Janelle’s hands are over her mouth. “How come you didn’t tell me?”

“You don’t tell me all your business, now, do you?”

“The important stuff.”

“So are you or aren’t you?” I say, dropping my top.

“I don’t believe this, Paris. How much did it cost?”

“About five thousand, and it was worth every penny. I can actually wear tank tops again without a bra.”

The phone rings. “Somebody get that!” Mama yells from the kitchen.

“I’ll get it,” I say, and walk over to the bedside table and answer it. “Hello,” I say.

“Yeah, Paris. This is Lewis. I had a little mishap. Nothing to be too worried about, but . . .”

“Where are you, Lewis?”

When I hear him sigh, I know immediately something’s wrong. “Where are you?”

“In jail.”

I switch the phone to my other ear. “What are you doing in jail?”

“Driving without a license.”

“That’s all?”

“And being under the influence.”

“The influence of what?”

“Alcohol.”

“It’s only eleven o’clock in the morning, Lewis!”

“I know what time it is. I just went down to the place where the guy said he was gon’ hire me, and he wasn’t there, and this other guy was waiting on him, too, and he had a taste, and I started sipping with him, and then he decided not to wait and asked me for a lift home, and I gave him one, and we got stopped.”

“Where’s Mama’s car?”

“They impounded it.”

“She’s going to be pissed.”

“I know, but could you or somebody come bail me out, please?”

“Shit, Lewis. Mama just got home yesterday and look what you’re doing.”

“I don’t need a lecture right now, Paris. Can you or can you not come and get me out?”

“How much is bail?”

“Two thousand.”

“Dollars?”

“All you have to do is put up two hundred. I’ll pay you back, don’t worry.”

“Yeah, sure. I’ll hold my breath. Give me an hour.”

“Make it two. I have to stay here for at least four hours. They wanna make sure I’m sober, which, believe me, I am. Thanks, sis.”

“And I’ve got nothing but love for you, too,” I say and hang up.

“I heard,” Janelle said. “Don’t tell Mama, just go get him.”

“So?” I say, looking at her stomach.

“No, I am not pregnant,” she says.

“Come with me,” I say.

“Okay,” she says, but doesn’t move.

“Can I ask you another question?”

“I’m listening,” she says.

“Have you noticed anything different about Shanice’s behavior?”

“I certainly have,” she says. “And I’m going to get her some counseling.”

“So you’ve caught her doing it?”

“Doing what?”

“Drinking.”

“Drinking what?” Janelle asks, stunned.

Uh, oh, Paris. You and your big fucking mouth. “Well, maybe I’m mistaken, but I think she was enjoying a wine cooler last night.”

“You must be crazy, Paris.”

“Janelle, Mama smelled beer on her breath yesterday.”

“And what the hell is this supposed to mean? Mama’s been giving all of her grandkids a sip off her beer for years. So maybe she took a little sip. All kids experiment. Big deal.”