Debbie

By B. James

Born and raised in New York, Debbie Lyon Meads is sixteen years old when two drug dealers begin to have their way with her. In order to protect her, her brother, Leon, kills the dealers and is sentenced to life imprisonment. Desperate to escape, Debbie marries an older friend, Allan, and flees the city.

Eight years later, upon Allans death, Debbie learns that he had a sister, Josephine, who never knew him. She decides to introduce herself to her sister-in-law and soon finds herself becoming friends with Josephines husband, Samuel Palts. With his and Josephines marriage on the rocks, Samuel sees in
Debbie a second chance at true love.

Meanwhile, a man named Brian Tyes tracks her down. It seems hes the other brother of the two drug dealers her own brother killed years ago, and now hes out for revenge. Whats more, Debbie has also become the target of Tanya Tamms, a jealous woman from Samuels past. Only time will tell whether Debbie can navigate these dangerous waters safely.

In this novel, a woman seeking her husbands family after his death must face a series of trials and tribulations in her attempt to find love and happiness.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jun 15, 2018
• ISBN: 9781984535368

Book preview

CHAPTER

1

I’M GOING TO make you an offer—once and only once. How about a quickie before we get dressed? said the petite thirty-year-old, grinning devilishly at her husband. She had dirty-blonde hair and hazel eyes.

The handsome Samuel Palts was twenty-nine, with black hair and baby-blue eyes. Sitting on the side of the bed in only his boxers, he was dreading that he had to go to a wedding. He looked up at her. The only thing I want you to do quickly right now is get dressed so we won’t be late, he said with his deep, sexy southern voice.

Sam stood up and went over to the walk-in closet. He took out a light gray suit with a light pink shirt and a light-pink-and-gray-striped tie and laid it all on the bed while Josephine went into the bathroom. He dressed quickly and then went downstairs to the living room and sat on the sofa. He looked around and thought, From one depressing room to another. Each room in the three-bedroom, two-bath colonial home had dark antique furniture and dark wood floors. They had been married for six years. After only two years, Sam didn’t know whether he wanted to still be married anymore.

The doorbell interrupted his thoughts. He looked through the peephole. Standing there was a young, pretty black girl with shoulder-length hair. He opened the door and saw she was dressed in a burgundy pantsuit with black pumps. Yes, can I help you?

Yes. I’m looking for Josephine Meads, the girl said softly.

Sam recognized her New York accent. It’s Palts now.

Excuse me? She frowned.

Her last name is Palts now, he told her.

Oh yes. Is she here?

Yes, she is. May I ask who you are?

I’m Debbie Lytle Meads, her sister-in-law, she said.

Sam stood openmouthed. Could this stranger be telling the truth? He had his doubts, but the only way they would find out whether she was telling the truth was if he let her in. Come on in, he said.

Thank you!

She’s upstairs right now. We were about to go out, he said as he closed the door.

I’m sorry. I could come back later. Her tone was apologetic.

Sam thought of telling Debbie to come back but didn’t want to wait to see whether she was being truthful. No, please. Just stay right here. I’ll be right back. He turned and ran upstairs. Not even a minute later, he was back downstairs. She’ll be right down, he said, not asking her to come any farther into their home.

Josephine came downstairs dressed in a simple, sexy peach-colored dress, with her hair pulled up in a bun. She stared at the stranger for a long moment. My husband told me who you said you are, Josephine said with a somewhat amused grin and then laughed. What kind of joke is this?

It’s not a joke. I can prove it to you, Debbie said nervously.

Sure—let’s see. Come in and have a seat, Josephine said.

The three went into the living room. Josephine and Sam sat on the sofa while Debbie sat in the chair.

So, let’s see your proof, Josephine said, still amused.

Debbie opened her purse, took out a white envelope, and handed it to Josephine.

Josephine snatched the envelope and quickly opened it. A picture was inside. Oh my God, she murmured. She looked up at Debbie. Where the hell did you get this?

