Heaven is on earth (Loubbie)

11 . It's just a little cut.

Debbie took a deep breath, her voice quivering with emotion. "I read your letters."

Silence lingered for a moment, before Lou's voice cracked with emotion. "So now you know... I never stopped missing you."

"When can I see you again?" Debbie asked, her voice soft as she calmed down.

"Why, Deb, you didn't get enough of me today?" Lou replied playfully

on the other side of the phone , a mischievous smile dancing on her lips.

"I'm serious, Lou,"

Lou paused for a moment. "Well, if you want, you can come help me this week to prepare Friday's special night at the club," she suggested, a hint of anticipation in her voice.

"Okay... I might do that," Debbie replied, her tone slightly hesitant.

A brief silence fell between them, the air thick with unspoken emotions.

"I've been thinking about your proposition of this afternoon, Lou," Debbie finally spoke up. "You're right, we can try to be friends."

Lou's heart skipped a beat at those words. The blonde placed her phone on the table, her face illuminated by a radiant smile. As she stared at the screen, a flurry of emotions filled her heart. "Oh, Debbie," she whispered to herself, her voice filled with both joy and determination, "I don't want to be just your friend."

***

The week flew by in a whirlwind for Debbie, caught up in the busyness of her teaching classes and lending a helping hand to Lou at the club. The initial awkwardness between them began to dissipate with each passing day, giving way to a newfound ease and comfort in their interactions.They engaged in all sorts of conversations. Lou had a way of effortlessly injecting humor into their exchanges, playfully flirting and cracking jokes whenever the opportunity arose. Debbie found herself laughing and smiling more than she had in years, the weight that had burdened her heart slowly lifting.It was a remarkable shift for Debbie. This week became a respite from the stormy cloud that had hovered above her head for far too long.

However, she hadn't seen Tammy, yet neither discussed with her on the phone, and she knew her cousin would go mad. But she was so genuinely happy, she was just avoiding a sermon from Tammy.

***

Lou stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her tie and admiring her reflection. The first themed party at the club was about to kick off, and her nerves were on edge. Despite having everything meticulously prepared, she couldn't shake off the feeling that something was amiss. Yet, she couldn't deny the relief that flooded over her knowing that Debbie had been there to help.

Sure, she had an amazing team of employees, with Constance being the go-to person for advice. But there was something about Debbie's presence that eased Lou's anxieties throughout the week. She took a moment to appreciate the mask in her hand, a key element for the night's festivities. It was a mask party, and if it went well, it would undoubtedly boost the club's publicity.

Dressed in a sharp black suit and killer high heels, Lou felt a surge of confidence. She knew she looked damn good. Just as she finished fixing her appearance, a knock on her apartment door interrupted her thoughts.

"Lou, it's Constance. It's time. I'll be waiting for you downstairs," Constance called out.

Lou nodded, taking a deep breath before responding, "Yep, I'm coming."

Her apartment conveniently sat just above the club, a blessing in case of any emergencies. As she descended the stairs, the distant sound of chatter and laughter grew louder. She couldn't help but be surprised by the sight that greeted her eyes—a room already teeming with people, and it was only 10 PM. And to her delight, everyone seemed to have embraced the dress code, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.