Chapter 87

Juliet took a deep breath. She smiled, and it was an actor’s smile. Too generous because it was forced. And like a wind gusting through the room, she spit it out in a rapid gush.

"I think I’m falling in love with Melanie, John," she said. "I never thought it would happen. It’s just that I realize we have lived such a shared existence. We’ve had so many of the same experiences, and it’s, it’s really amazing to meet someone who has gone through the same trauma and pressure and been chewed up by this wicked system. I can’t help myself, and I know! I know! It’s insane, but I can’t deny it, and I won’t apologize for it, and, well, yeah, that’s where I am right now."

"Wow," I said while holding my breath.

"I know it’s a lot, and, god, my stomach has been in knots knowing I had to tell you," her voice trailed off.

My brain was behind in processing the eruption of words that flew at me. I thought about Melanie. I knew how profo