I got it from the boy in the picture—your brother, she said softly.

And I’m supposed to believe that this boy in the picture is really my brother? Josephine was doubtful.

Sam took the picture, looked at it, and was shocked. He had seen Josephine’s parents only once in a photo she had shown him after they got married—right before she threw it away. They were together with a boy about sixteen years old, holding an infant in his arms. Sam looked at Josephine. Jo, these are your parents in this picture.

So? That doesn’t mean a thing. He could just be a friend, she said.

He’s not a friend. He was your brother, and his name was Allan. Debbie’s tone was filled with annoyance.

Was? Sam asked.

Yes. He died of lung cancer a month ago, and I promised him that I would bring you this photo, Debbie said sadly.

You have to give me more proof than just a picture, said Josephine.

I can tell you your mother’s and father’s names, where they worked, when and where you were born, where you lived, what schools you both went to, who your and Allan’s best friends were, and your next-door neighbors, Debbie said.

So tell me.

Fine. I know that you … Debbie told her everything she wanted to hear.

Tears rolled down Josephine’s face, for she now believed Debbie. Sam looked at Josephine and was amazed that she was crying about someone she had never met.

How old was he? Josephine asked.

Forty-six.

Josephine took the picture from Sam and stared at it. She then looked up at Debbie. Why didn’t he ever let me know of his existence?

It had something to do with your parents. Debbie had a mysterious tone.

What? Do you know? Josephine asked.

Yes, I do. But being that your parents created this situation, you should ask them. I’m here because I promised Allan that after he died, I’d bring the photo to you. I’m sorry, but I have to go now. You can keep the picture. She stood up.

Wait! Josephine said as she and Sam stood up as well. Can’t you stay a little bit longer?

No, I have to go to work, Debbie said.

Work? Josephine said, puzzled.

Yes.

You live around here? Josephine asked.

Yes, I do.

What? Josephine was stunned. But you have a New York accent.

I’m originally from New York. Allan and I moved here about eight years ago.

You mean he lived here and never bothered to come and see me?

He saw you and knew where you lived, but he thought it was best that he not disturb your life. I tried to get him to come, but he always refused. I’m sorry. I really have to go now.

Can I give you my number so we can stay in touch? I’d really like for you to come back and tell me more about my brother.

Okay. Debbie nodded.

One minute. I’ll write it down for you. Josephine walked over to the desk in the far corner.

Debbie stared down at the floor.

Here’s my number, Josephine said, handing her a piece of paper.

Debbie took the number. Thank you.

Do you have a telephone so maybe I could call you? Josephine asked.

Yes, Debbie answered. She opened her pocketbook, took out a business card, and handed it to Josephine.

You’re a physical therapist, Josephine said.

Yes, I am. I’m sorry. I have to go now. I’ll call you when I have time, or you could call me, she said.

I will, Josephine replied.

Goodbye. It was nice meeting you.

The same here, Josephine replied as she walked Debbie to the door.

Debbie walked out, and Josephine stood watching her. She couldn’t shake the feeling that had overcome her. There was something about this girl that made her want to get to know her better, and she hoped she would come back soon.

Josephine’s thoughts then went back to the wedding they were supposed to go to. She went back into the living room and stared at Sam, who had sat back down on the sofa.

He looked so handsome in his suit. How did their marriage go badly so quickly? Could it have been because he wanted a child while she just wasn’t ready yet? He didn’t even bother to ask her about it anymore, and she was ever so happy about that. But the child wasn’t the only reason their marriage had deteriorated. It was also their friends, whom she didn’t see eye to eye with, and their work schedules. They just couldn’t seem to get their differences straightened out. Hopefully things would work themselves out one day.

Sam, let’s just go straight to the reception because by the time we get to the wedding, it’ll be over. She grabbed her stuff off the sofa, and they headed out the front door.

