89

NEXT MORNING, AT THERESA'S PLACE

Lucia knocked repeatedly on Perri’s door before it finally opened. Perri greeted her with an annoyed look that Lucia couldn't quite understand. She wondered why Perri disliked her so intensely.

“What do you want?” Perri asked, her tone cold.

“I came to return this,” Lucia replied, handing her a piece of clothing. “Your mother mentioned it was new, and I felt bad having to wear it, so I had it dry-cleaned.” She held the garment out to Perri.

Perri narrowed her eyes, snatching it from Lucia and inspecting it thoroughly. “How do I know you cleaned it? I know people like you don’t know...