With slow, precise enunciation, he replies, “Why is that so important to you?” “Mal, look at me.” He clenches his jaw instead. “Come on. Just for a sec.” He draws an exaggerated breath, exhales, then glances in my direction. As soon as our eyes meet, I say softly, “I don’t have feelings for him. I never did. I promise you. But I liked him, and he was really nice to me. I don’t want anything bad to happen to him. Okay?”
