dies. At school, where the many pupils who adore Sam chased after m

eems, I've gaine

alize that it is finishe

Instead, I respond with a tiny nod as my chest constrictes and the first tears prickle in my eyes. I

Sam was released on bond and refused to return my calls or texts. I persuaded myself that he h

too. .

how I had pushed myself at him and then accused him of rape; how he rejected me and I was so furious that I planned to ruin his life; and how I was a stalker who had remained outside his house late

sed, but he was no longer instructing my painting class. He

hough what we ha

idn't ev

obably for the best. That was never

e in agreement. It's too b

e scent of fried onions as a waitre

u've suddenly be

omputer and say, "I'm fine." She grinned and gave m

l informing us that she would no longer be able to schedule visits for my family due to her office's reduction in patient volume. There is only one office,

to Balsam twenty years earlier, my mother initially expressed shock. But after asking a few

s me a scornful look before declaring loudly, "Wives will have to hold o

amona. "I think we're better off talkin' in my office," she says. She guides me through the kitchen, where a large, ebony-skinned man is

ight. likewise occasionally calls me "husband,"

will be at best uncomfortable due to the mouth-wat

ea why it has suddenly become so dang busy. I should be covering ta

y oatmeal reappears, I miss her comments as

me with her arms crossed over her enormous chest and an

ave got to me,"

e scent of breakfast sausage?I can just hear the "y

'm just incredibly anxious. I need this job

these. We experience at least five scares like this each year among all of my waitresses. Instead than having my girls forget orders and drop dishes all da

rapped item she just pushed into my fingers. "No . .

ly certai

houghts. How long has it b

me in the door and pulls it shut

e obviously is aware of what I'm doing. The worst interview you've ever had must be this one, r

inished telling me how trustworthy she is, police entered and arrested her.

neither will I: "I guess

s for the results! " o

time getting ready for the interview today, curling the ends of my ash-blonde hair so they fall perfectly over my shoulders, ironing a modest white blouse I bor

yelling commands. I recognize your workload. It's acceptabl

gin to believe she has left u

raise a shaking ha

dark pink line as my back strikes the wall an

oh,