“We’re doing this thing,” Frances said.
Joan lifted her head. “Marcy, girl, get your ass over here.”
“Oh no—”
“My God, how the stubbornness runs in the family. Get over here,” Edie said.
Marcy reluctantly came but let the women fold her into their group hug.
“Marcy? Now is the time to get on a plane if you’re not all in,” Frances said.
Marcy swallowed. She nodded. “I’m in. I’ve come this far.”
“And?” Frances prompted her.
“And … we’re all going to die?”
The women laughed.
“We’re going to die trying,” Frances said.
“Oof,” Edie said, wincing. “Maybe a little too on the nose, Franny. Let’s stick with best of luck.”
Frances couldn’t help but laugh at the absurd truth in that.
Thirty-six
Anticipation and anxiety mixed sourly in Frances’s stomach the next morning, the day of the heist. Her anxiety felt different now—when she was younger, she would feel anxiety, but the excitement was what drove her. And, obviously, she’d been healthy and thought herself invincible.Stupid girl.This was still exciting, but the anxiety and her lack of stamina was making her terribly nauseous.
She popped another anti-nausea pill just in case.
She made herself a little care pack in case things went south—emergency numbers, medicine, and glasses. She couldn’t go to jail without glasses. She also decided she should call her loved ones. Just in case.
Marjorie would never forgive her if she didn’t get a proper goodbye.
“Hey!” Marjorie said, sounding delighted as she always did to hear from her. “How are you and the boy toy?”
“Marge.”
“Okay, Stefon.”
“He’s good. I’m good. How areyou?”
“Wonderful! Ken is a fantastic lover—”
“Oh God,” Frances exclaimed. “Please don’t say more.”
“Guess what? I got our cabins close together for the cruise. I can’t tell you how much Ken and I are looking forward to it. Is Stefon?”
“Yes!” Frances said, wincing. “Very excited.” Even if they managed to pull off this heist, Frances doubted she would have the strength to go on the cruise, given how things were going. She cleared her throat. “Marge, I’ve been meaning to tell you something. You are a very good friend.”
Marjorie laughed. “I know that.”
“I’m serious. Just the best sort of friend. A true mensch. And … and I love you.”
“Well, I love you, too, Fran. I don’t know why you’re so sentimental all the sudden because you’re usually annoyed with me, but it’s nice to hear. Is everything okay?”
“Yep. Just wanted to say that.”
