“An illness and an injury,” I said.
“So she says.”
My irritation became anger.
“What exactly are you suggesting?”
“That you should be careful.”
“With what?”
“Trusting someone because she makes you feel brave.”
The accusation reached too close. Evelyn saw it and softened her voice.
“Amy, I’m not trying to sabotage this.”
“You searched my girlfriend’s race history.”
Girlfriendcame naturally. Neither of us corrected it.
“I searched because I was worried.”
“You have not earned a role in my risk management.”
“I understand.”
“Do you?”
She looked toward the street.
“I know how this sounds.”
“It sounds competitive.”
“That’s not fair.”
“You entered the same couples challenge after hearing I had.”
“Vanessa wanted to.”
“You questioned our timeline in public.”
The traffic signal changed behind her, painting the pavement green. Neither of us moved.
“Because it did not make sense.”
“You suggested we kiss.”
“I was joking.”
“You exposed a private inconsistency for entertainment.”
Her mouth tightened.
“I thought you were being deceived.”
“You thought I was making a choice you did not understand.”
