Jessica shook her head.
They reached Patricia’s SUV.
Before opening the door, Patricia stopped.
“Jess.”
Jessica turned.
Her mother looked at the marks on her arm.
“They’re darker.”
“I know.”
“Does it hurt?”
“A little.”
Patricia touched the skin carefully.
Her anger returned.
“He had no right.”
“No.”
“You really would’ve let him keep going until security arrived?”
Jessica looked at her.
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Because I knew what I could handle.”
Patricia’s eyes flashed.
“That’s not reassuring.”
Jessica smiled sadly.
“I know.”
“What if he had done worse?”
Jessica’s expression changed.
The operator disappeared.
The daughter returned.
“I wouldn’t have let him.”
Patricia understood immediately.
That answer frightened her more than anything else.
She looked away.
Jessica regretted saying it.
“Mom.”
Patricia opened the car door.
“No. I’m fine.”
“You’re not.”
“I said I’m fine.”
Jessica leaned against the SUV.
