Page 46 of Lemon Pound Cake Club

Everyone burst out laughing. I laughed too. I couldn’t help it. For the first time since I moved to Lemon Grove Estates, I didn’t feel like the new neighbor. I was just another woman in a room full of women having a good time together. I hadn’t realized how much I missed that feeling.

“All right, ladies,” Camille announced.

“Let’s eat.”

The doorbell chimed just as Camille grabbed her plate.

"I'll get it," she said, setting her plate down before heading into the foyer.

People kept chatting in the dining room until the front door opened. Then the room got quieter.

"Oh, sweetheart."

Camille spoke more softly than before.

"You came."

I didn’t know who she was talking to until the person walked in. It was the woman from the other night. I had seen her in her driveway with her husband standing over her, his face tight with anger.

Tonight, she seemed smaller than usual. Her shoulders drooped under a cream cardigan, even though the summer air was warm. She wore big sunglasses, but the fading bruise near her temple showed why she needed them.

We both stood still for a moment. Then Camille hugged her. It wasn’t the quick hug people usually give at church. This one lasted longer. The others stood up one at a time. Simone hugged her. Nia hugged her. Jade squeezed her hand. Even Miss Evelyn stood, opened her arms, and whispered something that made the woman’s chin tremble.

No one asked any questions. No one looked surprised. Whatever was going on, it was clear they had been through this before.

Finally, Camille turned to me.

"Maci, this is Danielle."

Danielle gave me a tired smile.

"It's nice to finally meet you."

"You too."

When we shook hands, her grip was weak. My years in the emergency room taught me to notice things others might miss. She paused before reaching out. I saw faded yellow bruises under her watch and noticed the small wince she tried to hide. I pretended not to see. She looked relieved.

"Come on," Camille said with a big smile, clapping her hands. "Let’s eat before the food gets cold."

A few minutes later, everyone sat around the big dining table.

The room filled with the warm sounds of bowls being passed, silverware clinking, and easy conversation. Simone complained about Nashville traffic. Nia joked about hiding her online shopping from her husband.

For almost half an hour, it felt like any other neighborhood dinner party.

Danielle barely spoke. She smiled when someone talked to her and laughed with the group, but every now and then, she looked at the front windows, as if she was waiting for someone to show up.

Halfway through dinner, Camille tapped her water glass. The conversation stopped.

"I just want to remind everyone that this table will always be a safe place."

A couple of women nodded.

"If anyone has something on their heart tonight, you're among sisters."

The room went quiet. Danielle looked down at her plate and slowly pushed it away.

"I'm tired."