"And then she wouldn't even admit it. She was about to hit me."
"So go ahead, tell everyone right now. Is she the other woman or not? Clear it up, so nobody thinks I'm making this up!"
The crowd murmured in agreement.
"Yeah, you're the one involved. Who's telling the truth here?"
I lifted my eyes and met Darren's gaze.
A flicker of hope stirred in my chest.
But then he spoke.
"That's a private matter. No comment."
He turned to Kitty, his tone laced with indulgence and mild exasperation.
"You've had your fun. Go home. Don't let it happen again."
Kitty clung to his arm, simpering, and shot me a triumphant look.
"Fine, fine, I get it."
She turned to the crowd, voice pitched loud enough for every last person to hear. "See? He basically admitted it. He's just not saying it outright to save a certain tramp a shred of dignity."
"Boys, tear this homewrecker's shop apart!"
Darren pulled me into the car. He took a wet wipe and started cleaning the paint off my face.
Through the window, I watched the shop I'd poured my heart into being destroyed. Smashed beyond recognition. The same customers who had once smiled at me were now spitting at the entrance.
I turned away, slowly.