Page 32 of Lemon Pound Cake Club

Nia: Gossip is NEVER optional.

Tasha: I'll bring cookies.

Jade: Then it's not a walk. It's dessert with cardio.

I laughed out loud.

"They're ridiculous."

"They're family."

Simone winked.

"And now so are you."

After she left, the house grew quiet. I returned to my office and paused at the big window that looked out over the street. Sunlight reached across the cul-de-sac. Outside, a gardener trimmed the hedges with care. Everything in Lemon Grove Estates seemed planned, beautiful, and safe. I pressed my forehead to the cool glass.

It's odd how the prettiest places work so hard to make you think there's nothing beneath the surface.

Chapter Four

Maci

By six-thirty, the heat finally let up. The sun hung low, spreading a golden glow across the Estates.

I tugged my baseball cap lower and made my way to the front door.

"You going to gossip or actually walk?" Zaire called from the living room.

I glanced back and smiled.

"I'll let you know when I get back."

"Tell Nia I said she's a bad influence."

"I think she already knows."

He laughed and went back to watching the sports highlights on TV.

"Don't stay out too late."

"I won't."

He got up just long enough to kiss me on the forehead.

"Have fun."

"I plan to."

As soon as I stepped onto the porch, my phone buzzed.

Lemon Ladies

Nia: Everybody outside! Don't make me come knocking on doors.

I laughed and slipped my phone into my pocket. Across the street, Camille stepped outside in a sleeveless yellow athletic dress and white sneakers. She looked polished, her hair pulled back in a neat low ponytail.

"Perfect timing," she called.