Page 23 of Lemon Pound Cake Club

"Everything?"

"Birthdays, promotions, new babies, graduations." She laughed. "We can always find a reason to grill."

"Good to know."

When we got to my driveway, the front door was open. Bernice and Laila were carrying flattened boxes out to a recycling trailer parked outside.

"I'll let you get settled," Camille said.

"Thank you."

"For what?"

"For making today easier.”

She gave me a warm, genuine smile.

"That's what neighbors are for."

She crossed the street and went into her house just as Laila noticed me.

"Mrs. Graham!" I laughed.

"I thought I told you to call me Maci."

"I keep forgetting, my bad."

She stepped aside so I could look in. I was amazed. Blankets were folded neatly on the sofa. Books filled the shelves. A vase of fresh white hydrangeas was on the coffee table. Even the throw pillows were perfectly arranged.

"You did all this?"

Bernice came out of the kitchen holding my favorite coffee mug.

"We're still working."

"Still working?"

She smiled proudly.

"The pantry is alphabetized."

I blinked in surprise.

"What?"

"The spices too."

I glanced at Zaire as he came down the stairs.

He smiled.

"I told you she'd win you over."

"I hate that you're right."

"You'll get used to it."

Laila laughed.