CHAPTER

2

AS SAM WAS driving his new silver stick shift Mercedes, he reached a hand over and turned up the radio. Without saying a word, Josephine turned it down.

Why did you do that? Please just leave the radio the way I had it, Sam said and then turned the volume back up.

Sam and Josephine were an odd couple. Josephine had the personality of Jekyll and Hyde—but more Hyde. She could be nice one minute and then be the meanest, nastiest woman in the world for the rest of the day. Born in Philadelphia to whom she thought were the strictest and most unsentimental parents, she never got along with them. Thrown out of her home two weeks after her eighteenth birthday, she went to college for two years and then moved to Maryland and got a job at Palts & Tines CPAs, which was owned by Sam and his two best friends.

Sam, on the other hand, was respectful to others and considerate of their feelings. Known to keep his thoughts and feelings locked inside, he’d talk only if pressured by his sister or friends. But if pushed too far, he could become another downright nasty person. Sam was born in Dallas, Texas, to a wealthy father who owned a number of construction companies throughout the nation. Sam loved his father very much. In contrast, his mother, Francine, never bothered to give him any kind of affection. She was cold as ice and always had something negative to say about different races. When Sam was eighteen, his parents separated and then got divorced. He, his father, and his older sister by two years moved to Maryland three months later when they lost a person they had loved very much. There Sam met Josephine, but they didn’t start dating until two years later, and three years later, they were married. Now after six years, he knew their marriage was over.

Josephine turned the radio down again. Sam, should I believe that girl?

I think she had more than enough proof that it’s true.

Yeah, but even if I do call my parents, they may not want to talk to me, she said.

You won’t know until you try, he replied.

Huh! The beautiful April day had turned into one she wished had never happened. Now she didn’t feel up to going to the wedding reception anymore, not after the shocking news she’d received earlier.

She had a brother she knew nothing about. How could that be? Why did her parents keep that from her? Why didn’t her brother ever come and tell her about his existence? There were so many questions that she just didn’t feel like thinking about right now. She started remembering the good, happy times when she had first met Sam. She was attracted to him right away. Their days of dating had been glorious, and when they decided to get married, she thought she was going to be the happiest woman in the world. Her life would be complete, or so she had thought.

When they reached the restaurant and pulled into the crowded parking lot, Sam saw his friends heading toward the entrance. He drove toward them.

Sam, where are you going? Why don’t you park the car? Josephine asked.

I’m gonna go tell Willie and Darryl that we’re here and to wait for us at the entrance, he answered and blew his horn. The two men, one in a light gray suit and the other in a light brown suit, turned around. Hey, y’all, Sam yelled to them.

Hey, Sam, man, Darryl Tines replied with a southern accent.

Hey, Sam, William Tines said, also with a southern accent.

Where were y’all? You missed the wedding, Darryl said.

I’ll explain to y’all later. We’ll be in as soon as I find a parking spot.

Okay. Darryl nodded, as did Willie, and they walked away. Sam drove off.

Darryl and William Tines were Sam’s two best friends and co-owners of the CPA firm. Darryl, twenty-nine years old, was a nice-looking, bald-headed black man, about six foot two, muscular, with dark brown eyes that looked almost black. Willie was Darryl’s twenty-nine-year-old adopted brother. He was a fair-skinned white man, about six foot three, with shoulder-length dirty-blond hair, light brown eyes, and a thin, muscular build. He was also nice-looking. The three had met in their first year of high school in Dallas and had become the best of friends.

Sam parked the car, and he and Josephine got out. Sam walked quickly as Jo trudged slowly behind him. Jo, please walk a little faster.

Why? I’m in no hurry to get to them. Her voice was grim. I’m really not in the mood to be here at all. If you’ve forgotten, Sam, I just found out that I have a brother.

No, I haven’t forgotten, he replied. Now, will you please pick up your pace?

I truly hope you don’t plan on telling them about what happened today, Josephine said.

