Dear Debbie
by Freida McFadden
Contents
Chapter 62
Overview
Harley prepares to tell Debbie that Harley and Cooper have been having an affair, believing this will force Cooper to leave his wife. Cooper texts that they need to talk, but Harley keeps the dinner plan in motion so Debbie can confront the truth directly.
The chapter reveals Harley’s expectations and self-justifications, adding another volatile confrontation to the chain of deceptions, betrayals, and setups already surrounding Debbie and Cooper.
Summary
From Harley’s point of view, Harley prepares spaghetti while waiting for Debbie to arrive. Harley knows Debbie may not eat, but frames the meal as part of being a good hostess before delivering the truth.
Harley reveals that Harley has been secretly involved with Cooper and is tired of being hidden as “the other woman.” Harley believes Cooper no longer loves Debbie, claims Cooper has told Harley that his marriage is emotionally and physically dead, and decides Debbie must be told so Cooper will be forced to leave.
As Harley considers how Debbie might react, Harley hopes for anger rather than tears because anger feels easier to handle. Harley convinces herself that exposing the affair is not cruelty but a necessary truth Debbie deserves to hear.
Harley then finds a text from Cooper saying, “We need to talk.” Harley worries the message could mean either Cooper wants to commit or Cooper wants to end the affair, so Harley asks whether Cooper is still coming to dinner.
Harley wants Cooper present when Debbie learns the truth because Debbie may not believe Harley otherwise. Cooper confirms he will arrive at 6:15, and Harley smiles, expecting his appearance to make the confrontation unavoidable.
Who Appears
- HarleyPlans to reveal her affair with Cooper and force Debbie to face the truth.
- CooperHarley’s married lover; texts that they need to talk and agrees to dinner.
- DebbieExpected dinner guest whom Harley intends to confront with Cooper’s infidelity.