Page 80 of Lemon Pound Cake Club

She nodded toward the pan covered in foil by the stove.

"And cornbread."

"You trying to steal my husband, Ms. Bernice?"

"I'm trying to remind that man why he keeps coming home."

I laughed so hard I nearly spilled the water bottle I had just opened. She only shrugged.

"A man who kisses the cook before he kisses his wife after work deserves a good dinner."

I gave her a puzzled look.

"He does what?"

"You heard me."

"He says hello to big mama first."

"Barely." She smirked. "Then he comes looking for whatever's on the stove."

I just shook my head.

"I'm going to have to keep an eye on you, Bernice."

"You do that."

She placed the pork chops into the hot skillet.

"He'll still ask me what's for dinner."

The room filled with the sound of sizzling. The doorbell rang through the house. Bernice paused, smiled to herself, and wiped her hands on a dish towel.

"That'll be Evelyn."

I glanced toward the foyer.

"You were expecting Miss Evelyn?"

"Yes, that's my dear friend."

Bernice laughed and slipped around the corner before I could ask anything else. A moment later, I heard the front door open.

"There you are," Bernice said warmly.

"I was beginning to think you'd forgotten bout your girl."

Miss Evelyn laughed and walked in, carrying her purse and wearing that familiar, easy smile she had perfected over the years.

The two women hugged as if they were family. I frowned.

"I didn't know y'all were that close."

Bernice gave me a look, like I had just asked if the sky was blue.

"Close?"

She laughed.