I’ll tell them if they ask, he replied.

They walked in and found Willie and Darryl waiting with their wives, Bonnie and Tracy, along with a pretty cappuccino-skinned woman, with long wavy black hair and light blue eyes. She was standing next to a short-haired, brown-skinned black man with light brown eyes, about six foot two and handsome.

Hi, Sam, Bonnie Tines said in her dainty southern tone. She was twenty-nine years old, fair-skinned, about five foot five, with thin light brown hair and hazel eyes—and very cute. Despite her soft voice, she was outspoken and quick-tempered but very caring. Dressed in a simple baby-pink back-out dress, she ignored Josephine as if she weren’t even there.

Hi, Sam, Tracy then said in her gentle southern tone. She too was twenty-nine and five foot five. She was a brown-skinned black woman with long black hair and a nice body. She too was very cute. She was laid-back and calm but if provoked would lose her temper. She was dressed in a simple, soft, light lavender back-out dress.

Bonnie and Tracy had grown up together in Dallas and were the best of friends. They had both lost their parents, who had gone out together and were killed by a drunk driver in a car accident. The two women had met Willie and Darryl together in Dallas. They both worked at the CPA firm as secretaries.

Willie and Bonnie had five-year-old twin girls named Susan and Charlene, while Darryl and Tracy had a five-year-old girl named Denise.

Hello, little brother, the cappuccino-skinned woman said.

Hi, Netta, Sam replied. Hey, Andre, he said to the man next to her.

Vanetta Palts, Sam’s sister, was thirty-one years old and about five foot four. She had the same facial features and the same blue eyes as Sam, and one could see that they were brother and sister. She had a calm, rational way about her and plenty of common sense. She cared a lot about people and their feelings, as did Sam. She was compassionate and a good listener. But when she got angry, she would cuss like a sailor and maybe even hurt someone’s feelings before she calmed down. She worked at the CPA firm as an accountant.

Vanetta’s boyfriend, thirty-one-year-old Andre Tylor, had the same traits as her but was much calmer. He too worked at the CPA firm as an accountant.

Why didn’t y’all come to the wedding? Bonnie asked.

That’s really none of your business! Josephine answered.

Bonnie and Tracy glared at her but didn’t bother responding. There was no love lost between them and Josephine. The bad blood had started when Josephine purposely made plans on the Fourth of July with her and Sam’s next-door neighbors when she knew that Sam had made plans to go over to their house.

Look, Josephine—don’t come here with your nasty attitude, because you know if I get mad, I’ll hurt your feelings, Vanetta said. I don’t care if you don’t tell me why you didn’t come to the wedding. I’ll find out from my little brother later. She had an amused grin on her face as she looked over at Sam, who was smiling along with everyone else.

You ladies look fabulous! Sam said, complimenting Bonnie, Tracy, and Vanetta.

Josephine was upset because he had complimented them and not her. I’m gonna go sit down! She turned and walked away.

I have to go to the men’s room. Are y’all still gonna be here? Sam asked.

Of course we are. I’m dying to hear why y’all didn’t come to the wedding, Vanetta said.

Stop it, Netta, he said, laughing and walking away.

Will, do you and Darryl think Sam is still in love with Josephine? Bonnie asked.

Willie just looked at her without saying a word, while Darryl started laughing. They had two different personalities. Darryl had grown up in Dallas with disciplinarian parents, but they also had great senses of humor. He was so much like them. He also knew when to be serious. His parents lived in the next town over. Darryl saw them just about every week, along with Tracy and their five-year-old daughter, Denise.

Willie often took the twins to see their grandparents. Darryl’s parents had adopted him when he was fifteen years old. Willie’s father died when he was thirteen years old. In a jealous rage, his father had killed his mother and then committed suicide. Willie had become more serious, had plenty of common sense, and never judged anyone after seeing his perfect family—or so he thought—torn apart. He learned to expect the unexpected, and nothing was more important to him than Bonnie and their twin girls.

