But all I can get out is, “You’re so mean to me.” It’s laughable. Pathetic. It’s an exchange between children on the playground. It’s not what I meant to say, not at all, but something about it unravels me. My anger abandons me, my last remaining weapon against him dropped, and I press my lips together to stop them from trembling. Blink rapidly to stop the tears from falling. His expression morphs into something else at once. He jerks back, his brows furrowed. Lifts a hand, the aim unclear. “Sadie,” he says. Tentative. Tender, even. “I—I didn’t mean to—” “Start paddling,” I say stiffly. “We
...more
