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“I never said that All I meant was—”

“I knohat you meant And, trust , not the sex… I’m happy the way I am”

“I don’t think you are I think this guy turned you on”

“Don’t be ridiculous”

“And ouldn’t he?” Cassie continued blithely “There isn’t a wouy, especially when he makes it clear he’s interested in her”

“My God, you are so damned sure of yourself!” Dawn slapped her hands on her hips “Trust me, okay? There are lots of women who feel the way I do”

“If that’s true, I feel sorry for them And for you, because it means that bastard husband of yours won the war”

Dawn glared at Cassie Then she grabbed the scrunchie and pulled her hair through it “I don’t even knohat you’re talking about”

“Yeah, you do If you’re going to judge every guy you meet by the one you lived with, then that bastard still has you under his thumb Oh, don’t look at me that way You haven’t said more than three words about him but you don’t have to Men like him are all the same They’re control freaks They’re only happy when they’re telling you what to do Aht?”

“I don’t want to talk about this”

“Maybe it’s ti your ex own you”

“I keep telling you, he isn’t my ex I’m still married to him”

“And I’ your life for yourself, youwith him” Cassie’s voice softened “Don’t you see that?”

The women stared at each other Then Dawn turned away and ers in the closet

“I know you mean well,” she said in a low voice, “but ht—and I’ood idea for et out a little, I can’t I can’t, Cass,” she said, turning to face her friend, her eyes pleading for understanding “I honestly can’t”