Is one of you going to answer me? Bonnie asked.

I will, Vanetta said. He doesn’t love her anymore. To tell you the truth, I don’t really think he ever loved her at all. He thought he did, but it was too late to turn back after they were married, she said with assurance.

Excuse me, Vanetta, but how can you say that? Willie asked.

Willie, he’s my brother. When we were growing up, I knew when he was happy about something or someone. Sam always tells me everything when he’s happy, and when he’s not, he just shuts his feelings off and keeps everything to himself. Y’all know that too. He hasn’t been telling me anything. He’s been shutting his feelings off since, like, seven months after he got married. Josephine is not the woman for him, and I wish he would just divorce her.

So then, why don’t you talk to him about it? Bonnie asked.

I will eventually, and it’ll probably be soon, she said just as Sam walked up.

Okay, let’s go, Sam said.

They walked into the enormous ballroom, adorned with crystal chandeliers, white silk-covered tablecloths, crystal glasses, flower-designed china, the finest silverware, and one red rose in a vase sitting in the middle of each table. They had been assigned to the same table.

What took you so long? Josephine asked Sam.

I went to the bathroom, he answered.

The wedding was nice, and the groom was really emotional, Bonnie said.

Yeah, he was! Tracy agreed.

He was probably emotional because he was thinking that it was too late for him to back out of marrying an ugly woman! Josephine commented.

Shut up, Josephine, Vanetta said. They’re our colleagues. You’re not pretty, either. Your personality sucks and makes you ugly as hell. Now, keep your damn comments to yourself.

They changed the subject and started talking about something else. Josephine spoke only when she wanted to make an unpleasant statement or remark. The newlyweds finally arrived, and lunch was served.

These ribs are out of this world! Tracy said as she cleaned her hands.

Who serves ribs at a wedding reception? There should be fancier food here, Josephine complained.

There is. So just eat that and shut up! Bonnie said.

No one spoke another word for the rest of the meal. Right after lunch, the music started, but they began to talk and watch the others on the dance floor.

Your discussions are boring me. Sam, do you want to dance? Josephine asked.

No, he quickly answered.

Well, I’m going to go dance. She stood up and went out on the dance floor.

They all watched in bewilderment as she bumped away a girl who was dancing with Paul Birts, a medium-height, distinctive-looking white man in his early forties, with salt-and-pepper hair and dressed in a light brown suit. He was the tax specialist at the company. More astonishment came to their faces when Paul and Josephine started dirty dancing.

They all gave each other an I can’t believe it look. Darryl and Willie glanced at each other with infuriated expressions, for none of them liked how Josephine and Paul were acting with Sam sitting right there. They looked over at him. He was watching them with an emotionless expression.

Vanetta looked at Sam. Sam, are you just gonna sit here and let them do that shit right in front of you and everybody else?

I really don’t care, he said.

You don’t, but I do. I’m not gonna let her embarrass you like that. His sister was about to stand up.

Let it go, Netta. Sam’s tone was firm.

No, I won’t, she firmly replied, about to stand up.

Vanetta, you heard what he said. Just let it go, Andre said.

Damn it, she murmured and stared out on the dance floor at Josephine and Paul, as did everyone else. They didn’t know if it was bothering Sam or not.

I have to go to the men’s room, Darryl said, glancing over at Willie and giving him a sign to go with him.

Me too, Willie said. They stood up and saw that Sam didn’t even notice them because he was too busy watching Josephine and Paul.

They didn’t go to the bathroom but went outside. Will, man, I don’t know about you, but I don’t appreciate Paul embarrassing and disrespecting Sam like that, bumpin’ and grindin’ up against his wife, Darryl said angrily.

Dar, I don’t appreciate it either, but it’s none of our business. Sam is sitting right there watching them, Willie replied.

