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“Stop” Ruby holds up her hands “I would argue with the to stand on As it is…” She shakes her head “I’ve turned into exactly what they think I am”

“You are nothing of the sort” My voice is still growly “I’ll shut every one of their stupid mouths I’ll—”

“Remi…” Her voice is just below a shout “Don’t you see they’re right?”

“I do not see they’re right I don’t give a damn about those women or what they say or think”

“But I do”

I’m stunned by her quiet confession “You do? But… Why?”

I’ I feel like , and her mind is completely made up I feel like she’s sla I can say or do will get her to let me in

I can’tup my insides I need her

She resu her suitcase, only slower “I don’t care as much about me or my reputation I care aboutcare of the seniors at church I care about Lillie and the kids at preschool repeating what their parents say to her, or talking behind her back She ht not understand it now, but one day she will” Ruby’s breath hiccups, and my heart breaks “I care about you and what people say about you”

“Fuck what they say” I can’t stand this “What can I do?”

“Nothing” She puts the last of her folded clothes in the suitcase “I’ out That’s it”

“You signed a contract As Lillie’s nanny, you’re contractually obligated to live in this house” I say itpain in my chest

“I ha

ve to resign as Lillie’s nanny”

“No…” It’s the final straw I feel like she’s bringing me to my knees “Lillie loves you”