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“I don’t understand What just happened?” Portia de over Pandy as if she weren’t there

“I think her book just got rejected,” Suzette said in a stage whisper

“What?” Portia gasped

“Her new book,” Suzette hissed Shemotion across her throat

“Ohod,” Portia screeched She paused, then added, “Is that all?”

“What do you h?” Suzette’s voice rose

Portia shrugged “I thought ive her a divorce Or he wanted even more money”

Pandy struggled to sit up “He’s giving me the divorce!” she shouted

“Well, then There’s no problem, is there?” Portia continued blithely as she draped a towel over Pandy’s shoulders “If it’s only the book—you can just write another one, right?”

“Oh, good Here comes Henry now,” Suzette exclaimed with false cheer

“Pandy?” Henry asked, leaning over her

Pandy was now frozen in place, her hands soldered over her eyes

Henry peeled back her little finger and then slowly pulled her hands away

“The book?” Pandy gasped

“I’m sorry,” Henry said, as Pandy’s throat closed in terror