Darryl let out a heavy sigh. You know, maybe Vanetta is right! Maybe Sam doesn’t love Josephine. If he did, he certainly wouldn’t let her embarrass and disrespect him like that, he said.

Dar, we don’t know what he’s thinking or how he’s feeling. He’ll talk to us when he’s ready.

Yeah, I guess you’re right, Will. Let’s go back in.

When they went back inside, they found Josephine sitting at the table again and gave her a dagger stare as they sat down.

Sam, would you like to dance? Bonnie asked him.

No thank you, Bon. He shook his head with a sour smile.

You want to dance with me? Josephine asked.

He let out a bitter chuckle. If you think for one second that I’m going out on the dance floor with you, you’re highly mistaken. If you want to dance, then go ask Paul. I’m sure he’d be more than willing to do it again.

You know, I might just do that! she threatened.

Be my guest.

I’m going to the bathroom, Josephine said and stood up.

Without saying a word to anyone, Vanetta jumped up and rushed behind her. She grabbed her by the arm before she walked into the bathroom. You bitch. How dare you embarrass and disrespect my brother like that? If you want to act like a hoe, go do it somewhere else, not in front of his employees who he has to work with every day. Don’t try that shit again. If you do, you’re the one who’s gonna be embarrassed because I’ll come out on that dance floor and beat your ass right in front of everybody. If you think I’m playin’, just try me! Vanetta turned, walked away, and went back and sat down while everyone looked at her.

You already went to the bathroom? Bonnie asked suspiciously.

Yeah, Vanetta simply answered and changed the subject.

Josephine came back and sat down without saying a word to anyone. She looked over at Sam. Sam, when I want to dance again, will you dance with me?

That’s not going to happen! he quickly replied.

What do you mean? She frowned. If I ask you to dance with me, you won’t?

That’s exactly what I mean. I told you no before, and I’ll tell you no every time you ask me.

Can I have this dance, beautiful lady? Willie asked Bonnie with a warm smile.

You most certainly can. She stood up, and they went onto the dance floor.

Would you like to dance too, beautiful lady? Darryl asked Tracy.

Yes, I would. She smiled.

How about you, beautiful lady? Would you like to dance? Andre asked Vanetta.

Yes, I would, she answered without hesitation, and they went out on the dance floor.

Aren’t you— Josephine was about to say something, but Sam interrupted her.

Don’t even bother asking. No, I’m not dancing with you, Sam said.

So I’m just supposed to sit here and watch everybody else have fun?

Do whatever you want, Jo!

Bon, you know, maybe Vanetta was right that Sam doesn’t love Josephine, Willie said as they slow danced. If he did, he certainly wouldn’t have let her disrespect him and embarrass him the way she did!

Hopefully he’ll talk to you and Darryl or Vanetta.

I hope he talks to us soon.

Little did they know that Darryl and Tracy were talking about the same thing! Tray, if you had done that to me like Josephine did to Sam, I would’ve beat your ass and Paul’s too, right there on the dance floor.

I wouldn’t do that to you because I respect you, myself, and our marriage. I love you. That’s a huge difference between us and Sam and Josephine. I don’t know if she has any of those feelings for Sam, and I’m not sure he loves her anymore either. He didn’t even try to stop her and Paul.

No, he didn’t. And by the way, I love you too, baby. Darryl gave her a loving kiss just as the song ended.

As all of them were about to sit down, Bonnie looked across the room and saw Paul standing by himself. She wanted to have a word with him and immediately glanced over at Tracy. Tray, let’s go get a drink.

Okay, Tracy simply said.

Tray, we’re not getting a drink. Paul is by himself, and I want to talk to him, Bonnie said as they headed toward him. As soon as she walked up behind him, she tapped him on the shoulder.

Paul turned around. Hello, ladies, he said joyfully.

I wanna talk to you right now! Bonnie demanded.

