`` i 'm going to tell you a few things , and i want you to take me seriously . '' she looked at him with such frightened eyes that he was almost sorry he had mentioned it . if there 's a man out there can trip you up , i want to meet him . '' her hand smacked against my chest . a sarcastic voice with a low texas accent cut through the awkward silence . i motion to her , and she walks out with me to the hallway , where i open the door to the laundry closet . 