Page 87 of The Deadly Candies

[Debbie mumbled.]

"Yes," Debbie said.

[Kathy sighed.]

"Oh myGod, Debbie. You're marrying José tohideit?"

[Debbie mumbled again.]

"Yes.”

The operator interrupted, demanding more coins. Kathy fed them in quickly.

[Kathy, anxious.]

"You still there?"

[Debbie whispered.]

"Yes.”

[Kathy shook her head.]

"Does Matteoknow?"

[Debbie mumbled a reply.]

"Yes. It washisidea,"

[Kathy's exhale crackled through the line.]

"Sweet Jesus, Debs... what kind of mess?—"

[Debbie's silent tears dripped onto the receiver.]

[Kathy recovered, taking over the converation.]

"Listen—it's gonna be okay. We'recoming. Big Mama put her foot down with Uncle Pete. We leavesoon. We planning your wedding, and I’ma be there for you. I swear it.”

[Debbiescreamed.]

Kathy grinned through her own tears, hearing Uncle Pete's bark of"What now?"in the background.

[Debbie panted in excitement.]

[Debbie sobbed.]

"Kathy! You'll be here? For thewedding?"

[Kathy smiled as he talked.]

"Yes, cousin. It's us against the world.Always. That’s my baby girl you carrying!”

[Debbie sobbed.]

"I love you—God, I love you so much?—"

[Kathy chuckled.]

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