Paul looked at her strangely but knew she was serious. Okay. They walked away while Tracy stayed to cover for her in case Willie or Darryl showed up. Where do you want to talk? he asked.

Outside, she answered as they continued walking and went out the side door. Bonnie whirled around and faced him. Just what the hell was that shit you and Josephine pulled out there on the dance floor?

What the hell do you care? You don’t even like her, Paul replied.

Listen here, you prick. Sam is family, and you know that. You had no right to embarrass and disrespect him like that. Now, I’m going to tell you this once and only once. Try some shit like that again, and I’ll make sure that all the employees find out that you and Josephine were sleeping together and ended it only a week before she and Sam got married.

What are you talking about? he asked with an amused grin.

Wipe that damn grin off your face. Tracy and I heard you and Josephine talking outside the restaurant during one of our Christmas parties.

So what if you say something? Who the hell is going to believe you?

It doesn’t matter who believes me. How do you think everyone would react to that news? They will always have their doubts about you and her.

You wouldn’t hurt Sam like that, he replied.

Don’t you worry about Sam, and don’t think I won’t do it. Don’t fuck with me, Paul. You got that?

All of a sudden, a nervous sweat started rolling down his face because he knew that she was capable of doing what she said. Yeah, I got it! His voice was but a murmur.

A malicious grin came to her face. Good. Hope you continue having fun without Josephine. Without saying another word, she turned and went back inside.

Bitch, he whispered.

How did it go? Tracy asked when Bonnie walked up to her.

Great, she answered with a satisfied tone and grin. Let’s go back and sit down. My good deed is done for the day.

When they reached the table, they were all talking except Sam and Josephine. Sam was silent, with a blank expression, while Josephine was silent with a dreary expression.

Where are y’all drinks? Darryl asked.

The line was too long. We didn’t want to wait, Tracy lied.

Sam, can we leave now? Josephine asked.

No. The newlyweds are still here.

So what? We’ll go congratulate them and then leave, Josephine said.

I’m not leaving!

Well, I am, with or without you! she threatened.

Bye! Sam said.

Sam, I mean it! Josephine threatened again.

So do I. Bye!

Give me the car keys, she ordered.

No. If you wanted to leave early, you should’ve brought your car.

How the hell do you expect me to get home? she asked.

Go ask Paul. I’m sure he’d be happy to take you, Sam told Jo.

Yeah, I’m sure he would, said Vanetta.

Both of you, go to hell, Josephine said. She jumped up, and without even bothering to say goodbye to the newlyweds, she headed toward the exit.

Sam, now that your wife is gone, tell us why y’all didn’t come to the wedding, Vanetta said.

I’ll tell you afterward. I have to go to the men’s room, and then I’m going outside. I need some fresh air. He stood up and walked away.

Do y’all think he’s doing okay? Darryl asked with a concerned tone.

He’s not doing okay, but he’ll never tell us. Not until he’s ready to talk about it, Vanetta answered.

Tracy and Bonnie stayed silent.

Sam had gone to the men’s room and was now about to walk out the side exit door when he bumped into the person who was coming in. It was Debbie Meads. They were shocked to see each other.

What are you doing here? he asked with a touch of suspicion. Do you know the bride or groom?

No, I’m working. Excuse me. I have to get back to work. She walked away.

Sam stood and watched her until she was out of sight. Debbie was a physical therapist, so how could she be there working? Was she up to something, or was it pure coincidence that she was where he and Josephine were? Could it just be that she was a mysterious stranger who wanted nothing but to keep her promise to her dead husband? Sam was curious to find out more about her.

Sam shook his thoughts off his mind and walked outside, only to find another surprise. Paul was there. They stared down each other for a long minute. It was Sam who broke the silence. What brings you out here?

I needed some fresh air, Paul answered.

Me too, Sam replied as he lit up a cigarette.

Sam, if I embarrassed you or disrespected you in any way—

"Look, Paul, save it. I truly don’t want to hear anything you have to say. I just want