pale.

“Cruel.”

“Effective.”