Brenda nodded. “Please hear me out.”

Brooke didn’t know what to do. She felt trapped by this woman even though she hadn’t been threatening. If she screamed, everyone would come running. Was she overreacting? Was Brenda unstable?

Brooke’s gaze darted around for an escape. Everyone was talking and not paying attention to them. Finally, she came to a decision. She would listen to what Brenda had to say.

Crossing her arms, Brooke said, “Go ahead.”

Brenda ...