Page 9 of Lemon Pound Cake Club

“The staff.” I lowered my mug.

“What staff?” He looked at me like we had already talked about this.

“We talked about this, Maci,” he said, sighing.

“No, you talked. I just listened while I was packing.”

“That still counts.”

Another knock sounded. I set my coffee on the island.

“What exactly did you arrange?”

“Housekeeping twice a week, lawn care, pool maintenance when the pool is finished, and a cook.”

I looked at him like he had lost his mind.

“A cook?”

“More like a meal-prep service.”

“That is not the same thing you just said.”

“It’s a cook who prepares meals.”

“Zaire.”

“You said you wanted settling in to be easy.”

“I meant I didn’t want to argue over where the sofa went.”

“And now you don’t have to argue over dinner.”

The knock came again, quieter this time. I shook my head and walked to the foyer.

“You enjoy spending money too much.”

“I enjoy spending money on things that make our lives easier.”

“Same thing.”

“It absolutely is not.”

I opened the door.

A woman stood on the porch, holding a leather portfolio close to her chest. She looked to be in her early fifties, with smooth brown skin and a neat bob streaked with silver. Her calm expression made it clear she had met plenty of wealthy people before and was not impressed.

Next to her was a younger woman holding a basket full of cleaning supplies, folded cloths, and fresh white towels.

“Good morning,” the older woman said. “You must be Mrs. Graham.”

“Maci is fine.” I gave her a polite smile.

“I’m Bernice Cole. I oversee household services for several homes in Lemon Grove Estates.”

Of course she did. This neighborhood even had its own household services.

“Come in.”