Page 86 of The Deadly Candies

Kathy launched from her chair, throwing her arms around Big Mama's neck. The older woman's laughter rang out as Kathy covered her face in kisses, their joy filling the kitchen.

"Stop that foolishness!" Big Mama scolded, though her eyes shone. "We got work at the Jensens' today - can't leave them in a lurch.”

"I love you so much!" Kathy breathed between kisses.

Big Mama cupped her face, thumbs brushing away happy tears. "Love you too, my sweet, sweet, sweet baby girl. Time to get you back to yo’ mama. Who knows. Maybe your Pa will come to his senses and let you stay.”

Kathy wept with joy.

25

Harlem, New York 1949

“Debbie? It's Kathy!" Claudia called from the kitchen.

Debbie shot up from bed, nearly tripping in her haste as she ran barefoot down the hall. Her heart pounding, she snatched the receiver from her mother’s hand.

[Debbie gasped, breathless.]

"Kathy? Kathy!"

[Kathy, breathless]

"Heya! It's me. I heard?—"

[Debbie laughed, tears spilling.]

"Kathy! Oh God, I prayed you'd call today!”

The cousins' voices tangled together—laughter, tears, the sheer relief of connection.

[Kathy whispered, urgently]

"You're gettingmarried? ToJosé? Debbie, what in the world is happening?"

Debbie glanced at her father, who sat stiffly at the table pretending to read his paper, and her mother, whose hands moved mechanically over the dishes. Both were listening.

[Debbie deflected.]

"I'm just—I'm so happy you called.”

[Kathy pressed.]

"Aunt Claudia and Uncle Pete there?"

[Debbie mumbled.]

"Mm-hmm."

[Kathy whispered again]

"Debs... are you in trouble? Big Mama thinks you're pregnant. ByJosé? Is it true?"

Silence.

[Kathy let go the breath she held in anticipation.]

"Or... is it Matteo's?"

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