Rose Smacking Some Sense Into Lucia

"But I just wanted to talk to her!" Oscar protested.

"Sir, wanting to talk doesn't give you the right to physically restrain someone. She clearly didn't want to speak with you, and you ignored her wishes," Bradley said.

Oscar's face twisted. "I got ice cream thrown at me for fuck sakes."

Oscar was led to the patrol car, his protests fading into the background.

Rose's fingers traced the tender skin of her wrist. As the patrol car carrying Oscar disappeared into the city, a sneer crossed her lips. "No one takes advantage of me," she declared, her voice steady despite the tears that threatened to spill.

Rose blended into the crowd once again.

At Saffron Restaurant, Lucia and Samantha emerged into the afternoon air. Samantha stretched, a yawn escaping her lips. "Good riddance," she said, a smile playing on her face as she turned to Lucia. "Why don't we go hang out?"