f matches, I placed them on the table. Jad

it," sh

there, m

d ligh

n, her eyes heavy

sharp of sulfur. I held it out. She leaned in, inhali

irked. "You c

nk. I just turned and walked

the Espresso Martini. It wasn't in a chille

ggressively. "Said they were too cold. How can a martini be too

ng them," I said.

ally," he warned. "Said she

lying the debt. Every insult. Every violation of protocol.

ing and stood up, blocking my path. She swayed a

y," she

tray out. "

free hand. Her fingers dug into my palm with unnecessary force. S

loud enough for the nearby tables to tur

om charcoal. From sculpting clay. Things she would

ough that I could smell the expensive wine on her

go,"

ke

n the tray. Then she looked at me. A

up and slapped the bo

fee and vodka splashed over my han

ole the air from my lungs. My skin blistered i

eam. Shaws d

rist, my breath coming in short, s

back, panto

he threw it at me! Did you se

gry red, peeling in spots. The smell of bur

aden, who was clutching her pearls, completely dry. Then he look

oked back

okay, Mis

n yelled. "Fire her

hard. He made his choice. Politic

barked at me. "And g

I said. My voice

You're clumsy and you're a liability. G

medic. He ordered the victim to hide

he lines of his face. I would r

," I

. My hand was on fire. But