Page 112 of The Deadly Candies

“You heard me.”

“Ely?” She waved a hand. “He’s in Mississippi now. Used to live in Harlem. Family friend—helped Kathy and Big Mama get here for the wedding, that’s all.” The words tumbled out too fast.

Matteo’s jaw twitched. His eyes narrowed on Debbie. “Friend, huh? Man’s looking at her like she’s his.”

“Stop.Ely’s a good person. And yeah, he’s protective—or did you forget yourfather? This whole thing could get uskilled, Matteo.”

“Hey.” He caught her chin. “I’m your man, right?”

She nodded, exhaling as his touch softened the tension.

“Nothing—nobody—is gonna hurt us. Got the old man warmed up already. Me and Melo? We got a plan. Two years tops, and I’m in his chair.King of New York.” His grin was sharp, hungry. “And you? My queen. Ain’t nothing stopping us, baby.”

“I believe you,” Debbie whispered, melting into his kiss.

But as his lips met hers, his gaze flipped toward the door.

Something about Ely didn’t sit right with him, especially the way Ely looked at him when they met.

And Matteoalwaystrusted his instincts.

* * *

“So this is Mama Stewarts?”Ely asked, looking around at all the interracial couples. Only white men with women of different races. His gaze returned to José. You come here too?”

“No. Never been before,” José said, staring down at his frozen Pepsi.

“Where is Mama Stewart?” Ely asked. “Kathy said she was always here to greet people.”

“Who knows, who cares. Say what you really want to say, or ask it anyway.” José huffed.

Ely frowned. “What?”

José stared at him.

Ely sat back. “Fine. Why would you do this? Why are the girls mixed up in this? Knowing that it could get us all killed, hell, it almost got Kathy killed once. And Debbie? You and I both know how much Chester loved her. I was with him last night. He’s all fucked up in the head thinking you stole his girl. No one can believe this lie you guys are selling.”

José glared at him. “Debbie was in trouble, asshole. The kind of trouble a friend doesn’t walk away from. Chester would have walked away from it, though, because you and I know both know he has gotten girls in trouble before and did nothing. You and I both know it. So stop the shit! Everybody knows I love her and would do anything for her.”

Ely glared. He looked across the restaurant once more. “None of us is perfect, but this feels wrong. These white boys are in here using these women. Then, they go back to their lives or wives—our women. I’m trying really hard to understand Kathy, but more and more, I realize I may never. This can’t be the life she wants. And I know it aint the fucking life she deserves.”

“That’s it. Isn’t it? You’re hanging around her, waiting for the other shoe to drop. For her to be yours. I knew how much Chester liked Debbie, but it was nothing compared to what you feel for Kathy.”

“So it’s my fault that Mafia boy convinced Kathy to run from her family and then have her thrown back down south? I planned it all because of my crush on her?” Ely asked.

“Don’t twist my words,” José sighed.

“Why are you really doing it, José? Truth time. Why?” Ely asked.

José looked up at him and then back down at his pop. He shrugged. “Let’s just say I have my reasons, too.” He then sighed. “I didn’t think the best of them either. I hated Matteo on sight. He’s a real piece of work. But then… like I said, Debbie got in trouble, and I saw it with my own eyes. The way he stepped up. It’s rare. It’s real. They belong together. If they do, so do Carmelo and Kathy.”

Ely put his head in his hands. He groaned. He then checked his watch. “What’s taking them so long?”

José glanced up.

Ely got up from the booth.

“Have a seat, man.”

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